Following this research (Pounding grain gave Neolithic women bones to beat athletes, it would be interesting to study the difference, if any, between the bones of women before, say, the 1970s and today. Before most households possessed automatic washing machines, washing clothes, scrubbing floors etc must have contributed to healthier bones; even if, before rubber gloves, knuckles, hands and knees became sore.
Catherine Roome
Staplehurst, Kent
• Emily Thornberry’s mother, Sallie, was a Labour councillor in this mainly Conservative town and later mayor (Enter stage left, Weekend, 25 November) . She was also a highly respected English teacher in a local comprehensive. Those who witnessed her delivery of The Green Eye of the Yellow God in a school music hall performance will not forget her sense of humour and lovely voice.
Sylvia Jones
Guildford, Surrey
• Pam Barrett’s suggestion (Letters, 29 November) that women could, like cuttlefish, develop a white line along one side to indicate that they are not available for mating addresses the problem from the wrong angle. We should develop a universally understood signal to indicate willingness. I propose the word “yes”.
Alison Smart
London
• Stuart Heritage (G2, 29 November) should find time to read the Money section on Saturdays. Time after time we are warned not to let men who knock on our doors, out of the blue, anywhere near our houses – and certainly not to pay them any money. Usually it’s older people being scammed, but maybe the younger generation needs teaching too?
Vanessa Allen
London
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