It’s reassuring to know that the Department for Transport is examining the franchise of Govia Thameslink following the timetable chaos (Thameslink operator stands to lose franchise if chaos persists, 2 July). But what sort of a contract allows disruption to 20,000 trains in six weeks and yet requires an inquiry by DfT to see whether a breach has occurred?
Martin Freedman
London
• Our grammar school had an even more homicidal alternative to an abattoir visit (Letters, 7 July). The 1971 geography field trip included a tour of an asbestos plant in mid Wales. Did the protective masks count as our education premium?
Pete Fitton
Rochdale, Lancashire
• My father, a lifelong Guardian reader, died last week aged 91. He would have been delighted by Friday’s quick crossword clues 14 across and 15 down: solutions Jordan and Derrick. His name? Derek Jordan. Thank you for this unusual tribute.
Carolyn Blackwell
Windsor, Berkshire
• I bought my first car in 1974: a green 1957 Morris Minor 1000 with the new one-piece windscreen (Letters, 7 July). Price, £25. Three years later, wanting something more “modern”, I sold it for £50. It was still in good working order. A Minor miracle indeed.
Rose Gollop
Bridport, Dorset
• I recall the tale of an uprated Morris Minor, fitted with a Rover V8 engine. It was said that you could tell you were going full speed when the needle on the speedometer reached the “E” on the fuel gauge.
Peter Keam
Blue Belle, Staffs and Worcs Canal
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
