RE Mark Anderson’s letter (HAS, April 21) seeking suggestions for appropriate dates and events to mark his proposal for the introduction of a British Day.

One idea would be William Shakespeare’s birthday – April 23 – as mentioned in your story (Echo, April 21) about Newcastle’s plans to mark St George’s Day, which was also April 23. It’s the same day, but more appropriate to Shakespeare than someone who, debatably, never existed.

William Sewell, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.