Readers' letters

WE WELCOMED LANARKIANS

Dear Ed, — With reference to the visit by the group from Lanark, Illinois, I have been asked by members of Clydesdale International Twinning Association to point out that the welcome and exchange of gifts was arranged by CITA following correspondence between CITA and the First State Bank which organised the trip for its customers.

CITA members were delighted to receive a picture of Lanark Illinois and the book Please Don't Quote Me...which we hope to put in the reference section of the Library where anyone will be able to look at it.

Through a series of articles and reminiscences it gives a social history of Lanark, Illinois.

CITA was pleased to give the visitors copies of Lanark Writers' recent CD and booklet Simply Read believing it would be good for the guests to take away some spoken words.

We learn that these have been of great interest since the visitors returned home.

We learned, also, that the trip back was delayed by two days due to the ash cloud; but, nevertheless people have gone home delighted with the trip and our meeting. — Yours etc.,

EDITH RYAN,

Chairman of Clydesdale International Twinning Association.

LEASH YOUR DOGS

Dear Ed, — I am writing with regards to owners of dogs who let their pets off the lead at Lanark Loch.

There are several signs at the Loch advising dog owners to keep dogs under control preferably on a lead.

As a mum, childminder and a dog owner, we use Lanark Loch often. I would like to plead to dog owners to please think about children who may be scared of loose dogs or dogs who approach them.

Last week we had an incident when we were playing at the wooden play area that links the Loch to the racecourse car park.

A black labrador who was off the lead came running towards us as we walked back down to the loch.

My son and a minded child, who were walking slightly in front of me and my daughter, ran back up to us noticeably scared of the dog who was running towards them. Once the owner called on the dog, thankfully it turned back.

There have been several incidents where I have been walking my dog who is always on an appropriate lead when a dog comes running up to us and the owner says ''It's ok; it won't do anything''. Now, my dog is pretty placid but the dog owners assume any dog will be fine with their dog.

Please don't think like that; a dog could get hurt if the dogs dislike each other or a passing child or even an adult could get caught up in any action by the dogs.

All I am asking is for dog owners who let their dog off the lead to please keep your dog on a lead, think of the children who are enjoying some carefree play beside the Loch, also think of other dog owners whose dogs may not react the way you think they will.

Everyone wants to be able to visit the Loch, either with children who want to play safely or to take dogs for a nice walk without fear of loose dogs. — Yours etc.,

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

OAP BITES BACK

Dear Ed, — I retired seven years ago at 65. I promised myself then that I would not allow my attention to focus on very much.

I read recently that people in this country do not relax until 8.44pm. This came as a surprise to me and no doubt to many of my generation.

I feel that this development illustrates a further schism in our already divided society: those who have and those who do not. I am talking about teeth.

By 8.44pm those without have been relaxed for some time. A gin and tonic more than likely long since dispatched, the evening meal well and truly digested, the sound of the chains on the drawbridge finally silenced, while the nightcap malt has already gently washed our unfettered gums.

From the waspish Miss Robinson to the wistful 8.44pm, we are well and truly relaxed. So like our own dear Queen. — Yours etc.,

DONALD MACKENZIE,

Laverockhall,

Lanark.

ADAMS FAMILY?

Dear Ed, — My name is Calogero Mazzarisi. I am Italian but have been

living in Germany since 1970.

My father, Croce Santo Mazzarisi, in 1943 was a war prisoner and lived in Scotland with the Adams family on their farm in Eastertown, Biggar.

All I have left are some photos of my father with the farmer, his niece and a little girl, obviously the daughter of the young niece.

My father didn't speak a lot about the war time but if referring to this time he spoke very nicely of the farmer Mr Adams and his family.

I would love to know and learn more about where my dad lived at that time and if possible to learn more about the friendly people he had the honour and luck to live with.

I would like to express to them my dearest thanks that my father could

survive this hard time, privileged to stay with such a friendly family.

Any assistance in tracing the family or more information would be gratefully received. — Yours etc.,

CALOGERO MAZZARISI,

Sedanstr. 56,

58332 Schwelm

Germany.

REMEMBER ME!

Dear Ed, — May is ME Awareness Month and your readers may wish to know that Jim Hood MP has shown an interest in representing constituents with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) at national level by supporting the All Party Parliamentary Group for ME.

We hope that Mr Hood will remember the needs of vulnerable people with ME and other chronic health problems, now the new Government is looking at cut-backs. — Yours etc.,

SIR PETER SPENCER,

Chief Executive, Action for ME.