As the (frequently) sole male in pilates classes, I wonder if the reason “pilates and the male psyche don’t seem to connect” (Letters, 19 October) is that the language is directed towards women and their anatomy. On more than one occasion, when I have clearly been confused as to what bit of myself I am meant to be concentrating on, female instructors have whispered “crown jewels” in my ear.
Tom Stubbs
Surbiton, Surrey
• After my sigh of relief that perhaps sanity had finally prevailed (Rachel Reeves says those with broadest shoulders should pay fair share of tax, 16 October), normal service resumed with the suggestion that the chancellor is targeting a scheme providing cars for disabled people (Chancellor says she ‘can’t leave welfare untouched’ this parliament as budget looms, 17 October).
Sandra Norburn
Doncaster
• The double-height garden room looks terrific (Spa vibes with a grow-your-own-dinner option: Britain’s best new building is a revamped almshouse, 16 October). I do hope that external blinds or shuttering have been incorporated, given the predicted 2C global temperature rise. I have found retrofitting to be quite a kerfuffle.
Elaine Steane
Oxford
• I wish a reporter would ask Donald Trump: “Mr President, if the US were invaded, how many states would you give up in order to achieve peace?” (Trump suggests carving up Ukraine’s Donbas region to end war after meeting with Zelenskyy, 20 October).
John Illingworth
Bradford
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