SIR – Re Geoffrey Smith’s letter in the T&A (May 14). My brother, John Bentley, and myself are left-handed. We’re the only two out of eight children.

The only time that I remember being stopped chalking on the blackboard was by Mr Ravenscroft, the headmaster at All Saints’ School, Bradford. He told me my words should slope to the left as I was using the left hand.

I informed him that I could slope to the left but was not allowed to. Oddly I slide (or did) in the snow with left foot first, but if painting walls/woodwork I use either hand.

Neither of my parents are left-handed. In fact my dad used to say I was a ‘Gollicker’, whatever that means (anyone know?).

Doreen Luciw (nee Bentley), Romford Court, Bradford