THEY are seen as extras in our lives and they do not, on the face of it, seem essential.

Yet we can see the effects of their absence from our lives during this period of necessary lockdown.

Live sport, theatrical and music performances add a zestful dimension to our communities which only becomes obvious in their absence in much the same way that you do not notice water until the well runs dry.

Anticipation of such events whets our appetite and adds a sparkle to the mundanity of everyday existence.

Such occasions give us much to look forward to, helping to ease the monotony of humdrum routine

There is the enjoyment of the spectacle with all the razzmatazz and excitement.

Performers feed off the energy generated by the spectators who experience highs and lows in communion with all those present.

That energy helps to inspire the performers to up their game and on occasions to reach heights and levels clearly derived from enthusiastic spectator participation.

Of course, there is the reminiscing about the performances and outcomes of what was seen and felt by those present in the electrifying atmosphere of the theatre, festival or sporting arena.

Sport brings the added dimension of rivalry and competitiveness which brings heated discussion over dubious decisions and the edge of the seat hope for continuing success.

Who does not like to reflect on the moments of beauty and skill displayed during the actual occasions which make those caught up in the glory of those moments want to keep going back to enjoy such experiences, even though they can be bittersweet ?

That is why lockdown has put a serious damper on community morale and, when lockdown is eventually wound up, we will look forward to the resumption of such intense emotional activities without taking them for granted after being starved of their enjoyments, highs and lows as well as the fresh memories surrounding such events.

Even being allowed to resume the daily routine of work will look like a release from what has become for so many an open prison since March 17 but we do need the icing on that particular cake in the form of our community entertainments to put the spring back into our step.

Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs.

Question Time softy

THERE has been a lot of talk recently regarding Piers Morgan's combative interviewing style, and although he may not be the best informed inquisitor he certainly goes for it; let's be honest there's nothing better than seeing these politicians squirm as just as they get into one of their "I'll keep talking" mode he interrupts them once again to their utter exasperation. It is great entertainment seeing politicians being battered in debate.

Compare that to Fiona Bruce, who has singlehandedly destroyed the best political chat show on television the way she lets the politicians drone on for minutes then interrupts with her stock "but hold on " and fails to follow up with any telling question. Dead sheep and savaged comes to mind.

Let's hope the BBC can get someone like Jeremy Paxman or Andrew Neil in the chair and Thursday nights can be informative and, most of all, entertaining once again.

Leonard Maguire, Coatbridge.

Courtesy call

I ECHO the sentiments of Andy Stenton (Letters, April 30). Like him, every day my wife and I, some way past the first flush of youth, enjoy a 45-minute walk. Almost without exception we and other walkers go out of our way to observe the two-metre rule.

Sadly the same cannot be said for cyclists and joggers, whose behaviour is accurately described by Mr Stenton. At times it borders on the dangerous.

Cyclists and joggers are to be encouraged, as their activity can only be good for physical and mental health. Our daughters both cycle and jog hopefully with consideration for others.

Please, cyclists and joggers afford us, especially the older ones, some courtesy.

Gordon Barron, Lenzie.

The perfect onion

AS poetry has been the "flavour" of the past week, with several letter-writers composing correspondence on the subject, could I add an extra bit of flavour by quoting Philip Larkin in a 1974 radio interview where he compared a poem to an onion. He pointed out that onions and poems are smooth on the outside but as more layers are peeled away more meaning is revealed in both. I hazard a guess that both, or either, could also bring tears to the eyes.

Larkin's aim, apparently, according to Graham Farmelo in his book of edited science essays, was "to write the perfect onion". Quite.

Incidentally, unlike Lydia Robb (Letters, April 30) I have always thought that Poem Of The Day and the Obituaries sit very well together as both give pause for thought.

Thelma Edwards, Kelso.

Silent witness

AS I watch Donald Trump I am reminded of the adage that people may think you’re stupid, but if you open your mouth you may remove all doubt.

Lindsay Keir, Brodick.