Tactically it may be a good idea to campaign for a change in the national anthem before a serious campaign to curtail the monarchy (Polly Toynbee, 1 September). Perhaps the people who do the national singing competition on weekend television could organise it.
Geoff Reid
Bradford, West Yorkshire
• I see that despite Vladimir Putin’s love of all things Russian and sanctions against the west, he works out with an expensive American-made gym machine that looks as if it’s fresh out of the box – so fresh they did not have time to bolt it to the floor (Eyewitness, 31 August).
Kevin Dugdale
Faygate, West Sussex
• Will anyone throw their hands up in horror if I use plain old white salt in the base for the blueberry lemon cheesecake, rather than a pinch of Himalayan pink salt (Readers’ recipe swap, Cook, 29 August)?
Jeanne Felmingham
Wantage, Oxfordshire
• I recently moved back to London from Dorset. I talk to many people on public transport (Letters, 1 September) and am delighted by the friendly responses I have had. “Live in a city as if it is a village”. But don’t try it in rush hour!
Margie Savory
London
• I was surprised to learn that “exports from Denmark are beer, lego and sperm” (UK sperm bank has just nine registered donors, boss reveals, 1 September). What about bacon and Sandi Toksvig?
Dr David Harper
Cambridge
• Is Nicola Sturgeon accusing George Osborne of pulling a pre-emptive nuclear stroke (Osborne to spend £500m on upgrade at Faslane navy base, 31 August)?
Nic Davies
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
• “How to write a sychological thriller with Erin Kelly & Paula Hawkins” (Guardian Masterclasses advert, 1 September). Trust they have spellcheck!
Annika Bluhm
Bath
