Letters to the Editor

SIR, - Why is it that our nation is so obsessed each and every year with the education tables and examination grades in particular?

It is a known fact that Einstein failed his German polytechnic entrance examinations twice and only scraped through at his third and possibly final attempt.

Newton obtained the lowest BA degree possible at Cambridge and lost his 'Groats' (something highly frowned upon at Cambridge and where Newton was seen by his contemporaries as a failure and would get nowhere in life).

Faraday who created the greatest invention of all time (the means by which all humans can create electricity at will - just think how life would be without it) was a mere London apprentice bookbinder with only rudimentary education up to the age of 14 years) and the man who created the laws that drive the digital revolution ('0's and '1's), George Boole, was a totally self-educated mathematician.

In this respect the history of the world is full of these type of people who were not bright at examinations but who were absolutely brilliant in changing our thinking of how the world and the universe functions.

Therefore not until our Government changes its fixed mindset away from the concept of these arbitrary and mundane examination sittings, that make a person brilliant within a single week or two of examinations, towards that of the driving force of creativity, Britain will never succeed further in the science-driven world of this century.

Indeed, it is about time therefore that we stopped this system that places so much emphasis on single sitting results and started the process of creating the infrastructure that allows our creative thoughts to flourish in 21st century - for that is where our nation's success resides and not in the misunderstood belief that high examination results equate to genius (this could not be further away from the true reality of life if Government and people were prepared to look for a minute).

D. David Hill

Chief Executive,

P O Box A60,

Huddersfield,

World Innovation Foundation.

No dog bins

SIR, - If the local council sees fit to provide dog walkers with an area to encourage their canines to 'vacate their bowels' - and then for the owners to collect the results - why then are the owners not provided with a bin to dispose of the various numbers of neatly tied baggies?

Sue Nutter

Albion Street,

Otley.

Chernobyl visit

SIR, - Once again, thanks to the kindness of local people, our children from the Chernobyl disaster zone have enjoyed their recuperative holiday.

Nothing has been too much trouble as village and church halls have opened their doors and local firms and societies have provided fun and interest.

Thank you especially to Clevedon House School for the use of its pool and lifeguards; to the Nell Bank Centre for the use of their site; to Addingham Methodist Church for our table tennis evening; Ilkley Tennis Club for the coaching session, and all who have helped with their time and expertise.

Of course, all this is only possible because of our generous host families, who opened their homes and hearts to our visitors and made this year a great success.

To all who helped in any way, thank you.

ANNE HODGSON

Co-ordinator,

Wharfedale and Craven Branch,

Chernobyl Children's Project.

Cafe ban reason

SIR, - I would like to reply to the lady who objected to the caf owners who banned children from their establishment. This was done for a reason. They have had so many bad experiences with unruly children who were a danger to themselves, the caf owners and other customers.

The parents of these children would have been the first to complain if hot food had been spilled on them. The caf is a haven of peace, lovely clean surroundings, soft music, good food and excellent coffee. I am no relation to the owners, just an elderly resident, a mother and grandmother who enjoys a tranquil atmosphere. I do hope they prosper here.

CUSTOMER

Ilkley.

(Name and address supplied)

College pledge

SIR, - My colleagues responsible for the adult education service in Otley, provided by Park Lane College, are concerned that some Wharfedale people continue to fear disruption of that service by Sainsbury's proposed plan to build a new supermarket in the town.

I am concerned to dispel such fears and would like to repeat, through your newspaper, my recent assurances that my staff and I are fully committed to continuing with our very popular and successful programme at the Otley centre.

Indeed, we have every intention of making further efforts to develop the range and quality of what we offer at the current centre on Bondgate as part of a process of ongoing improvement.

As matters stand, there is little likelihood that we shall be required to move from our current premises on Bondgate for a further year, at least, and as we prepare to launch our new programme for September, we are very much in 'business as usual' mode at Bondgate.

TONY LONGWORTH

Principal,

Park Lane College,

Otley.

Firework plea

SIR, - This is an open letter to Anne Cryer and Christopher Leslie, MPs for this district. When are you going to do something about the ever increasing nuisance of fireworks?

We are being subjected to the damned nuisance almost every Saturday night upsetting dogs, cats, horses and old folks. Do something about it or you will be kicked into touch come next election.

D. ASCOUGH

Wrexham Road

Burley-in-Wharfedale

Helper thanked

SIR, - Through your paper, may I thank the very kind lady, in a dark blue car, who picked me up in a state of exhaustion at the Moors shopping centre in Ilkley car park at 10.30am on Thursday, July 31. She put my shopping in the boot of her car and brought me home to Listers Court.

The lady was a school teacher with two daughters aged 16 and 20. She gave me her name and school but, in my distressed state, it didn't register. I hope this letter is seen by her or her friends will see it. God Bless and if Roman Catholic - 'Mother Mary' to you.

Z B Schofield

Listers Court,

Ilkley.

Lights no help

SIR, - Is it just me? I have been trying to put together a well reasoned and rational response to the installation of the traffic lights at the bottom of Victoria Avenue but am failing miserably. Surely the solution to the traffic congestion problem would have been a 'No Right Turn' sign; which would have been a good deal easier and cheaper to install.

One lunchtime recently, I queued from the roundabout at Burley to Victoria Avenue in Ilkley. It took 50 minutes to make this arduous journey home. Is this a sign of things to come? How many more sets of traffic lights do you think the council will be able to install in Ilkley before the budget runs out?

Fiona Williams

Stockinger Lane,

Addingham.

Group award

SIR, - The work of 200 voluntary groups for their communities was recognised when they won 'The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award' earlier this year.

This annual award is special because it is for the group as a whole rather than individuals.

The winners reflect the amazing diversity of the voluntary sector - whether it is running community centres, village halls, youth and sports clubs or contributing to crime prevention and community safety.

The search is now on for next year's winners. If you know of a group that is making a real difference to people's lives, you can nominate them for an award. Get a form by calling 0845 000 2002 or by visiting the website at www.goldenjubilleaward.gov.uk

Nominations must be in by September 15. If you know of a group which deserves this recognition, make sure you nominate them.

FIONA MACTAGGART MP

Queen Anne's Gate

London.