‘I can attest to the ability of this precious activity to distract, uplift and, well, simply rescue one from the deepest pit of despair.’ Photograph: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy View image in fullscreen ‘I can attest to the ability of this precious activity to distract, uplift and, well, simply rescue one from the deepest pit of despair.’ Photograph: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy Brief letters Film Letters Rescued by the magic of cinema Comfort of strangers | Another Battle of Hastings | Autumn lights | Borrowed books | Poly wobbles
Such an inspiring tale of the transformative power of cinema ( The one change that worked: numb with grief, I sat in the dark, surrounded by strangers – and began to heal, 12 October ). Having lost my only sister, my father and my wife within a relatively short period, I can attest to the ability of this precious activity to distract, uplift and, well, simply rescue one from the deepest pit of despair. Cinema saves lives – that is absolutely clear to me. Geoffrey Meenan London
I was there at the other Battle of Hastings on 5 March 1966 ( Letters, 12 October ). I was 16 and went with my then boyfriend, who was at Leicester art college. I recall the sack costume and wildly rushing down a hill. That evening I ate spaghetti bolognese (English version) for the first time. My taste for Italian food lasted longer than the boyfriend. Elaine Fear Horsted Keynes, West Sussex
Emma Beddington is looking for autumnal glimmers ( 12 October ). She should join me in our morning bathroom at this time of year, when we have a rainbow on our toilet roll, as the low sun refracts through then reflects from the edge of the mirror opposite. Julia Leach Norwich
My library always sends me a “pre-overdue” notice a few days before the return date for books I’ve borrowed ( Letters, 12 October ). Surely my books are simply due? Lynne Scrimshaw London
Now I feel discriminated against. No one asked me which school I attended when I was at Teesside Polytechnic ( Letters, 11 October ). Keith Langton Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway
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