Your article (Barnardo’s reveals stories of Britain’s first foster children, August 26) gives a misleading impression of the origin of fostering, or “boarding out” as it was then more usually known. The practice dates back to at least the 18th century, when it was in use in Ireland and Scotland. Gilbert’s Act of 1782 sanctioned its use for pauper children in England and Wales, and in 1870 its wider adoption by the poor-law authorities received official approval.
Peter Higginbotham
Ilkley, West Yorkshire
• To my late father, being “moist” did not mean being pathetic (Letters, 26 August). He and my mother used to play a word game in which they took turns to nominate the dirtiest word in the English language among the most ordinary of adjectives, and his favourite, “moist”, was a regular winner. To understand why, it should probably be said out loud rather than written and read.
Andrea Morgale
Edgware, Middlesex
• Stuart Heritage may be relieved to discover at least one Guardian reader who finds Mrs Brown’s Boys very funny (Laugh all you like, 27 August). And how can any critic resist the skill of a writer who can turn riotous comedy instantaneously to touching pathos and then cut through it with the killer aside “It’s a man in a dress, for feck’s sake”? Bertolt Brecht? Give me Brendan O’Carroll any day.
Tony Neal
Tealby, Lincolnshire
• Stuart Heritage consistently used the pronoun “we” (“The truth is that we don’t get Mrs Brown’s Boys”). Was this the royal “we”, or was it some attempt at passive shaming? If “we” enjoy it, we’re not worthy Guardian readers? Personally, we think it’s hilarious.
Deanna Westwood
Morton, Lincolnshire
• Jonathan Stanley (Letters, 27 August) asks if anyone else has noticed that wrens are more visible and courageous this year. My wife is much the same as usual.
David Cunliffe
Hanley Swan, Worcestershire
• Yes!
Alison Markillie
Glastonbury
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
