Ian Martin is unfair on speed awareness course leaders when he compares Keir Starmer “droning on” in a leaders’ debate to them (Betting, vetting and the return of Big Dog: the weirdest election campaign ever is only getting weirder, 21 June). I attended one such course a few years ago, and apart from being disabused of the idea that men were the main culprits in exceeding speed limits (numbers in the room were an even split between the sexes), I spent a delightful afternoon being entertained by two course leaders, whose sardonic wit helped reinforce the serious message. I did say to them that they had missed careers as standup comedians.
Tom Brown
London
• Re understanding archaic references in crosswords (Letters, 21 June), at the other end of the spectrum, I had to ask my granddaughter to explain what “clout bombing” means (Barbie pink is out, lime green is in: Charli XCX’s album spawns ‘brat summer’ trend, 21 June).
Mark Newbury (aged 64)
Sophia Ferguson (aged 11)
Farndale, North Yorkshire
