IN his reply to me on the subject of the Queen’s Birthday Honours, AE Donkin (HAS, June 27), who felt I was disparaging those who have rendered stalwart service to their communities, really missed the point.

These people can be honoured by their fellow citizens. Indeed, I know some of them myself.

What I was saying was in relation to honours such as the Order of the British Empire and Member of the British Empire. The days of Empire are long gone and those who take the trouble to read its history will discover it was far from what is in school history books.

By all means recognise those who serve the public over many years, but please get shot of all reference to the British Empire.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.