Readers’ letters

Train’s not Royal

Dear Ed, – Re the photo of Lanark Racecourse Station in the Gazette on April 28.

I think I can confidently say that it is NOT the Royal Train as it comprises only three carriages of standard types, the Royal Train being much longer and of very distinctive vehicles.

The coaches appear to be in BR maroon livery and the end one would also appear to carry a sign warning of the possibility of overhead electrification wires.

These features would tend to date the photograph to the early 1960s at the earliest.

I doubt very much if the Royal Train would ever have called at the Racecourse Station as it was on the Lanark – Muirkirk line, not the line from Lanark to the West Coast Main Line at Cleghorn.

I believe that the Royal Train did call at Lanark Station itself when The Queen made her 1953 visit as part of her tour following her Coronation. – Yours etc.,

JIM WATT,

Hyndford Bridge,

Lanark.

Helping veterans

Dear Ed, – I am a member of the West Of Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee which is one of 15 Regional committees across the UK.

The committees are appointed by the Ministry of Defence. We cover the West of Scotland from Wick to Drummore and across to Gretna Green up to Falkirk.

Our aim is to improve the quality of life of the men and women that have served our country and now need help. Our areas of expertise include issues affecting war pensioners, offering support to and representing war pensioners and their families as well as offering specialist advice regarding problems or complaints with war pensions.

We also work to promote the War Pensions Scheme and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. If any of your readers are in need of our assistance or they know someone who is, then I would urge them to contact us on: Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Veterans Welfare Centre: 01414 224 2709. Veterans Helpline: 0800 169 2277. Veterans Textphone: 0800 169 3548. Email [email protected]. – Yours etc.,

ELIZABETH A HANDIBODE,

Balmore Gardens,

Blantyre.

Toddlers thanked

Dear Ed, – Barnardo’s Scotland would like to say a big thank you to all the under-fives in Lanarkshire who took part in the Barnardo’s Big Toddle 2010 and raised £2,681.15. Toddlers from Lanark raised £70 and Carluke £387.40. These amazing toddlers – along with half a million others from across the UK – took part in a short sponsored walk and helped to raise a fantastic amount for vulnerable under-fives in the area.

The funds raised are vital for supporting local children including those with physical and learning disabilities, autism and behavioural problems.

Barnardo’s Scotland would love to see more local tots registering for the Big Toddle in 2011.

It’s a great day out and this year is set to be a roaring success – as toddlers are being encouraged to dress up as their favourite safari animals!

Registrants can encourage their local pre-school, playgroup or nursery to organise their own Toddle.

To find out more, visit www.bigtoddle.co.uk or call 0845 270 9900. – Yours etc.,

MOIRA CRUICKSHANK,

Toddle Fundraiser,

Elsinore Place,

Monifieth.

Karen’s thank you

Dear Ed, – I would like to convey my sincere thanks to the people of Clydesdale whom I have had the honour to represent in the Scottish Parliament for the past 12 years.

I have been quite overcome and humbled by all the messages of support that I have received over the past few days; they have been a real encouragement.

Being MSP for Clydesdale has been an amazing experience and it has been a real privilege to represent the wonderful people who make up this diverse and interesting constituency.

I am grateful to all who have supported me over the years especially my staff, the local Labour Party and my patient and caring family.

The one plus point of the result is that I will be able to spend more time with James, Matthew and Johann and I am certainly looking forward to that.

As a Christian I know that God has a plan for me, now I need to wait and see just what that plan is. Thank you again for your support over the past 12 years. – Yours etc.,

KAREN GILLON,

Carluke.

Class action plea!

Dear Ed, – Pupils Past: Lanark Grammar Circa 1948. Regarding the senior class photo in your edition of April 7, as one of that particular class I am thankful to Wullie Simpson for lending this photo for publication (I too have one).

For a long time I have wondered what happened to my old classmates and would be keen to meet up with those of us still here!

It is my intention to visit the Lanimers this year – if any of the class are willing perhaps we could meet up at a mutually convenient time and place?

I can be contacted at 0791 3993 282. – Yours etc.,

R PILLANS,

Houston,

Renfrewshire.