Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Think of others

Re the letter in the Adver on 9/11/18, on inconsiderate parking on pavements. I do so agree with this letter, I frequently use Victoria Road to go Old Town and every time there are drivers either parked or blocking the drop-down kerb.

My mobility scooter either has to use another route or wait for someone to get back in to their car or lorry and drive away.

The pavement going up Victoria Road is not that good either - but that goes for all of Swindon.

Helen Thompson, Princes Street, Swindon

Proud of my mum

At the time of the First World War the Advertiser printed an article about a proud mother who had four sons serving in France and one, the youngest, in Belgium. He was my father who was sent home seriously injured and lost his leg. He recovered but spent time in hospital for treatment. He was just 20 years old.

Two years later my parents married but dad died at 42, leaving my mother with a family of four children. I was about five at the time so my memories are only what my mother told me. She said she used to take the other brothers to the station after their leaves as they were very reluctant and scared to go back and a few tears were shed as she coaxed them onto the train. She told me she was very upset as a young girl as her friends gave the boys not joining up white feathers. They didn’t realise the seriousness of it all.

My mother was a very caring lady and brought us up in a very caring home, often with lots of health problems . I had a great respect and love for her when I realised what she went through and feel very proud.

M Cooper (age 83), nee Godwin, Green Road, Swindon

Good Samaritans

May we both use the medium of your newspaper to convey our heartfelt thanks to the various people who came to our aid on the morning of Friday 2 November on Thamesdown Drive, when our vehicle broke down?

Firstly, the young female jogger who was the initial respondent to our plight. She managed to flag down a young man in a white van who kindly pushed our vehicle to safety on the grass verge.

Secondly, an extremely helpful lady who only gave her name as Debbie. She phoned the AA on our behalf to report our broken down vehicle. She gave the AA her mobile number in order to receive updates on their estimated time of arrival at the scene. She stayed with us for half an hour or so before she had to leave for home and also returned later to let us know that the AA had been delayed for an additional half an hour.

The AA man (Rob) duly arrived and concerned for our welfare invited us to sit in his warm van. Once he established that the vehicle could not be fixed at the roadside he arranged for it to be towed away and dropped us off at home. The recovery driver was also very helpful, making contact with us to confirm his estimated time of arrival.

Mention must also be made of the police officer who stopped to enquire if we were OK and advised us to call 101 if we required further assistance.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your help and concern.

Brian and Hilary Carter, Swindon