Living with a child with autism is not easy and I am at a loss as to why there is so much bureaucracy involved in attaining funding from any official body, when money is often available for the most obscure individuals or groups.

I understand from the Education Department it has had to expand on the number of school places available for autistic children because of the increase in diagnosed cases.

Surely the council should be looking to ways of funding an expansion to this service rather than shunning it. — Concerned Father.

He was a real cheery character and made all really welcome at his sarsaparilla shop.

My sister married his son Ian, who sometimes helped in the shop.

The frothy drink Jim Adams was referring to was maybe called half bitter.

It was a great favourite with the older lads on a Sunday, as pubs at that time didn’t open on the Sabbath.

Happy days. — P. C. Carrie, Lochee.

Ned was a very happy-go-lucky person and always had a cheery word for everybody, young or old.

Entering from the Hilltown, to the right there was a small bar with stools. To the left there were a few seats.

You could buy a variety of fruit-flavoured drinks as well as sarsaparillas.

Ned would pour your desired flavour into your glass of water then add what I gather was a spoonful of baking soda which gave the frothy head.

A pint glass was an old penny. You could also get a half-pint glass.

The shop was always clean and had a happy atmosphere.

Like hundreds of other kids, when on the Hilltown I always paid Ned a visit.

Eh felt like a wee manny cut doon, drinking meh pint. — Frank Flynn, Kinloch Street, Dundee.

In my opinion the drink with the frothy head was not as good as the one sold by Greenhills in the Overgate.

We used to go there every Sunday afternoon after church. — Mary Macready, Bonnethill Gardens, Dundee.

He also sold strawberry and raspberry drinks alongside pies, etc. I am talking about the late 30s and 40s. — W. B. L., Douglas.

We all have a special reason for entering.

I am taking part to remember Brian Donaldson, a close friend who died of liver cancer, aged 41, in September 2004.

Everyone who knew him, misses him. This is a very small gesture for many, many happy memories.

If any readers would like to sponsor me, please visit http://www.raceforlifesponsorme. org/forbrian

Donating is simple, fast and secure.

Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% will be added to your gift at no cost to you. — Carol Sandeman, Administration Manager, Dundee College.

You can log onto www.bmycharity.com/traceyannewest to sponsor me. — Tracey West, Dunarn Street, Newtyle.

I thank the Government for the choices they have made. — Jamie.

I think his reasons are childish.

Even without Wayne Rooney, I hope England do well.

Hoorah for the Union Jack. — Davy B, Monifieth.

I went there to collect a lady with advanced dementia, who was being discharged to the care home where I work. This probably saved the NHS money by not having to provide an ambulance or escort.

I was no more than 20 minutes, yet when I returned to my car, a sticker had been placed on my windscreen, informing me I would have to pay a fine for parking without a disabled badge.

I was forced to leave the old lady locked in my car, and becoming increasingly agitated, to argue my case.

Eventually, it was agreed I would not have to pay.

So do the abusers beg, borrow or steal disabled badges? — Carer.

What rubbish.

NHS Tayside has a company dealing with parking and it has staff to check the credentials on the blue parking disc.

I feel that this charge is another to gather extra finances. — Round The Corner.

A hospital is somewhere people have to go.

Even staff working there have to pay. — Shocked Resident.

I do not condone charges for staff or disabled, but how is free parking to be achieved without being open to abuse?

There appears to be no bounds to the ingenuity employed to avoid parking charges. — D. D.

If you contact me I will arrange to pick them up or cover the cost of postage. — Shona Walker, tightrope.walker@ blueyonder.co.uk/01382 529391.