Barry Glendenning writes: “The Boat Race … is often derided as a symbol of class elitism [but] this sporting spectacle retains a curious appeal among millions with no particular interest in rowing or either university involved” (Sport, 3 April). Roger Bannister’s historic four-minute mile also involved a bunch of posh Oxbridge amateurs but also attracted thousands of spectators. Perhaps, in a world where most top-level sport is highly commercialised (and dominated by another sort of elite), the fact that the boat race is one of the few first-class sporting events that is still truly amateur has something to do with its appeal. Perhaps we need more of this sort of thing, not less.
Robert Anderson
London
• Like Patrick Barkham (How native are your daffs?, 28 March) I am not too keen on the excessive displays of large daffodils on urban verges. They may well be better than scalping the verges of wild flowers – but still look out of place. I’d love to see our native primrose (Primula vulgaris) planted instead. Or cowslips (Primula veris) , which are much rarer in the wild. The primroses in our garden produce a range of colours, from pinks through to white, they spread readily and look after themselves as long as they don’t get too much sun. Can I suggest Guardian readers do some guerilla gardening and plant primroses?
Jill Bennett
St Albans
• When doctors become consultants, they are no longer called “Dr” but “Mr”, to indicate their higher status (Report, 31 March). One of our surgeons was a woman who insisted on being called “Mr” in the hospital, but “Dr” at the filling station.
Dr Allan Dodds
Bramcote, Nottingham
• I shuddered at the sight of your 1 April spoof article (By Georgio! Former chancellor reveals new job as fashion designer, 1 April). For heaven’s sake don’t put any more ideas into his head.
Phil Garner
Littleover, Derby
• Adrian Sinfield asks after the whereabouts of San Serriffe (Letters, 3 April). The referendum meant that the country is split between infinitives, but is currently hoping for a “deep and special” relationship with the UK after Brexit.
Derrick Cameron
Stoke-on-Trent
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