Sir, - I refer to the letter "Common Courtesy" (D&S, Nov 29) and fully agree with Simon Martin's annoyance over the hunt's complete disregard for a driver's obeying all the rules of safety and good manners. I can only imagine that they were in the middle of a crisis, their minds entirely focussed on the safety of their hounds.

On the back of our hunt's booklet, which goes to every member, appears the following under the title "Thank You".

There is more to going hunting than just sitting on a horse

And jumping great big fences and falling off (of course).

A "Good Morning" to the master and to others at the Meet

Is essential be they mounted, in cars, or on their feet.

When everyone is galloping across fields, through yards, just wait

Don't forget to say Thank You to the farmer at his gate.

Remember on the highway there are those against the chase,

they wont be so against us if waved on with a cheery face,

When riding on your high horse and looking down your nose

The driver may be thinking "My God, he's one of those!"

So all the time you're hunting, please remember don't forget

That the future of your sport may depend on ETIQUETTE

Every hunt would do well to express similar thoughts to its members.

CHRISTOPHER CURTIS

Carthorpe,

Bedale.

Punctured cyclist

Sir, - I am hoping that our farmer friends will read this and ensure that the contractors that they employ are instructed to sweep the roads after they have been hedge cutting.

This is the time of year when many older cyclists want to make the most of the fine days before the winter sets in to enjoy the local rides in the country lanes.

We all appreciate that this is also the time when hedges have to be maintained and the work which was labour intensive years ago can be undertaken both quicker and more economically using the tractor-mounted trimmers.

However, the problems this method gives to cyclists is that the dangerous cuttings from the hedges provide a carpet, which an "Indian firewalker" would find very difficult to traverse.

If the constabulary checked the spikes left on the roads following the hedging they would probably be suitable for them to use to stop stolen cars?

Please Mr Farmer, it is not very pleasant having to mend punctures because of the thoughtless actions of the trimmers, surely a few minutes with a sweeping broom to move the spikes to the edge of the road will not cost the earth and will allow other road users to enjoy the beautiful country-side where we live.

MALCOLM McARTHUR

Egglescliffe,

Stockton.

What change?

Sir, - Locally slaughtered meat, raised to humane welfare standards is available in the region from local butchers' shops. Not every producer has RSPCA Freedom foods certification but most UK farmers now sign up to at least one set of welfare standards.

We are currently inspected by Dairy Farmers of Britain and Organic Farmers & Growers'. Our animal welfare standards are very similar to those of "Freedom Foods" and although more than half of our meat is slaughtered at McIntyre's of Bainbridge and is available at a local butcher's, most is sold south of the region.

Whilst UK farmers are busy being inspected, British consumers are buying 40pc of their chicken from Thailand. New Zealand free-range butter seems very popular in the shops at present but does anyone know what welfare standards are being met on the 500-cow units where this milk is produced?

Great changes were promised in the industry after last year's foot-and-mouth problems, where are they?

CATHERINE CALVERT

Hazel Brow Farm,

Low Row.

Mystery carvings

Sir, - At the head of Bilsdale in the North York Moors there is a small quarry. On the rock faces a talented sculptor has done a series of carvings. These include several birds, a head, a dragon fly, a Celtic knot, and the words Urra Vista. I would be grateful for any information regarding these works of art.

For several years I have photographed rocks on the North York Moors. Included are crosses, boundary stones, waymarkers, direction markers, memorial stones, and inscribed stones. These may be seen on the web-site www.nymstones. ku. co.uk.

M E FRISBY

1 Mayorswell Close,

Gilesgate,

Durham City.

Great nursing

Sir, - Having recently been in Friarage Hospital I felt I had to write re the excellent treatment I received.

I was lucky enough to be on military ward, where most of the nurses were Queen Alexandra's and aren't they just fantastic. They are like nurses used to be - caring, making time for their patients and they nurse.

During the time I was an in-patient I never saw nurses sat round the nurses' station as you so often do at other hospitals whose name we will not mention.

The doctors were also mostly military and they too were very good.

I can truly say that I was extremely impressed with everything about the Friarage Hospital and will continue to opt to go there if ever hospital visits are necessary.

The people of Northallerton really have a hospital to be proud of. Long may that situation continue.

LINDA E BUTLER-BLADES

Tower Hill,

Grewelthorpe.