What a lovely feelgood article (52 acts of kindness: how to spread joy in every week of 2023, 3 January). But can I suggest that the 53rd act of kindness should be demanding huge social and political change so that we don’t have to buy secret coffees for homeless people, donate to food banks or hand out biscuits to strikers on picket lines?
Sue Lewis
Aberporth, Ceredigion
• I loved your article about how to spread joy. In this hard-edged world where we are stung by the barbs of life, it’s so uplifting to believe that small acts of kindness might possibly soften those edges and make for a better year.
Marian Colyer
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
• How ironic that the BBC will deprive older people of BBC Four and Radio 4 Extra by changing the mode of transmission (As an ex-BBC presenter, I want to hear a vision that goes beyond cut, cut, cut, 2 January). Both these channels broadcast vintage programmes, attractive to that age group which may not have the knowhow or equipment.
Philippa Nice
Adisham, Kent
• Joe Quine raises the question of when is the best time to read brief letters (Letters, 4 January). The answer is obvious: I read brief letters in the morning so that I can get a response in quickly, and thus give myself the best chance of achieving my ambition of getting a brief letter published.
Matt Atkinson
Southampton
• Best time to read brief letters? Just after 8am, when you find your name under one of them.
Bob Corkey
Castlegregory, County Kerry, Ireland
