Many years ago I wrote an extended essay (Letters, 26 September) on the westward diaspora of Scandinavians (Vikings) to places like the British Isles, Faroes and Iceland, and eventually Greenland and America. In trying to explain how the youth and vigour of those people led them to go a-Viking, I earnestly noted that they were “fast breeders”. The laconic comment from my lecturer was “prolific: there is no evidence that they did it any faster than anyone else”.
Helen Rees
Balvicar, Argyll and Bute
• If an education secretary starts from the nonsensical premise that formal exams are always “the fairest” type of assessment, and makes the nonsensical unstated assumption that norm-referencing ensures “standards” (Report, 30 September), then their whole position is nonsense.
Dr Charles Smith
Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan
• How wonderful to see your leader (26 September) about the value of contemplative silence. A very courageous topic to highlight just now. I bet The Cloud of Unknowing has never been mentioned in a leader before.
Susan Hannis
Bridgetown, Devon
• You know you’re getting old when you see a crossword clue saying “Someone with experience” (Quick crossword, 30 September) and think “I know this one – Jimi Hendrix”.
Cherry Weston
Wolverhampton
• The grey loons I wore as a student in the 70s still fit me comfortably (Letters, 30 September). Weight gain is not an inevitability of ageing.
Julie Baker
Gloucester
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.
