It seems that whenever I read the Letters page, there is a letter from Mr Brian Derbyshire of Ribchester Grove, Bolton. Maybe this letter has something nice to say about the world around us but, lo and behold, he's whingeing again. Over the years he has moaned about anything and everything under the sun. Can I just ask him why he bothers to get out of bed in the morning?

The letter he had published on December 1 was the biggest load of rot yet. How can he blame teachers for the bad behaviour of young people on a bus? Teachers are there to educate, not to teach manners or respect. These should have been taught from an early age by the child's parents before they are of school age. This could then be carried on through school with the support of both parents and teachers together.

Maybe if Mr Derbyshire and the other moaners like him got involved with the children of today, they would have a pleasant surprise and find they are not all hooligans, thugs or vandals. Instead, they run out to complain at the first sign of children playing in the street and the only thing they show the children is animosity and that is just what they will get back in return. If you show them respect, you might have something pleasant to write about for a change.

This week, December 14, we are having a go at the hospitaIs, saying don't put all your eggs in one basket. It sounds to me that is just what you have done (and smashed the lot). Never mind, Mr Derbyshire, that's something else for you to write about.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and people like you a Happy Christmas and a moan-free New Year.

Doreen Sanders

Registered Childminder

Rushton Road, Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.