WE seem to be progressing through rather "nutty” times lately. Things are not making much sense any more – at least for me.

The Herald today (November 14) is full of falling "curtains; coalitions of chaos and two-cheek-kissing Scotsmen" ("Is the curtain about to fall on ultimate showman Trump?"; "Beware the 'Technicolor coalition of chaos' says PM", T and "Is the ideal Scotsman a sensitive two-cheek kisser?").

A more congenial form of "nuttiness" has been collecting lots of conkers from beneath horse chestnut trees this past few weeks. I was taught to play conkers by a lovely neighbour when I was about 10; one of several children that Jack Green took under his wing, showing us how to plant things and make simple things. Rather than scrounging a pair of your father's bootlaces on which to thread the conker, Jack always had spare ones from his railway-guard boots. Then he showed us the rules of the game. Of course, we also played coming home after school.

I wonder how many children play conkers these days? How many mums and dads take them out to the woods to collect the conkers? Better than sitting inside missing the fun.

Thelma Edwards, Kelso.

Lesson for DWP

YESTERDAY I received a notice from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) indicating that I had underpaid tax in a previous tax year. Today I received a revised notice of coding showing the alteration to my tax code to meet this underpaid amount – both letters arriving to my home address of 21 years with precision and efficiency.

I wondered at that moment how it can be that HMRC can find and communicate so readily with citizens/taxpayers and the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) had such difficulty advising 1950s-born women of two delays to their State Pension Age, over 15-plus years. Is it time that DWP took lessons from HMRC on how to maintain an up to date list of clients? Is it time for interdepartmental training and sharing of good practice?

Sandra Gibson, Paisley.

Brought to book

I NOTE with interest the article by Neil Mackay ("Before you click on Amazon, think of the damage it does", The Herald, November 14). Since I prefer to support the shops in my area, I visited a well-known bookshop twice in the last few months. On both occasions, when I asked for a particular book, I was told abruptly, “ We don’t have it.” (I received better service in the local Oxfam second-hand bookshop.) Amazon was able to provide the books promptly. Until local retailers improve staff training and realise that knowledgeable staff and personal service are their big advantage over online shopping, most of us will look elsewhere for our purchases.

Marion Carson, Dunblane.

Sweet success?

REGARDING the ritual connected with smoking (Letters, November 14) why don't they bring back the sweetie cigarettes that were part of the "Smoker's Outfit" we used to get at Christmas? We used to look really sophisticated, or in today's parlance "cool". The only damage done was to our teeth from the sugar.

Margaret Forbes, Kilmacolm.

Are ties a bind?

AS ties are apparently no longer considered fashionable by some male politicians, is it time for the cravat to make a return in order to conceal the scrawny necks on display? Those with remaining hair, however unruly, might also dig out the accompanying Brylcreem.

Malcolm Allan, Bishopbriggs.

Inquiry needed

THE gratuitously offensive letter from ex-police officer Christopher Keegan attacking the character of the late Sheku Bayoh (November 14) illustrates exactly why the public inquiry into Mr Bayoh's death is essential.

Dr Jim Macgregor, Dollar.