Nice to see Andy Welch’s article on the Fender Stratocaster reaching the age of 70 (‘With a Strat you can rule the world!’ Nile Rodgers, Bonnie Raitt and John Squire on the electric guitar that changed everything, 10 April). It’s a shame he omitted to mention the late Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher, who played what was – and is – arguably the most iconically road-worn Stratocaster ever. He was a shy and modest musician, and remains underrated. When Jimi Hendrix was asked what it felt like to be the best guitarist in the world, he replied: “I don’t know, ask Rory Gallagher.”
Graham Mort
Burton-in-Lonsdale, North Yorkshire
It’s such a joy to read Jim Perrin’s lyrical prose, especially in praise of celandines, which are scattered everywhere at the moment (Country diary, 13 April). Could I suggest that he turns his silver pen to extolling the virtues of the radiant but persecuted dandelion?
Val Kirby
Penrherber, Carmarthenshire
Rafael Behr tells us that the Tories have an empty space in their ideas box that might be filled by Liz Truss (There’s a gaping hole at the centre of the Tory party where ideas should be. The risk is Liz Truss will fill it, 17 April). Perfect, a vacuum for the vacuous.
Jonathan Hauxwell
Crosshills, North Yorkshire
In a free vote, Tory MPs have to vote with their conscience (MPs vote for smoking ban despite Tories’ division over policy, 16 April). Let’s be honest, most of them will have to find it first.
Derek McMillan
Durrington, West Sussex
Re smartphone addiction (Letter, 16 April), on a walk this week, a youth (possibly 12 years old) asked me the time. I glanced at my watch and told him. His reply: “Don’t you have phone?”
Richard McClean
Marple Bridge, Greater Manchester