Extended runway at Birmingham essential
Dear Editor, I would like to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the issue of the runway extension at Birmingham Airport.
It should have been extended ten years ago. Increasing the runway capacity will result in a positive impact on the economy. This will increase tourism, business and jobs. It will also greatly increase our links to the world.
I praise the effort and hard work of the airport authority as they are aiming to complete this project by the 2012 Olympic Games. Let’s be fair from all perspectives, a lot of positive things have been said already about this project. Birmingham Airport should reflect our highly-regarded international city status, providing an accessible world-class airport facility for worldwide travel and giving an airport to be proud of. As the second city, people should not have to rely upon travelling to the airports of London and Manchester and keep struggling on trains and coaches for two hours to catch the flights. Now is the right time that the Midlands as a whole support the airport. It is important that Birmingham does not fall behind other international cities. Please do not delay any further in making the runway a reality.
Khadim Hussain
Northfield
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How Civilisation broke the TV mould
Dear Editor,
I note that it is the 40th anniversary of the making of Civilisation and Sir David Attenborough, who commissioned the 1969 documentary, was interviewed aptly by Gavin Esler. This great first in documentary styles was presented by the late great historian Lord Kenneth Clarke and broadcast on the new and bold station BBC 2, which became a testing board for many a great programme which eventually made its way onto mainstream BBC 1.
Lord Clarke was father of the maverick MP, Alan Clarke, and one of the founders of Granada TV, Colin Clarke. I am a great fan of Civilisation and I feel the BBC should repeat the documentary ASAP, because what is blatantly obvious is the fact that it would be a breath of fresh air to a new type of audience. I have to say that they don’t make documentaries like that anymore sadly, but then again try and find another Lord Clarke from today’s establishment and one would be tried in the Tower for being too British and certainly too European-centred.
I always remember talking to Colin Clarke about his father and Civilisation during the 1990s, as well as conversations about his brother. There was no doubt he was proud of his father and brother and it came across in every way. I got to know Colin whilst planning to write a book about the Midland-born actor Richard Wattis. Colin and Richard had met on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl at Pinewood Studios in 1955 and he mentions Richard in his famous diaries, amongst many more, including Marilyn Monroe. Colin was PA to Olivier during the making of that film.
Colin was a lovely chap and very helpful regarding my inquisitive nature towards the great and good of the silver screen. I had many a long chat with him on the phone and he was sincerely interested in all I had to say. I have letters and signed autographs in my possession from many a thespian and media icon of the 20th century, but of all the ones who eventually died and went to the great theatre bar in the sky, Colin’s death in late 2002, is the only one who brought a tear to my eye, ache to my heart and tremble to my lips.
Eventually I wrote my book on Richard Wattis but sadly at a time when Colin was no longer around, but I dedicated my book to Colin. He would have been pleased I remembered Richard Wattis, but more importantly I am sure he would be pleased that his father’s input into Civilisation was remembered 40 years after it hit the airwaves.
IAN PAYNE
Walsall
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Relegation in train in
the West Midlands
Dear Editor, It’s sad that the West Midlands would face relegation in league transport terms based on the findings of the GVA Grimley survey (Post, Feb 23).
Worse still that trains are now bypassing Solihull and routes withdrawn as Walsall and Wolves residents found. New Street Gateway will doubtless have its day, but it won’t get any extra trains through the bottleneck. The government recently announced a £7.5billion contract to build new trains. Pity that few will be built here or that of the 1,000 new carriages promised only a third have yet been ordered.
Steve Kirkham
Kings Heath
