I agree with Nell Frizzell’s picture of youth hostels as egalitarian territory (If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a youth hostel to give their parents a break, 8 June). I worked in three in northern England in the 1970s. They too were unusual buildings – two former hunting lodges and a converted Land Army base. There was the same mix of people as she describes, but in the depths of winter, you could guarantee that the knock on the door would reveal a snow-covered Canadian or a New Zealander. I never understood why.
Jonathan Hauxwell
Crosshills, North Yorkshire
• One of the joys of being an old lady is not giving a damn about workout clothes (Skintight leggings or baggy joggers? What your gymwear says about you – and the world, 8 June). All of us geriatric women at our pilates class wear loose jogging bottoms and baggy T-shirts. All that matters is we are still here and can move … just!
Jennifer Henley
London
• It’s clear many people in their 80s or older are impressively physically active (Letters, 6 June). It would also seem that many are very skilled at blowing their own trumpet.
Ken Gambles
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
• I was delighted to receive an invitation to the wedding of an old friend’s daughter (Letters, 3 June), not just in anticipation of a lovely celebration but because it asked us to make donations to Newcastle Foodbank in lieu of a wedding gift. Made me realise what a great job my friend has done with her kids.
Christine Peacock
Manchester
• For “special”, as in employee, operation, adviser or relationship, read “specious” (Letters, 4 June).
Austen Lynch
Garstang, Lancashire
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