There has recently been a superb performance of Shakespeare's Richard III at Ludlow Castle. Modern historians now know that the real Richard bore little resemblance to the grotesque creature portrayed in the play. Shakespeare's Richard III spends much of his early life supporting his much more illustrious but flawed elder brother; while at the same time scurrying around in the shadows plotting against enemies, real and imagined; he destroys all those who might be competition; gathers around him a collection of young, impressionable followers
who, being nonentities in their own right, cling to his coat-tails and carry out his bidding.

Sadly, having once attained his life-long goal, he proves incapable of mastering the role and, seeing treachery all around him, alienates the powerful who originally accepted his rule.

The tale culminates in disaster at an August battle on Bosworth Field.

The only questions for Gordon Brown are who and where is Henry Tudor? And which of his so-called friends and allies will stand by him and which of them just stand by?


Turbine threat to views at Bolton Abbey

From: G Malcolm Walker, Draughton, Skipton.

LAST week, you reported on the work that English Heritage was doing to highlight the threat to the physical fabric of Yorkshire's historic buildings and gardens. It is equally important to recognise the threat posed to the setting of these buildings by insidious development. Bolton Abbey – a grade one listed building and for generations of Yorkshire men and women a glorious celebration of Arcadian landscape is, courtesy of Yorkshire Water and Bolton Abbey Estate, facing the threat of having a backdrop of two 420ft high industrial wind turbines.

I hope English Heritage is doing all in its power to ensure it does not happen.


Mixed views on M&S fashion offerings


From: Ann Heath, Farlington, York.

WITH reference to Linda Sheridan's letter (Yorkshire Post, July 14) I agree with every word. I shopped in York on Friday,
July 11 and noticed the lack of shoppers buying from Marks & Spencer. For some time the
rails have been full of the same old things only in different colours.

As suggested by Linda Sheridan in her comments – Lily Cole and Erin O'Connor are
not the average British size
and I personally do not
think that these models go out in M&S clothing.

Stuart Rose really needs to pull his socks up and ask the women in the street what she wants – and it is not what M&S are offering.

If it's good, we'll buy it; if it's not, it should go for rags.

From: M Hunt, Secker Lane, Woolley, Near Wakefield.

WHEN I saw the photo of the lovely model, Lily Cole, in her Marks & Spencer dress, I thought she looked stunning.
I am only sorry it wasn't in colour! Far from turning me off, as Linda Sheridan pronounced that I would be (Yorkshire Post, July 14), I was enchanted.

At last pretty dresses are making a comeback and girls can look feminine again. Perhaps we may see the end of the ubiquitous jeans – and, hopefully, the bare midriffs! Unlike the letter writer, I like the vibrant colours, frills, sequins and all. I only wish I could still wear them.

So don't despair, Sir Stuart Rose, you still have many loyal and satisfied customers who remain happy with "your M&S". The fall in your profits may well have more to do with the economic situation than with the manager of your fashion department. We wish you well.

From: Mrs Paulyne H Patrick, New Way, Tranmere Park, Guiseley.

I AGREE wholeheartedly with Linda Sheridan (Yorkshire Post, July 14) regarding the fashions at Marks & Spencer.

I think they should re-name their store "Teens and Twenties".

They have lost the plot.