What a reception I received. I was treated as if I was the young staff’s own grandad. The consultant, Mr Davidson, settled my fears, organised everything, and I was soon at ease. During my stay I was treated like a VIP, not a fuddy-duddy OAP.

I am old enough to know the agony of my mother trying to find the half-crown (12.5p) to call the doctor in for a sick bairn, before the second world war.

Thank God for the NHS. It is worth every penny spent on it. — Grateful Pat.

The number of donating opportunities for donors in Tayside has increased over the past two years. Many donors can now commit to giving three times a year.

The donor team visit most community venues three times a year and it is only at sessions where we take our mobile donating centre when we only visit twice.

Our visits to workplaces must be timed to minimise workforce disruption while still yielding sufficient donations.

We are grateful to companies which allow their staff to donate during working time and to the individual organisers who give up a considerable amount of time to schedule appointments for their colleagues.

The recent shortages of blood are a result of fewer new donors and less support at our scheduled community sessions. If 6% of the healthy population donated blood then the shortage could be avoided.

I thank the donors of Tayside and Fife who have supported us and hope we can continue to rely on our registered donors to attend our sessions when called by letter. — Jacqueline Millar, Donor Services Manager, East of Scotland Blood Transfusion Centre, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee..

[A spokeswoman for Dundee City Council leisure and arts department said, “We believe the dome has been missing since the 1950s. We had looked to replace it but the cost, estimated at £55,000, is outwith our budget.

“In respect of the clean-up, this is part of our planned maintenance for the winter and spring and fits in with our aim of trying to improve the cemetery. We have undertaken works to improve some of the dangerous headstones where the owners could not be traced and work is due to start on repairing the gates.”]

The thing I find most annoying is that by the time I pay my rent, council tax, income tax and national insurance, I am not much better off than someone claiming benefits.

No wonder there are so many people playing the benefits system and working on the side. — Frustrated Worker.

Labour won’t hold a leadership contest once Tony Blair leaves office. Instead, Gordon Brown will walk into No.10.

The SNP has ditched the long-held principle that election victory meant instant independence. As this final solution put off voters, it says it will hold a referendum. — Outsmarted.

This only goes to prove what I have long suspected, that anti-English sentiment in Scotland remains a passion with only small vocal minority. — Barry Collins, Dundee.

I am looking for all openers from the Old Ballingall’s Brewery in Dundee. If a reader can help they can call me on 01422 379334 or contact me at 93 Green Lane, Halifax, HX4 8DB. — Andrew Wright.

They are all over the place and I think it’s a disgrace smokers have to go outside. — Disappointed Smoker.

Surely the public has to now be reassured that none of these “criminals” should ever be allowed to give evidence in any cases to go before the courts, especially those accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice. — Angus Observer.

I am not a Tayside officer, nor do I believe that Tayside, or any other police force, is above criticism — far from it.

However, when the public try to undermine the excellent work officers do with their observations, then I feel that the service should be defended. — Decent Citizen.

It’s hard enough looking out for cyclists without the added worry of potholes, both of which can do considerable damage to your vehicle. — Careful Woman Driver.

I was his training sergeant major when he was a corporal. — John J. Smith MBE.

Wi’ mony parks situated a aroon’

And you havna tae go far

Tae see the watter

Or the seaside for that matter.

If you should climb up tae the Law,

You’ll see a panoramic view sae braw,

And Camperdown deserves a mention,

Gi’en tae the city wi’ guid intention.

Gang’ there at Easter if you’re so inclined

Hardly a spare spot you will find.

Of Dundee worthies we’ve had our share,

Now alas! They are nae mair!

A Burns statue holds pride of place,

That lad of many poems and grace.

Many Dundee men attained the Hall of Fame,

In history you will find their name.

And the Dundee folk are a hardy lot,

Aye willing tae adapt tae job on the spot.

Many of our lads have helped the oil rigs tae boon,

You never know some might get tae the moon!

So here end this verse about the city treasure.

With memories I will hold dear forever.

— Mrs M. Dudgeon, Alpin Terrace, Dundee.