In light of the success in keeping the portrait of Elizabeth I through an export ban and public ownership (Armada portrait of triumphant Elizabeth I now belongs to Britain, 29 July), is it not time to ensure the same for those other national treasures, the NHS, the railways, Royal Mail, and the utility companies – all “stunning piece[s] of our national heritage”?
Ian Denning
London
• David Feld rightly complains about people not bothering to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing (Letters, 30 July). It’s far better, however, to teach children to cough and sneeze into the crook of the elbow – in that way all the nasty stuff doesn’t get transferred straight from hands on to public surfaces, door handles, computer keyboards etc.
Paul Tattam
Chinley, Derbyshire
• Further to Colin Denton’s excellent letter (30 July), I’m reminded of being driven through Stretford to the Lowry and noticing a plaque on the house which was “digs” to the great Duncan Edwards and Tommy Taylor, Busby Babes sadly killed in the Munich air crash. A great loss.
Jean Jackson
Seer Green, Buckinghamshire
• So Andrew Brown thinks that he is really a Swede because he gets on “much better in cultures where people say what they mean” (Honestly, you really must come round for dinner soon, 30 July). Clearly, he has never lived in South Yorkshire. And it’s part of England too – sort of.
Rev Dr Peter Phillips
Swansea
• I’m very grateful to Carolyn Kirton (Letters, 29 July) and Annie Grist (Letters, 30 July) for their perceptive comments on my letter about 23 July’s quick crossword setter. They’ve convinced me that Picasso did not set the crossword but I remain confused about his/her identity and somewhat tangled up in blue. Perhaps Bob Dylan is the answer?
Mike Pender
Cardiff
• Chelsea fan?
Richard Walker
Malvern, Worcestershire
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
