I couldn’t agree more with Adrian Chiles (How on earth are you supposed to review a parking space?, 25 October). Reviews are tiresome. As the owner of an idiosyncratic English holiday cottage, I often despair. While some visitors lavish praise, others provide a long list of faults such as a missing plug, a mote of dust or our steep staircase. Alas, the Victorian builder is no longer around, so I cannot pass on their complaints.
Joan Lewis
St-Étienne-de-Gourgas, France
Like Adrian Chiles, I’m besieged with service review requests. When I refuel my car, I’m asked: “Did we exceed your expectations?” Sadly no, without handmaidens to bathe me in asses’ milk while the vehicle is topped up and the fuel cost waived for such a loyal customer.
Steve Simmons
Camberley, Surrey
Your article (Roosters may be able to recognise their reflection, study finds 25 October) reminded me of my stay with the master drummer/balafonist Mahama Konaté in Burkina Faso in 1983. While recording a drumming session, we inadvertently recorded the courtyard cockerel in full voice. Playing back the C90 cassette on an old-fashioned ghetto-blaster, we saw it react by running around in a frenzy, looking for a rival.
Colin Orr
Upper Largo, Fife
Re earlier start times at the National Theatre (Report, 19 October), Manchester concertgoers can enjoy the Hallé Orchestra’s new rush-hour concerts (6pm start). The audience at one we attended comprised not only old folks who like to catch their trains but also younger folk who could well be going on somewhere.
David Seddon
New Mills, Derbyshire
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