In Newcastle city centre there are four witty and thought-provoking pavement plaques (Letters, 5 January), designed by the local artist Rupert Clamp, which honour fictitious everyday heroes. My favourite says: “Mrs Mary Howard adjusted her hat in the reflection in this window, 3rd June 1921”. No less brilliant is the plaque that recalls a disappointing day: “Anne Huxtable waited for a friend who did not arrive, 8th December 1952”.
Fred Robinson
Durham
• Donald Trump once again shows his crass ignorance in saying “We will always be there for Nato, even if they won’t be there for us” (Marco Rubio says he will meet Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week, 7 January). Nato’s article 5 (an attack on one is an attack on all) has been invoked only once – in defence of the US after 9/11.
Chris Ainsworth
Rossendale, Lancashire
