I always read Country Diary to give me a sense of perspective about the world and to make me smile. Andrea Meanwell’s piece about TB (3 July) reduced me to tears; but thank you, as it shone a light on something that we otherwise read about dispassionately when it is covered in the media. I offer her my heartfelt sympathy.
Robin Gardner
Nottingham
• Congratulations to the United States for 250 years of independence from the British empire (For allies and adversaries alike, America at 250 is a solid global citizen gone rogue, 3 July). Now is surely the time for the UK to declare independence from the American empire.
Anthony Matthew
Leicester
