As a schoolboy, I was fascinated by coverage of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. A few years later, on a family holiday, we visited Wells Cathedral. Outside the grounds lay a gleaming brass strip in the pavement marking the distance that Mary Rand long-jumped to create her world record. A lovely tribute to this remarkable person (Mary Rand, first British woman to win Olympic athletics gold, dies aged 86, 27 March).
Anil Bhatt
Sunderland
• Your review of the fourth instalment of Alan Bennett’s diaries, Enough Said (24 March), says he nearly always notes the anniversary of the beginning of his national service: “8/8/52. The day I was called up. A Thursday.” Oh no it wasn’t – I was born that day and it was a Friday.
Ann Branson
Leicester
• On two recent occasions, my Guardian has proven to be too light for the automatic till in the supermarket and has not been recognised. Could you please supply an appropriate makeweight (chocolate?) to solve this problem?
Dave Butcher
Bradwell, Derbyshire
• In response to Ramsay Ellerton (Letters, 30 March), while the origin of the measure “lashings” is unknown to me, I can state categorically that it applies only to quantities of ginger beer or custard.
Jon Quine
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
• I’ve just read the Andy Beckett piece (Governments controlling prices? It has long been unthinkable – but may now be inevitable, 27 March). A little beam of socialist sunshine to brighten these politically dismal days.
Melvyn Rust
St Albans
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