How nice it was to see a photograph of the forces sweetheart, Vera Lynn recently on the letters page of the Swindon Advertiser, in celebration of her birthday.

However, how poignant the article was in stating that when she was interviewed in 2011 and that being ever fearless to speak her mind, her response to a reference concerning the war in Afghanistan was “I don’t know what we are doing there”, reiterating the views of almost 80 per cent of our people in recent polls.

I have heard so many British people asking the same question including myself, and the only possible answer, which is not stated all that readily and tends to be rather “hush hush” is that we got involved as a result of the 9/11 attacks on the USA, which I do not understand, as this had absolutely nothing at all to do with Britain.

Lessons appear not to have been learnt since our nation was dragged in to an illegal war in Iraq.

The US operates more than 1,000 bases or military installations worldwide, and a recent count found 255,065 military personal deployed around the globe but, astonishingly there are no bases from other nations, including British to be found on American soil.

It is also surprising that now the Cold War has been over for at least 20 years that such a large influence, along with such displays of military might around the world is deemed to be necessary.

There are currently 12 large American SAC air force bases in the UK that are leased from our Government, which seems to be many more than should be needed.

History showed the US was very reluctant to get involved in the Second World War and only did so very late in the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbour by Japanese forces.

It then went on to make an fortune out of ‘lease loan’ as a market trader of arms and equipment to other nations, including the UK.

I am really pleased that Vera Lynn has been fearless in speaking her mind, as our successive governments have for far too long blindly followed the influence of the United States, which in recent years has resulted in so much loss of life of our countrymen with, sadly, no overall gain to this country.

The sooner that our sons and daughters are brought back home, from what has turned out to be a predictably unwinnable conflict, the better.

G A Woodward Nelson Street, Swindon

Help for Finley

Your paper (Adver, March 16), carried an article about Finley Harding, who has a rare neurological condition called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome.

I’m part of the Swindon & Wiltshire Neurological Alliance at www.swna.org.uk.

The aim of SWNA, which was formed two years ago, is to act as an umbrella organisation, supporting and promoting neurological groups throughout Swindon and Wiltshire but particularly aiming to improve services for children and hard to reach groups for those with rare conditions such as Finley.

We found, when talking to other neurological support groups, there is support for the “big boys” but almost none for under 12’s and single people, as in the case with Finley.

We act like a one-stop-shop for information or a signpost pointing those with any neurological condition, on where to get support and better medical responses either from existing support/services related to their condition or through SWNA who will support and nurture new support groups or individuals.

Please see website for complete list who we liaise with.

SWNA’s aims is to work behind the scenes. We are a non-profit organisation run by volunteers.

To achieve those aims we have to target our resources towards those in the shadows, so to speak.

Could you pass this on, so Mrs Harding and Finley can, if they wish, contact us.

We work behind the scenes, we do not seek or promote what we do through publicity, apart from neurological training day events.

John Allen Publicity SWNA Royal Wootton Bassett

Locarno truths?

Your correspondent Ray Morse makes some valid points (Adver, March 27) regarding the Locarno site in Old Town.

However, I am surprised that he describes the designs submitted by the site owners as “over ambitious, oversized and grotesque.”

In October 2007, almost five years ago, Coun Bluh boasted of how officers and councillors “literally burnt the midnight oil to secure the redevelopment of the Locarno site” – indeed Coun Foley was moved to say that, “we have managed to secure a vibrant new beginning for a historic building which is in desperate need of restoration.”

She concluded with the words “we can now look forward to work starting very soon.” It should be noted that this item appeared in an official Swindon Council publication under a strap line “Delivering our promises.”

The reality is far removed from the comments made by councillors who, at the time, occupied the most senior political offices.

The Locarno is but a derelict hulk, roofless and being considered for demolition.

Des Morgan Caraway Drive, Swindon

Varied views

What a great selection of letters (Adver, March 17).

I think David Collins and J Gibbard are spot on with their assessment of Swindon’s road planners at Whalebridge; sending traffic miles out of their way, through Victorian street rat runs – not what most people call planning!

And what about our carbon footprint? That’s out of the window, along with the safety of those who have to walk.

Steve Thompson’s thumbnail sketch of British history records the advantage of a United Kingdom really well.

I would suggest that people look at their family trees to see just how much we really are united.

T Cleverly says it all regarding the Falklands fiasco.

If we look at UK history, most of the people who have failed the nation at a time of need have been from the top-drawer set, and the masses are called on to plug the breach. Not much has changed there!

A prime example of this today is the world financial crisis, initiated by deregulated world banks in the 1980s.

It is the masses who are paying the price for the bankers’ greed.

Today I think bankers are rated alongside estate agents and traffic wardens.

The general public need to see the banks take the necessary steps to regain their trust.

I’ll not be holding my breath for that one.

Mike Spry Mayfield Close, Swindon

Celebrate with us

Any readers celebrating a special event can make a real difference to cancer prevention by inviting World Cancer Research Fund to be part of their celebrations.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, wedding or any other special occasion, by choosing to support WCRF, people can be sure that they are making a real impact on cancer cases by supporting our education and science programmes.

Through the Celebrate with WCRF scheme, participants can create a unique online page to ask friends and family to make a donation to WCRF rather than receive a personal gift.

UK taxpayers can add 25 per cent to their donation at no extra cost through the Gift Aid scheme.

Visit www.wcrf-uk.org/celebrate or call 020 7343 4200 for more information.

Lucy Duxbury World Cancer Research Fund 22 Bedford Square London WC1B 3HH

BT book too small

After looking through our new telephone book just delivered, I am thinking are British Telecom so cash strapped they have to produce a miniature book? The classified directory is OK but when you get to the residential section I am sure a lot of people will need a magnifying glass to read it. Please British Telecom, give us back our larger books.

J Trueman Thurlestone Road Swindon

Poundworld woes

The new Poundworld in Regent Street has oodles of potential during our once great nation’s ceaseless decline (Swindon Adver 27th February).

Unfortunately, my first experience of shopping at the store was less than gratifying.

The lowest common denominator apparently attracts the lowest common denominator, alcoholic males abusing staff and customers alike.

What can be done to help these poor, sad, worthless, drunken misfortunate’s of humanity?

Worthless is probably too strong a word but these people tend to make others’ lives a misery and offer nothing but their take on mean-spirited, ill-informed, ignorant humour.

A Reeve Okus Road, Swindon

Royals are great

Recently you have published readers’ views on the monarchy.

May I tell you my experience, when serving in the forces in London in the spring and summer of 1944, the time of flying bombs and rocket attacks by Adolf Hitler’s gang?

At this time, the Princess Elizabeth (now the Queen) was an ATS officer in Hounslow in the London Division.

It seems she did not go looking for a safer posting. She stayed there, like we had to.

I think it is only fair to point out that a large number of royals served in the forces then and since.

Her husband was a captain of a destroyer in the Royal Navy. Talk to a member of his crew and you would not hear a word against him.

The only royal I have spoken to is Prince Harry, when he came to Lydiard. I told him I was near Buckingham Palace on the Sunday morning when a flying bomb hit the Guards Chapel during the service. More than 100 were killed.

He said it was an honour to meet me.

We could have done with some officers like him in my service time.

A Thipthorpe Queens Drive, Swindon