Please may we, through your columns, express our thanks for the support and generous sponsorship we have received from friends, neighbours, work colleagues and patients at Chevin Medical Practice.

We have managed to raise nearly £600 for Help for Heroes which made the all the pain and effort worthwhile.

Debbie Bland and Elizabeth Grayson

Skyrac AC

Safe public transport is not an unreasonable expectation

I read with dismay but not surprise, the account of the 22-year-old Burley man forced to hand over a sum of money to a group of younger youths when travelling home by rail late one evening (Gazette, April 29).

Last year, my youngest son, then aged 14, and his friend faced intimidation and physical attack from a similar group. The attack took place on a train one Sunday evening and the matter was reported to the Brtish Transport Police. Statements were obtained. The chance of identifying the culprits ( as proved to be the case ) – little or none.

Our local rail network is the jewel in the Northern Rail crown. A huge success following support from Metro and investment of millions of pounds in rolling stock. Additional infrastructure has included improved customer facilities at stations (witness the electronic information boards ) and a service frequency second to none.

But, I question the priorities currently established.

At the time of the incident involving my son I was astonished to be informed that the trains were not fitted with CCTV surveillance systems. In the context of previous developments, a spend of perhaps £1-2k per unit represents a drop in the investment ocean.

Secondly, invisible train crews. I regularly travel on later trains from Leeds, never witnessing a train conductor patrolling his/her domain. Perhaps the environment is deemed unsafe for staff, this quite apart from revenue protection implications.

As a parent of teenage boys, I no doubt share the concerns of other local parents facing demands for independence. It is not unreasonable to expect safe public transport for such independence to flourish.

Perhaps Metro or Northern Rail would wish to respond.

Keith Roebuck

Wheatley Gardens, Ben Rhydding

Remembering founders of Ilkley & District Motor Club

2010 is the Centenary Year of the Ilkley & District Motor Club which was formed by local resident Norman Longfield who lived at Laurel Bank, Ilkley. The president was Mr T Archer Pearce, of Exton, Ilkley, but he was only president until 1912 as he went to Canada “to break new ground for his firm”. Headquarters were at the Crescent Hotel, Ilkley.

I wonder if there are any descendants of these two gentlemen still living in the Ilkley area who are able to give any information as to their involvement in those early days.

There are many centenary celebrations planned during the year and a carpet bedding display on the Grove, produced by the technical unit, leisure services – parks department for Bradford District Council will commemorate the centenary during the summer months.

Janet Kitching

Club Historian

Parkfield, Menston

Week will focus on strengths and talents of dyslexic children

May 17-23 has been designated as Xtraordinary Week. The aim is to raise awareness and focus on the strengths and talents of dyslexic children everywhere.

To coincide with the awareness week, I have written a free and simple fact sheet on dyslexia which provides information about the condition.

Children who have dyslexia can have problems with reading, writing or spelling. It is believed that one in 10 children has some form of dyslexia, which is Greek for "difficulty with words".

Parents naturally want the best for their children. They know that good literacy skills are the building blocks to educational success and a satisfying career. But many parents are in the dark about their child’s special educational needs and how best to help them.

If any of your readers would like a free copy of the fact sheet, they can write to me at the address below, call 01980 621020, e-mail secretary@appleford.wilts.sch.uk or visit the website at applefordschool.org

Dr Peter Gardner, Chartered Educational Psychologist

Dyslexia Simplified Fact Sheet

Appleford School, Shrewton, Nr Salisbury Wiltshire, SP3 4HL

Heart charity issues Three Peaks challenge

National heart charity, Heart Research UK is calling on everyone to put on their walking boots and take part in its flagship fundraiser, the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on Saturday, June 19.

Now in its 14th year, the 25-mile walk covers three peaks in the Yorkshire Dales – Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The challenge provides spectacular scenery, gets your heart pumping and helps to raise money for pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. The charity needs as many dedicated, physically fit people as possible to do one, two, or even three peaks.

Walking regularly is great exercise to keep your heart healthy. It helps tone your muscles, improves circulation and can make you feel happier and more relaxed. Taking part in an established event like this is a fantastic way to raise money and find the motivation to get into an exercise routine and stick to it.

Heart Research UK does not charge an entry fee, it simply asks all walkers to raise as much sponsorship money as possible. Walkers can choose to face the challenge alone, with friends and family, or with colleagues from work, as part of a team building day.

For further information or to enter the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474, email fundraising@heartresearch.org.uk, or visit heartresearch.org.uk/three_peaks.htm.

Barbara Harpham

National Director, Heart Research UK, Suite 12D, Joseph's Well, Leeds.

Get set to Go Bananas on Fruity Friday

I am writing to let your readers know that the date for this year's Go Bananas on Fruity Friday campaign has been set for May 14.

Held by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and sponsored by fruit supplier Dole Fresh UK, the aim of the campaign is to get people across Britain to Go Bananas and dress down in yellow on Fruity Friday to raise money for WCRF.

This is to get across the message about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in a fun way. It is also important for raising valuable funds for our cancer prevention research and education programmes.

Any readers who would like to find out more about Go Bananas on Fruity Friday or organise a fundraising event can visit www.fruityfriday.org and download a fundraising pack, as well as buying those essential yellow accessorises, such as T-shirts, wigs and even banana costumes! Or they can call 020 7343 4205 for more information.

Natalie Tarrant, Events Manager

World Cancer Research Fund, Bedford Square, London

Fighting for loos/h5>

Readers with internet access can view a petition on the number 10 website at petitions.number10.gov.uk/publictoiletkeep to try to help get local authorities to open more public toilets instead of closing them.

Remember lots of people in the United Kingdom require toilets at short notice. The young, the old, and people with medical problems, so please support this petition.

Readers without internet access please lobby your local councillors.

FE Sharpe

Elburton Road, Plymstock, Plymouth.