Any five-year-old can grow runner beans (Letters, 24 August)? Not this year. After more than 40 years of growing vegetables, the drought has defeated me. Repeated sowings and constant watering eventually yielded a few sickly runners that struggled up the canes. A handful of beans have presented themselves. Next year, I think I’ll look for some sort of edible cactus. Or maybe plant an olive grove.
Anne Dyas
Dorridge, West Midlands
• I’m so tired of hearing politicians, when being interviewed, prefixing what they say with “Well, look…” or just “Look…” No, I won’t be told to look, and where am I supposed to look in any case? I have taken to looking at the floor (and counting to 10). Can something be done? I am almost prepared to vote for anyone who desists from this practice – whatever they might go on to say.
Dale R Hewitt
Romsey, Hampshire
