Claire Armitstead (The article that changed my view … of cycling, 4 March) quotes the statistic that someone commuting by bike all year round in London will get wet less than 12 times a year. Oh lucky Londoners. Although now retired, I too was an all-year-round cycle commuter, and kept a diary. This shows that I was rained on at least part of my journey every other day, with continuous rain on one of my trips every fourth day.
Tony Fletcher
Bryncoch, Neath
• While researching the Chartists, I came across a reference to a “gunpowder and currant cake” in a report in the Northern Star. I know of a recipe for “gunpowder cake” (the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar forming an explosive raising agent), but I’m unsure if this is similar to the Chartist cake. In the light of the continued correspondence on old pastry and currant recipes (Letters, 7 March), do any readers know any old Mancunian gunpowder and currant cake recipes?
Adelheid Russenberger
London
• Did no one have jam tarts or was it only southerners who could afford jam?
Mary Bolton
London
• If Russia has settled its copyright issues with Disney and is showing its films there now (Call to ban Disney film in Russia, 6 March) can all the Soviet-era Vinni Pukh (Winnie the Pooh) cartoons be released here? Much better than Disney’s.
Mark Lewinski
Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire
• Last Saturday, as an ageing supporter, I was travelling with Evo-Stik League Marine from Liverpool to Coalville in Leicestershire, when our coach broke down. The home side immediately organised a convoy of cars from committee and supporters to ferry us all the last stretch so the game kicked off on time with all of us there. Let’s never forget that under the sleaze and declining reputation of the professional game there is a wonderful world of football full of sportsmanship, respect and good values.
David Wotherspoon
Downholland, West Lancashire
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