In Bath it is not just Airbnb that’s a problem (Letters, 15 February). A housing association is renting out former council homes as holiday lets. One is let to hen parties, leaving neighbours to explain to their children the inflatable penises in the back garden.
David Carter
Bath
• Never mind the pill (Letters, 16 February), which I got when I showed evidence of my wedding (one month ahead) in 1965. In 1972 I had to show written permission – from my husband – to have a coil fitted. Now, at almost 73, I am free to use whichever contraception I choose.
Glenys Canham
Crosby, Merseyside
• Mattinata is not a classical aria (Vic Damone obituary, 15 February). It was commissioned from Ruggero Leoncavallo by Gramophone & Typewriter Limited for Enrico Caruso to record – perhaps the first song to be intended specifically for recording. Leoncavallo wrote the text himself. The composer went with Caruso to the Hotel Contniental in Milan in April 1904 to make the recording, which was engineered by W Sinkler Darby and was Caruso’s second 12-inch record. Later that season Caruso sang the song before the king and queen at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by Landon Ronald. Since then it has usually been heard with orchestra.
Tully Potter
Tonbridge, Kent
• Dames’ Delight in Oxford, where we swam among ducks and trailing willows, was not a naked nor a female-only bathing place (Letters, 15 February). Men were admitted as part of family groups.
Ianthe Maclagan
Oxford
• Now the new format has settled in, can the birthdays be listed in ascending or descending order. Alphabetic order makes no sense. Numerical order will allow me to easily spot who is close to me in age and who is closer to kicking the bucket.
Liam Tumulty
London
• Having previously complained (Letters, 30 January), I’m now sending you a (blue) note to thank you on behalf of many for bringing back jazz reviews (album and live) and the colour.
Dr Roger Walker
Bradford
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