In response to Catherine King’s letter (19 January), at my grammar school in the 1970s, a couple of friends and I made the mistake of going for a lunchtime pint at a nearby pub frequented by two of our teachers. Afterwards, I was pinned against the wall by my geography master and informed in no uncertain terms that while he had no objection to underage drinking by pupils during the school day, he would prefer this not to take place in his local. Those were the days.
John Rushton
Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire
• I was a student teacher in Leicestershire in 1985-86 and, during my school placement, went to the pub with colleagues every single day. I’m not sure if the deputy head knew though.
Dennis Lane
Johannesburg, South Africa
• Your article about more men opting to have a vasectomy (12 January) and letters (14 January) refer to “childless” young men. While that may be technically correct, I always feel the term has a negative feel, evoking sympathy. I prefer the term “child-free”, which suggests it’s a positive choice not to have children.
Jacky Creswick
Chester
• Dick Tuckey (Letters, 19 January) is correct: why should “big dogs” be demeaned? And while the big dogs are in the spotlight, the fat cats are having an easy time.
Mike Eggenton
Firbeck, South Yorkshire
• Another six letters that have torn the country apart: Tories (Letters, 19 January).
Bob Epton
Brigg, Lincolnshire
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.
