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Downton Abbey ’s big debt SIR: In his letter in the June issue, Anthony Evans is quite correct that the remarkable Grade I-listed Palladian house Basildon Park was extensively used during the making of both Downton Abbey and Belgravia – as were numerous other National Trust and privately owned historical buildings across Britain. At a time when the Trust is experiencing political difficulties, it is appropriate to acknowledge that the period film and television dramas for which this country is world renowned would be unviable without the extraordinary properties under the Trust’s care, or indeed the civic commitment of its legions of volunteers. Yours, Gareth Neame, Executive Producer Downton Abbey and Belgravia
Smarties show their metal SIR: Regarding Philip Norman’s article about the Smarties tubes (June issue), I remember the predecessor of the plastic caps. It was thin metal – aluminium, I think − which used to squash out of shape with the grip needed to remove it. This, combined with the paper-thin tube, made it almost impossible to replace for later consumption. The boxes I remember getting only in my Christmas stocking. Richard J Pickering, Leicester
‘This view is extra, sir’
(June issue). Elaine Pittuck and I must have been at the same gigs. Indeed, the Walthamstow Granada was the place where I became a Kinks fan in November 1964. I was luckier than Elaine, though, as I was one of the winners of a Kinks fanclub competition and got to meet the boys in May 1965. It’s not John Dalton in the photo, but Pete Quaife, the original bassist. John joined when Pete left the band. Still Kinky after all these years. Olga Ruocco, Basildon, Essex
I was Kinky, too
Cheltenham first
SIR: What a delight to read a piece about another Kinks fan’s reminiscences
SIR: I am surprised that Valerie Grove thinks that the Bedford Square Book Bang in 1971 was the first British literary festival. The Cheltenham Literary Festival, launched in October 1949, was the first not only in Britain but in the world. I was born in October 1949, near to Cheltenham, and feel quite proprietorial about the festival. There is life outside London… Yours, Wendy Edmond, Slawston, Leicestershire
‘I’m afraid it’s curiosity’ 42 The Oldie July 2021
Virginia’s Golden Years SIR: It was good to read the article on Virginia McKenna (June issue). I remember the films mentioned in it. I was surprised that the film she made in 2016 was not mentioned. It is called Golden Years. It is a wonderful British comedy concerning a group of oldies who get the better of the system that deprived them of their pension. The film starred, as well as Virginia McKenna, Bernard Hill, Simon Callow, Sue Johnston, Una Stubbs and other well-known faces. In these troubled times, it is good to see a feelgood film especially relevant to our generation. I can recommend it. Yours sincerely, Robin Wood, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire
The Lion queen SIR: It is always a wonderful experience to see a beautiful smile on the face of a beautiful woman. When I saw the photograph of Virginia McKenna and the lion cub in your June edition I just had to smile back! Yours, Gabriel Lavelle, Milton-underWychwood, Oxfordshire
