During recent work on the bells and tower of St Michael’s church in Bishop’s Stortford, a message from 1820 was rediscovered: “This tower was rebilt by parish exspence AD 1819-20 but a meen parish and gave the workman nothing to drink”. It’s not visible from ground level, but I hope it relieved his feelings. I wonder if the recent workmen have left a message for posterity (Letters, 18 September).
Angela Barton
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire
• Further to Amy Fleming’s “seven-year search for better bacon” (18 September), could I add that, for sauces and soups, a couple of tablespoons of strong-brewed lapsang souchong provide a convincing “smoky bacon” flavour.
Tracy Twell
Birstall, Leicestershire
• Regarding the suggestion that the end is nigh for us humans to “own” and keep pets (Letters, 19 September), my cat is happy to employ me. My dog had no problem with a sentient being (her) owning another sentient being (me).
Peter Declan O’Halloran
County Cavan, Ireland
• Well, how refreshing. A photograph of a man and a woman, and it’s the man’s clothes that are commented on (Casual Keir reshuffles his wardrobe to take on Dishy Rishi, 15 September). Still not sure why though, but hey ho.
Rory Murphy
London
• Keir Starmer must surely be doing something right (Starmer criticised by left and right after setting out plan to stop Channel crossings, 14 September).
Prof John Galloway
Croxley Green, Hertfordshire
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