Anthem is dirge because it's slow
Firstly, I disagree with Mr Pendragon ("After 30 years, I think I've said quite enough!", Mailbox, January 11) regarding national anthems.
I also thought God Save the Queen was dirge-like, until I realised that even Fratelli d'Italia, which normally sounds like an operatic chorus, would be dirge-like if sung too slowly. Adjust metronomes, please!
After all, it inspired Haydn to compose Gott Erhalte Franz Den Kaiser, using the tune later used for Deutschland Uber Alles, and had its own tune borrowed for Heil Dir In Siegerkranz, the Russian (and later Saxon) and therefore Imperial German national anthem. The Americans use it too.
If we must change, please not Holst – no Christian should sing anything which puts country before God (look at the order of the verses) and I for one, though I respect the Queen, no longer respect this off-shore island living in the past any more than any other country where I am ever likely to be – no vows there, then.
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Secondly, regarding women bishops – St Paul's (not God's) instructions for church organisation were intended for the first century, not the 21st.
Thirdly, please this time will you include my suggestion of a plaque, not statue, to Alice Hawkins.
Any surplus money could be used for setting up an Alice Hawkins Trust which would work with charities for women.
Veronica Brown, Wigston.
Paul Dale Smith's eulogy to my fellow letter writer Les Smith was both moving and well deserved.
Some of Les's letters and responses (currently 80) can be viewed on this paper's website:
www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk
Don Tallis, Wigston.
Since July, £450,000 has been extracted from motorists in Leicester through fines for bus lane infringements.
So, perhaps the £5 million which will be spent on another one for Aylestone Road will produce a return on the "investment" after all?
Kevin McShane, Earl Shilton.
Comments
by 8livesdown
Saturday, January 19 2013, 7:28AM
“Bus Lanes have signs that inform drivers of the times they are allowed to use them, some Bus lanes are closed to other traffic whilst other bus lanes allow motorists to use them during off peak times. In order to avoid a fine all you need to do is (a) Read the sign and (b) refer to your watch - why on Earth is that so difficult?”
by CGLee
Friday, January 18 2013, 3:30PM
“Don't drive in the bus lane and you won't get fined. Simples.”
by Kohelet
Friday, January 18 2013, 11:49AM
“Not extracted Kevin but fined, do get it right”