How refreshing to read Howard Gayle’s article (Why I showed the red card to an MBE, 16 August). I was in an independent bookshop in Penzance recently and came across a short paperback, Mau Mau Detainee by Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, published in 1963. It’s a real eye-opener, every page a savage blow to apologists for the British empire. Mr Gayle is quite right to say there has never been any recognition of what was done in Britain’s past. It should be made essential reading for young people in school.
Richard Tippett
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
• About 12 years ago, while I was out, I had an intruder in my home. Very neat – just signs that some things weren’t quite in the places I’d left them. However, upstairs, it was obvious that the intruder had looked under all the mattresses (Ever-lower interest rates have failed. It’s time to raise them, 15 August).
Eira Hughes
Hyde, Cheshire
• The photo accompanying this excellent article (It’s time to confront A-level marking’s dirty little secret, Education, 16 August) shows at least three exam board regulations being broken: a water bottle with the label not removed; a non-transparent pencil case; a coat slung over a chair. Not on my watch.
John Hill
Blue Coat School, Oldham
• The photograph of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro describes them as galloping (Dujardin the equestrian Bolt, Sport, 16 August). In fact they are showing a lovely, well cadenced extended trot, at the moment of suspension in their lap of honour. It is unlikely that Valegro’s tendons would be risked in gallop, and as the photo shows, immediately after the competition they have been protected by overreach boots and bandages.
Judith Ann McGrath
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.
• Thank you for printing the photograph of a 3D model of the clitoris (France stimulated by 3D clitoris, G2, 16 August). Now we know what that strange thing is that they are handing to the Olympic medal-winners.
Graeme Garden
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
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