Cleo Laine (Obituary, 25 July) was not only a great performer and proselytiser for jazz, but supported the arts and artists in less public ways. When I launched The Arts Channel in 1983, she and John Dankworth became shareholders and consultants. In this role they persuaded many of the world’s leading jazz artists to appear on the channel. They were also two of the judges for our young jazz players’ competition.
John Griffiths
Monmouth
In Cardiff, we had ripe blackberries in June (Letters, 25 July). I have already made blackberry vinegar and blackberry and lemon magic pudding (which is delicious with cream). There are hundreds of green blackberries still waiting to ripen.
Hilary Perry
Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan
Not being a fan of spoof movies in general, I have watched only one in my life, Galaxy Quest. There was no way for me to avoid it, because it features the admirable and unforgettable Alan Rickman. I loved it, and was disappointed that it wasn’t in your list (Turn the parody up to 11: the best spoof movies – ranked!, 24 July).
Gerda Förster
Aachen, Germany
I’m disappointed that the award for the funniest joke of the Edinburgh fringe has been cancelled (Report, 22 July). That’s taken all the pun out of it.
Richard Barnard
Wivenhoe, Essex
Are those people who are concerned about the US vice-president, JD Vance, holidaying in the Cotswolds (Report, 26 July) experiencing a hillbilly allergy?
Richard Wolfe
Auckland, New Zealand
