Waste of time

A few years ago I was called to jury service at Middlesbrough Crown Court and it was a complete farce. On arrival, the court attendant was surprised to see so many potential jurors and several were sent home immediately. How could this be when we had all received summonses containing dire threats should we fail to attend?

On each subsequent day, several people who had never been called were given permission to leave and on the third day I too was given my marching orders.

This was a complete waste of time and money; most of us had had to make elaborate arrangements for being away from home/work for two to three weeks, which were completely unnecessary, not to mention the cost of our travel and food expenses to the taxpayer.

Although it was frustrating, time passed pleasantly enough. I met new friends, played a lot of cards and drank copious amounts of coffee. However, I would hate to think of police officers and doctors having to endure the same "imprisonment".

SALLY CRAIG

Great Fencote,

Northallerton.

See for yourself

Sir, - Evidence, so called, from other hunt countries continues to pour forth from V L Lonsdale (D&S letters, Sept 24), mostly provided by anti-hunting organisations - the League Against Cruel Sports and the RSPCA.

As she is well aware I imagine, the hunt does not own the coverts within its territory and cannot therefore invite the public to view them. Permission to do so is in the hands of the lawful owners who might be prepared to admit a genuinely interested person.

But the Bedale and all other hunts in the country not only welcome visitors to the kennels and meets but they are also welcome to a day's hunting, on foot or by car. You will be able to see various coverts and a day's hunting and enjoy the company of other followers.

Unlike many of those against hunting, hunters welcome those who come to see country behaviour for themselves.

CHRISTOPHER CURTIS

Field House,

Carthorpe,

Bedale.

It's a hound's life

Sir, - In view of recent claims concerning the uncertain future of their hunting dogs made by the pro-hunt fraternity during their recent very public demonstrations, I would like to point out that annually about 3,000 dogs are put down by hunts after six or seven years hunting (about half their natural lifespan) because they have passed their peak of fitness for hunting.

This figure was supplied to the Burns "Hunting With Dogs" Inquiry by the Countryside Alliance.

PATRICIA RAMSAY

Rook House,

East Cowton.

Heartless negelct?

Sir, - Sitting on the cold and grubby steps of the Memorial in the Market Place at Richmond and wondering whether the storm or the bus would come first, I pondered whether it was worse to find a shelter shut - as the passengers in Northallerton found in pouring rain - or no shelter at all as in Richmond bus place.

Coming from Leyburn and needing to change for Darlington, the bus from Leyburn arrives on the hour and the Darlington bus leaves on the hour. Being two different bus companies I guess they're not in cahoots enough to wait for each other so if missed it means 20 minutes in the open with anything the weather can throw at us.

I believe there used to be a through bus. Is this progress or heartless neglect of passengers?

IRENE BRAITHWAITE

Market Place,

Leyburn.

Branson's failures

Sir, - There was something inevitable about the Richard Branson's high speed train breaking down after all the hype.

I was so relieved when he was refused the chance to take over our (mostly) efficient and well-run GNER service in the North-East. Without doubt the success of his airline is impressive - but what else has he succeeded in? All failures - including personal ones full of bravado in balloons. What have I missed?

ANN MURRAY

The Green,

Middleton Tyas.

Hospice heroes

Sir, - I recently lost my sister (Mary) due to cancer. During her illness she came under the care of the district nurses and the dedicated Macmillan nurses covering the Darlington area.

The care provided by these nurses was of the highest order. For the final four days of her illness the nursing staff at St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, cared for Mary. The service offered was second to none and Mary was given the utmost care and compassion.

I wish to highlight how important a part this hospice, run as a charity, plays in our community with very little funding. All of the nursing staff and voluntary support workers who work at the hospice and the charity shops are unsung heroes.

I would like to take this opportunity to say if at any time members of the public have a chance to support Macmillan nurses, Marie Curie nurses and St Teresa's Hospice they should do so. Good luck and God bless them all.

B LERIGO

Norman Square,

Richmond.

Taking our money

Sir, - In times of crisis we look to establishments such as hospitals to look after us and not take advantage. When my daughter was recently in Darlington Memorial it was good to see that they provided facilities such as a pay TV and a phone at each bedside to allow that important contact with family.

What wasn't so good was the wait necessary to obtain a letter to complete her discharge. This resulted in us having to phone her four times to try to find out when she was leaving in order to collect her. The cost on our latest bill was £11 for 22 minutes.

It is disgraceful for a hospital to take advantage of concerned relatives in this way. Oh yes there was a message at the beginning of the call explaining the cost but what alternative at the time did there appear to be.

For comparison the journey home was eventually taken by taxi and yes it was a lot less than the phone bill.

Perhaps if they were as efficient in their hygiene as they are at extracting money they wouldn't have a problem with the MRSA superbug.

MIKE GILBEY

Westfield Drive,

Hurworth.

Not a good example

Sir, - I was absolutely appalled to read in your report on school meals (D&S, Oct 1) the advice given to parents by Darlington Borough Council: "Even if parents do not wish to take up the opportunity of the school meals, by registering their claim they could be opening the way to millions of pounds of extra funding for schools".

Is this an example of the lack of honesty and integrity demonstrated by our public representatives and are they giving good example to the community they serve?

BRID WYNN

St John's Park,

Aldbrough St John.