It was heartbreaking to see the photographs of Kabul, where “life continues amid the violence” (The other Kabul, G2, 16 December). Life continues openly for men and boys, that is: the only woman or girl visible was shrouded, totally hidden by a burka, after all the years of our involvement there.
Liz Cope
Dorking, Surrey
• A couple of years ago I was having trouble putting my ferry ticket into the machine at Circular Quay in Sydney. As the queue built up behind me, a member of staff came to assist. An inspector shouted: “What’s the matter, Fred?” His reply was: “Senior.” “Oh,” said the inspector, no other explanation being necessary (Letters, 20 December).
Victoria Turner
Truro, Cornwall
• Chelsea are not the only football club to announce they are to pay the living wage to staff (Report, 12 December). Luton Town in League Two and on much less income than Chelsea have also agreed to do this. More, they have guaranteed admission prices will not rise as a result.
John Loosley
Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
• Thank you for celebrating Sheffield’s local carol tradition (Report, 15 December). My husband’s seasonal playlist consists solely of traditional versions of While Shepherds Watched from Sheffield and further afield; it lasts for a very long car journey, and is aptly known as “Begin and never cease”.
Helen Albans
Sheffield
• Your front page story, Man learns to use camera (19 December), was almost as compelling as the one about Couple have baby. Twice.
Bob Hughes
Willoughby, Warwickshire
