Dear Editor,

On a trip to Torres Vedras, Portugal, I discovered a hotel flying our flag upside down so not only in Wellington are people getting confused about how it should be flown.

If the display of Union flags across the country has highlighted one thing it's the lack of knowledge about it. Is the design the same as the flag Henry V raised at Agincourt, Cook planted in Australia or Nelson flew at Trafalgar?

Who was on the throne when the current design came into being? Why is Wales not represented on it and when is it appropriate to call it a Jack?

C Penney

Wellington

Raise the Colours article September 12 issue. After reading this article I was prompted to send the following message to Wellington Town Council:

“If you are considering removing flags because of distraction /safety reasons then consider removing All hanging flower baskets too. The flags should be erected on all available sites as a mark of national pride. They are not something to be ashamed of. You should be doing this not relying on patriots to do your job for you.”

Reply:

“Thank you for your email and for sharing your concerns. We have had a number of similar comments and complaints made by members of the public regarding the flags and the defacing of the zebra crossing. We have contacted Somerset Highways to inform them, however, if you wish to submit a complaint too, please use the link below. www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road/

“We will continue to liaise with both the local police and Somerset Council who are responsible for the majority of infrastructures affected.

“Please find below a link to local councillors and their contact details (some are also unitary Somerset councillors) should you wish to also contact a representative for your ward. www.wellingtontowncouncil.co.uk/councillors

“With thanks and kind regards.”

I am very disappointed with this response and feel like flotsum being moved on. However, in view of the following facts 1. The Town Council Office is next door to the Wellington Museum where The Duke of Wellington (hero and patriot) is promoted; 2. The Battle of Britain is being celebrated; and 3. November 11 is weeks away - why take the flags down?

Whilst I agree that defacing public property is abhorrent and should be stopped - surely taking down the flags is not an option. Why not harness the spirit of the "activists" in a positive way and get them to put up more flags. Ok - cost of flags? Ask the people of Wellington if they would like to sponsor a flag. Ok - cost of admin? I would be happy to volunteer my time and service to execute the roll-out. I am sure there are others who would be happy to help make Wellington a town of National Pride.

Joyce Dobby

Wellington

Dear Editor,

Every year, thousands of families face a terrifying crisis. A sudden diagnosis. A life-threatening condition. A desperate need to be close to their child, but nowhere to stay.

The Sick Children’s Trust provides a calm, comforting space for families to be near their critically ill child during the most traumatic time of their lives. A warm bed, a place to cook, and somewhere to rest – all free of charge, just minutes from the hospital.

It costs The Sick Children’s Trust £40 a night to support one family in one of our ten ‘Homes from Home’, and we rely entirely on donations. The reality is that costs are rising, and demand for our homes is growing. That’s why I’m asking your readers to become a Friend of The Sick Children’s Trust by giving £10 a month. Their monthly gift will keep another family together, when they need it most.

The families we support travel an average of 86 minutes to be by their sick child’s bedside. One such family is that of Laura Makin, whose teenage daughter Keisha needed urgent treatment in Newcastle, over 200 miles from their North Wales home. Our Crawford House ‘Home from Home’ became their lifeline, keeping them close to Keisha during months of uncertainty and heartache.

Laura said: “Crawford House quickly became our sanctuary. Being offered a room there meant I could stay close to Keisha while she faced months of intensive treatment.”

Because people chose to give, Keisha didn’t have to face hospital alone. Now your readers can help another parent, another child, get the comfort and closeness they deserve.

Visit sickchildrenstrust.org/donate to become a Friend today. Your regular support will help us plan for the future and will make sure our ‘Homes from Home’ are there for the next family in crisis.

With heartfelt thanks,

Jane Featherstone

CEO, The Sick Children’s Trust