HAVING thought that the hate campaign Mrs Goodrick has waged against the entire German nation had finally come to an end, I see she is still determined to keep this thing going.

According to her letter (July 11) she still does not know that hostilities between Great Britain and Germany ceased on May 5, 1945. Therefore Germany was from that day on the ex-enemy and occupied territory.

Having been in Hamburg at that time, I found the occupying British troops a lot friendlier than Mrs Goodrick's attitude 57 years later. Does Mrs Goodrick not know that Germany has been a member of NATO for years and therefore the word 'ally' is more appropriate?

I also wonder what York's twin town Munster would make of the idea that they are suddenly classed as "the enemy". Not to mention German tourists and others. They have always found York a beautiful and welcoming city. So please can we see an end to all this!

The laying of a wreath at the German cemetery was no different to anything that has been going on for years. Namely British wreaths on German cemeteries and vice versa.

I came to Tadcaster as a German bride of a British soldier and have made many friends here. It's a shame that Mrs Goodrick has now got to spoil all that.

Mourn your husband, Mrs Goodrick, like millions all over Europe; and may I suggest you take a trip to France with a wreath for your husband. Deeds speak louder than words.

Mrs A Clark,

Auster Bank Road, Tadcaster.

...STEWING in hatred and bitterness for 60 years is a complete waste of life. It is not something of which you can be proud; even if you are "an educated, humble brewery worker".

What is the "Rampant Politically-correct Brigade"? Presumably it is composed of people who dare to disagree with the vociferous Mrs Ida Goodrick; are they the "metaphorical back-stabbers"? (July 11).

Clearly this lady believes she is the only person on the planet to suffer from the curse of war.

We would all benefit if this wretched subject was terminated, because hatred begets hatred. Look at the misery of Afghanistan and September 11. What we need is compassion and understanding, not all this useless rancour.

Try listening to the laughter of children playing in the sunshine; they are bright as rainbows in this vale of tears.

Robert Holmes,

Thorganby,

York.

Updated: 12:27 Monday, July 15, 2002