York man reveals connections with TV’s David Attenborough

WE have been to see David Attenborough’s new film, Ocean.

If, f15 years ago, he was maybe over-cautious about using his platform and his vast knowledge to talk about the environmental threats facing the natural world, the same cannot be said today.

The footage of the destruction that bottom trawling does to the seabed was traumatic and ugly.

We humans too easily behave as if we are at war with our own planet, and the dazzling and precious biodiversity that it harbours.

Attenborough is right, this destruction has to stop. Next month’s UN conference can make it happen.

Our paths have crossed a number of times.

Long ago I wrote asking Attenborough how I might compose music for his films after leaving college.

He replied. Fifteen years later I was composer on two of his films.

More recently, my daughters asked him to help them to persuade their grandfather to have a pond in his garden.

David obliged and wrote my dad a letter. A pond was created and now biodiversity blooms. And, famously, Attenborough stood up for Clifton Backies!

Happy birthday, David Attenborough.

We all owe you gratitude for your lifetime of service to the natural world.

Christian Vassie

Blake Court,

Wheldrake,

York

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Green belt is still needed – 200 years after creation

I REFER to your story about an 800-plus home garden village planned for York green belt facing a setback in its future development.

Building on the green belt is wrong. It must not be allowed under any circumstances.

Green belts were first advocated in 1829 by Claudius Loudon by encasing towns to provide breathing zones for people to walk into.

They were created on purpose for a reason.

If they was a need in 1829 they are certainly needed in 2025, nearly two hundred years later.

Peter Fawcett,

Cleckheaton

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York U3A’s affordable clubs

YORK U3A is a marvellous charity offering those not working full time affordable leisure pursuits and sociable clubs.

You don’t have to be old, fully retired or have qualifications. Nor be adept at skills. Just have a go and try them out.

I’ve found U3A really welcoming. Run by volunteers it is only £17.50 to access as many as 130 groups. Most have spaces and are about £2.50 per session. There’s no pressure to teach or offer a group activity unless you want to.

I’ve tried the film club, ukulele and am booked into a drawing session and historical walk.

New joiners in May get 15 months for the price of 12.

U3A is based off Clifford’s Street with activities across the city. About 1,800 people are already enjoying membership.

You can learn more at https://york.u3asite.uk/

Anna Semlyen,

Howard Drive,

York

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Broken promises?

HOW easy for a politician when in opposition to make promises.

Prior to last July’s General Election Keir Starmer told the electorate that he would “end asylum hotels”, saving the tax payer billions of pounds; also knew the way to “smash the gangs” organising crossings for illegal immigrants from France to England.

In both cases he has been proved to lack the competence to fulfil what he said, crossings are at a record level, as are the number of illegal immigrants enjoying free bed and breakfast in hotels.

Yet he still claims he is on top of the job.

Peter Rickaby,

West Park,

Selby