Christchurch in New Zealand isn’t the only place where spoof signs appear (‘Slightly haunted but manageable’: new signs cause confusion – and delight – in Christchurch, 22 December). After the floods of winter 2013-14, an addition to the “Welcome to Somerset” road sign on the A39 read “Twinned with Atlantis”.
Stephen Moss
Mark, Somerset
• In a report after the death of Chris Rea (Obituary, 22 December), the BBC said: “His love of cars and driving was the inspiration behind many of his songs.” Not too surprising really, since his full name was Christopher Anton Rea. Nominative determinism at its best.
Chris Burgess
Marple Bridge, Greater Manchester
• Having read George Monbiot’s article (When is a sausage not really a sausage? Ask the meat lobby, 20 December), I will no longer use “sausage” as a term of endearment but stick to “pumpkin” instead.
Mary Stiff
Broadclyst, Exeter
• How soon into the new year might the city of Washington be renamed Trumpton (Trump announces plans for new navy warships to be known as ‘Trump-class’, theguardian.com, 23 December)?
Nick Banks
Newcastle upon Tyne
• Re your letters about life stages (22 December), we think the stage we’ve reached is not having watched any of “The 50 best TV shows of 2025”. Are we alone in achieving that?
David and Pauline Butler
Durham
• When asked “How are you?” (Letters, 21 December), I often say “I’m absolutely”. It is sad how many people don’t notice that it is a meaningless reply. Can I take this chance to thank the letters editors for assembling the best bit of the Guardian and to wish you a happy Christmas and healthy new year.
John Beer
Farnham, Surrey
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
