The entertainer Joyce Grenfell moved in aristocratic circles and knew several royals. After spending a weekend in the Queen Mother's company in July 1979 she wrote to a friend: "She is a funny mixture of folly, charm and prejudices."

The idolatry of some older people for the Queen Mother strikes me as even more bizarre than that for the Spice Girls among teenagers.

By the time we reach our 60s and 70s ,we have learned to accept human weaknesses in ourselves, in our most-loved friends and in every public figure. Why not in even the most respected of royals?

It is the last part of Dr Roden's letter (February 10) which angers me.

I think it was impertinent of the Chapter Clerk to tell Dr Roden what to include in his parish newsletter and to which cause (however worthy in itself) he should donate.

I suggest the Chapter Clerk should watch the films Brassed Off and The Full Monty before second-guessing the priorities which an industrial chaplain in a mining area may have for supporting community causes in need of funds.

Mary Machen,

St John's Crescent, York.

...How could anyone be so mean as to talk about the Queen Mother like that ('Vicar Slams Queen Mum Appeal', February 9)? What harm has she done him? How he can say such things I do not know.

Rev Roden talks about the war years. The royal family did not fly off to another country which they could have done. We could have been invaded at any minute. Regarding the rest of the family, everyone has their troubles, royal or not. They are only human after all, just like us you know. My family and I think she is a wonderful lady. God bless her.

Mrs E White,

Harlow Road,

Holgate, York.

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