Letters - Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Lessons to be learnt from past generation
Rationing during the warRationing during the war
Rationing during the war

‘Share The Sugar’ kind of approach is so desperately needed amongst society during a national crisis.

People who are being blatantly greedy and selfishly stockpiling huge amounts of essential products should be wholly ashamed of themselves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is no need for it. Co-operation and consideration should be everyone’s moral duty during this Coronavirus outbreak which has changed all of our daily lives.

UK rationing of food during the Second World War was introduced in January 1940 and lasted until 1954. In 1942 rationing in hotels and restaurants restricting meals of no more than 5 shillings was introduced. This prevented the better off having an advantage over those who could not afford to eat in hotels and restaurants.

These were tough times for families and a make do and mend approach was considered the norm. Children grew up thinking that bananas did not really exist.

Because of the strict varied diet of rationing , health and life expectancy levels improved throughout The UK during the 14 long years of rationing and hardship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I have the upmost respect for those who lived through both world wars. Over the past 30 years I have collected some fascinating artefacts and personal stories from war veterans. I do regret not taking more photographs of the characters I have had the pleasure of meeting over the years .

If there is one positive gained from this terrible virus outbreak, it may encourage cleaner homes and greater personal hygiene. Though it does make you smile ... some of these characters who have been stockpiling cleaning products from supermarket shelves look like they have not had a wash since the midwife washed them!

Stephen Pierre

Amateur social historian

VIRUS

Some good from this terrible crisis?

The Government, now and for the foreseeable future will obviously be focusing every effort in combatting the current coronavirus epidemic.

As testing and treatment for the virus increases and improves, opportunities may arise to improve the national infrastructure by taking advantage of the current situation. For instance, the reduced traffic on our road and rail systems, would be an ideal time to replace surfaces that have suffered years of neglect.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When deemed feasible, adequate safety measures and safe systems of working would also have to be in place as a priority before any such undertakings took place. The ingenuity of the British people will no doubt come up with similar or better suggestions to recover from this terrible crisis.

Denis Lee

Ashton

VIRUS

Thanks for keeping our country safe

As a person over 70 years old, I have taken the official advice in this current ‘emergency’ and have cut out all face-to-face socialising. Can we all try to get things in perspective?

There are no hidden bombs in this country, we’re not living in refugee camps, the sky is not going to fall in. Each morning I awake to find my electricity and gas working, and water freely available from the tap.

The post arrives and the dustbins are emptied, furthermore your editions continue to be available. Up-to-date information and discussion is broadcast on the television and radio, as well as entertainment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Strangely, all the engineers and workers in those industries are not panicking. I presume that they are not the individuals emptying the shelves in food shops; so who are the thoughtless and selfish people that are making the situation so much worse for everyone?

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all those who continue to do their jobs keeping the country safe.

Mrs Lynne Hibberd

via email

VIRUS

Looking forward to return to normality

As an 89-year-old, I have lived through many difficult times but sadly this is clearly the worst and, regrettably, the public, through “panic buying”, are making matters a lot worse.

What has caused me the most anguish is the lack of sporting activity. Since I was six when I used to peruse the cricket scores, and right through the Second World War when there was lots of sport taking place, I have followed sport on a daily basis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now there is nothing. A fact I am taking time to adjust to. Can things get worse? I hope sincerely that the answer is no and can only look forward to the return of normality.

Ken Playforth

address supplied

VIRUS

Will all curbs on life be lifted after crisis?

Will all the current restrictions in place be stopped when this crisis has passed or will the government use the whole thing to tiptoe to greater authoritarianism? I wonder...

Charlotte Hubbard

North Shore

Related topics: