SIR, – It was heartening to read (the Press and Journal, March 29) about the recent event held at the Scottish Parliament highlighting the need for better provision of cardiac rehabilitation throughout Scotland.
Grampian Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Association (GCRA), of which I am proud to be vice-chairwoman, is a voluntary body which runs, manages and supports 28 weekly cardiac exercise classes in Aberdeen and throughout Aberdeenshire.
Suitable cardiac patients are referred to our classes either from NHS Grampian Phase III cardiac exercise classes or by GPs.
I wish, however, to correct the impression given in the story that I am a medically qualified cardiac specialist.
I am, like all my colleagues in GCRA, a member of the community who is interested in supporting and enhancing our health services, in this case, cardiac rehabilitation.
We, in turn, are supported by many real cardiac specialists, consultants, GPs and cardiac nurses who realise the lasting benefits to their patients of continuing, structured exercise.
Sue Kinsey,
84 Blenheim Place,
Aberdeen.
SIR, – I am distressed to learn that, because of years of overspending, Aberdeen City Council is to cut funding for the homeless by £900,000.
The Cyrenians, which started as a soup kitchen and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, is to have two projects closed, while several others are under threat.
Over the years, the organisation has built up a range of resources that are lifelines to the homeless. But it seems that no audit of its services has ever been carried out, and therefore the powers-that-be cannot know of these resources.
It does not seem to be realised that the homeless won’t simply go away.
Some will lose accommodation and others access to vital services, but legislation demands that assistance must be given to these vulnerable members of society.
The responsibility will simply be deflected from one agency to another – which might not be nearly so well equipped to give the specialised support needed so desperately.
I suggest that readers take a walk or drive past Marischal College, where a group of brave people are camping in bitter weather, to give some moral support and sign the petition to save the Cyrenians.
Perhaps the council will be shamed into reconsidering its shabby decision.
Fay Fullerton,
Shannaburn Cottage,
Blairs, Aberdeen.
SIR, – May I contradict Bob Gibb on the price of Woodbines? He said in his “Get it off your chest” article (the Press and Journal, March 27) that Woodbines were tuppence for 10. Not so.
In 1938, I was 13 and working during the summer holidays “at the weeding” in Christie’s nursery. My mate and I pooled our resources and bought five Woodbines in an open-ended packet for tuppence.
Sadly, I was not as macho as I thought and after a couple of deep drags was sick for the rest of the day.
I did become a smoker while in the Army in 1944, but 12 years of slavery to the weed later and with a combination of commonsense and willpower, I managed to kick the filthy habit, and I have felt much better for it. I believe if I had not stopped I would not be around today.
Grant A. Chalmers,
Hamewith,
Inchberry,
Fochabers.
SIR, – I refer to Andy Ritchie’s letter (the Press and Journal, March 26) and his description of gamekeepers as “the true guardians of wildlife”.
Not quite the sentiments expressed by my late father. As a Banffshire farmer, his opinion of gamekeepers, with one or two exceptions, was that they were “irresponsible thugs with no respect for animal life except those birds and animals bred for sport”.
Everything they regarded as predators or pests were indiscriminately – and sometimes illegally – poisoned, trapped or shot.
It was just too bad if protected species or domestic pets died as a result.
Guardians of wildlife?
I think not, Mr Ritchie.
Mrs M.H. Pirie,
Devanha Gardens South,
Aberdeen.
SIR, – As a writer, academic and technologist, I am not really what could be called a football fan, however I would like to write in praise of Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood.
This man has an almost impossible task: to compete against the Old Firm with next to zero money.
This season, he has produced some exceptional results and fantastic entertainment; he has managed to create a highly-organised team willing to fight to the death to secure results like the 1-0 win at Parkhead – a historic victory.
It would be great if someone could come forward and give Jimmy the kind of financial backing he so richly deserves.
Well done, Mr Calderwood.
Lance Black,
Seafield Road,
Aberdeen.
SIR, – I write with reference to the photograph of a church on the banks of the Lake of Menteith that you published in your Scottish Life section (the Press and Journal, March 28).
This brought back many memories as my sisters and I were evacuated from Glasgow in 1939 and were billeted in a big house named Arntomy, near the Lake of Menteith.
I recall when the lake was frozen over we would skate from the boathouse via the island to the church, hang up our skates in the vestry, go to the service and then skate back home.
Ian Hall,
7 Moray Street, Hopeman.