The daily grind could do us a power of good | Brief letters
Following this research (Pounding grain gave Neolithic women bones to beat athletes, it would be interesting to study the difference, if any, between the bones of women before, say, the 1970s and today. Before most households possessed automatic washing machines, washing clothes, scrubbing floors etc must have contributed to healthier bones; even if, before rubber gloves, knuckles, hands and knees became sore.
Catherine Roome
Staplehurst, Kent
" Emily Thornberry's mother, Sallie, was a Labour councillor in this mainly Conservative town and later mayor (Enter stage left, Weekend, 25 November) . She was also a highly respected English teacher in a local comprehensive. Those who witnessed her delivery of The Green Eye of the Yellow God in a school music hall performance will not forget her sense of humour and lovely voice.
Sylvia Jones
Guildford, Surrey