The new week starts off with discussion on the future of the frigate Unicorn, pensions, the Orange march in Perth, and the Gaza conflict.
Frigate Unicorn overlooked in her own city Sir,-I am a Dundonian who has worked in England for many years and recently completed a diploma in maritime history at Hull University.
I have been amazed to discover how revered and important Dundee’s frigate Unicorn is in maritime history circles not just in Britain but worldwide yet she appears to be sadly ignored in her own city.
Her condition is deteriorating.
Completed in 1824, Unicorn’s hull is that of the Leda class of frigates of Nelson’s navy, numerically the largest class of British frigate in the Napoleonic Wars.
At 186 years of age, she is the oldest British-built warship afloat and a uniquely superb monument to the final years of the wooden shipbuilders’ craft.
She has also served Dundee proudly through her working relationship of over 100 years with the city’s Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and other maritime organisations.
I have recently joined the Frigate Unicorn Preservation Society and, in conversation with ship manager Bob Hovell, it appears there is a shortage of volunteer helpers.
Such help could be practical in supporting Unicorn’s basic maintenance needs or in helping with the ship’s reception duties, greeting visitors and, eventually, helping them to tour the ship.
Bruce Dawson.2a Ash Grove,Royton,Lancashire.
Parties ignore our pensioners
Sir,-May I offer a word of support for the letter from Jim McAulay (July 1)?
As chairman of Dundee Pensioners’ Forum, he offers an infinitely more constructive and optimistic approach than his counterpart in Perth and Kinross.
Mr McAulay may be interested in the fact that our party was established in 2003 and we have fought in local and national elections.
At the start, our demand was for a weekly state pension of £160, which has now risen to £180. That’s not so far away from his target of £173. And it is worth noting that not one of the main parties has challenged our claims that the country can afford this.
However, to realise this ambition we need the political will and this can only be brought about by getting rid of politicians who are not even remotely interested in the issue.
It is not unreasonable to suggest that their ongoing indifference is rooted in their personal retirement prospects which are overly generous, thanks to taxpayer-funded subsidies.
Jim Parker.Pensioners’ Party,9 Banchory Green,Glenrothes.
Make marchers pay for privilege
Sir,-I proposed the rejection of the licence for the Orange Order to parade through the streets of Perth on June 26 but it was granted by a single vote. I felt it imperative that I had the opportunity to view the march.
I attended the police briefing before the march and was astonished at the extent to which the police had to go to for such an event to take place.
With police having to co-ordinate in excess of 100 personnel, the majority of them uniformed, that put a huge burden on the force.
Their presence in the city centre was at times intimidating but no more intimidating than the 4000 Orange Order members who paraded through the streets.
My main objections to this parade taking place on a Saturday in the city centre were on the grounds of public safety and, although the police did a marvellous job, I believe that if we had not such a police presence, disorder could very well have occurred.
Such an event created massive publicity prior, during and after and much of it was of a negative nature.
This had a detrimental effect on the business community and the life of the city centre that day.
Many retailers saw a downturn in business during the parade. There is a cost in co-ordinating such a parade which falls on the taxpayer and it is my opinion that this should not occur and organisations who wish to partake in events of this nature should be contributing financially to the running and policing of the event.
Councillor Heather Stewart.Ward 12,Perth City Centre.
Egypt’s role in Gaza conflict
Sir,-It was with some amazement that I read the letter by Steve Dron (July 2) concerning the attack on the flotilla heading towards Gaza.
The Israelis have always allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza but what they will not permit under any circumstances is the importation of materials which can be used for manufacturing munitions.
Anyone with a real desire to get aid into Gaza has simply to have it checked for its legitimacy by the Israeli checkpoints and there is no question that it will be allowed through. Using paintball guns is an amazing first choice of weapons for an elite assault force.
After suffering more than 7000 rocket attacks from Gaza over the years, there is no doubt in my mind concerning the legality of the response.
Why was there only trouble on one ship?
I fully realise that it is fashionable to demonise Israel but speaking frankly, is it written anywhere that the Israelis should just quietly walk into the sea to resolve the situation?
My fear is that, one day, the Israelis will tire of turning the other cheek and will quite firmly decide that enough is enough.
The Egyptians tolerate the Gazans so little that the Egypt-Gaza border is also closed but somehow this is not the slightest bit newsworthy.
Donald K. Leiper.38 Binghill Road North,Milltimber,Aberdeen.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.