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Remembering Peter Rhodes: Readers share tributes

Remembering Peter Rhodes: Readers share tributes

Our letter writers today pay tribute to Peter Rhodes, our columnist and former chief feature writer who has died aged 74. Peter went on many...

previous day 8

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

HS2 has been a total mess - and to make it worse train speeds could be cut to keep costs down

HS2 has been a total mess - and to make it worse train speeds could be cut to keep costs down

HS2 has been a total mess - and to make it worse trains could be made to run slower than initially planned to keep costs down, writes Isabella...

previous day 0

Express & Star

Isabella boneham

Reader urges more visible policing to combat crime levels – your letters, plus archive picture: Chindits ceremony, 1973

Reader urges more visible policing to combat crime levels – your letters, plus archive picture: Chindits ceremony, 1973

Today's letters page features a range of opinions, from calls for a return to more visible local policing and concerns about rising town centre...

monday 6

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Mark Andrews: How to cope with an energy crisis, the collapse of NCP, and why it's a bit rich for Donald Trump to call us cowards

Mark Andrews: How to cope with an energy crisis, the collapse of NCP, and why it's a bit rich for Donald Trump to call us cowards

The International Energy Agency is advising us to prepare for an energy crisis by working from home more, using our cars less, and cooking meals with...

monday 10

Express & Star

Mark Andrews

'Just lovely' West Midlands role play centre with rave reviews, cute little café and pop-up events

'Just lovely' West Midlands role play centre with rave reviews, cute little café and pop-up events

Rave reviews, pop-up play sessions and now working in local schools - why this lovely play centre is a winning trip out with the kids. If you know,...

21.03.2026 5

Express & Star

Emma walker

Dan Morris: Gardeners who would be vogue strike a daft pose

Dan Morris: Gardeners who would be vogue strike a daft pose

The catwalk is no longer the catwalk. The red carpet is no longer the catwalk, nor is the foyer at the Michelin starred restaurant, or even the taxi...

21.03.2026 7

Express & Star

Daniel Morris

Bus journey leaves reader dismayed at youth behaviour – your letters, plus camels relax as safari park reopens after lockdown – archive picture

Bus journey leaves reader dismayed at youth behaviour – your letters, plus camels relax as safari park reopens after lockdown – archive picture

Readers share their thoughts on society and infrastructure, from declining standards of behaviour to the need for fresh thinking on energy. You can...

21.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Working with Peter Rhodes was great fun and a huge education - he will be truly missed

Working with Peter Rhodes was great fun and a huge education - he will be truly missed

Deadline is looming. The newsroom is reverberating to the sound of ringing phones, tense hacks hammering away at their keyboards. Any conversations...

21.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Mark Andrews

'His columns were a breath of fresh air' - Our readers send messages of condolence following death of columnist Peter Rhodes

'His columns were a breath of fresh air' - Our readers send messages of condolence following death of columnist Peter Rhodes

Readers of sister papers Express & Star and Shropshire Star have sent messages of condolence following the death of well-respected columnist Peter...

21.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Kirsty-Louise Card

A 'memory' article sparks a reader’s own nostalgic reflection – your letters, plus a picture throwback to 1987

A 'memory' article sparks a reader’s own nostalgic reflection – your letters, plus a picture throwback to 1987

A mix of memory, daily life frustrations and humour in today's letters. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our weekly FREE...

20.03.2026 6

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Reader fumes over bank note changes - your letters, plus a new Scout and Guide HQ opens in 1986 – a picture from the archives

Reader fumes over bank note changes - your letters, plus a new Scout and Guide HQ opens in 1986 – a picture from the archives

From bank notes to bus delays and belated Christmas cards, readers air their views. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our...

20.03.2026 6

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Are green policies really working? One reader thinks not – your letters, plus a flashback to the 1975 boating season at a West Bromwich pool.

Are green policies really working? One reader thinks not – your letters, plus a flashback to the 1975 boating season at a West Bromwich pool.

Readers write in with strong views on energy policy, wildlife on banknotes, and tackling local fly-tipping. You can enjoy other pictures from the past...

19.03.2026 9

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Challenging views on international law - your letters, plus a flashback to the 1981 People’s March through Wolverhampton

Challenging views on international law - your letters, plus a flashback to the 1981 People’s March through Wolverhampton

In today's letters, readers debate military action, the limits of international law, and who bears responsibility for protecting civilians in...

17.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

'Outrage over dangerous and costly hospital parking' - your letters, plus a throwback to youth volunteers in 1982

'Outrage over dangerous and costly hospital parking' - your letters, plus a throwback to youth volunteers in 1982

Readers on hospital parking, housing concerns, local schools, town centre gangs, and public protests. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and...

17.03.2026 9

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Mark Andrews: Dubai influencers, the madness of the Government's new ID app, and 10 years after we voted to leave the EU, it's coming after our veggie bacon

Mark Andrews: Dubai influencers, the madness of the Government's new ID app, and 10 years after we voted to leave the EU, it's coming after our veggie bacon

Remember all those idiot 'influencers' who, a few months ago, were bragging about how they were leaving the UK for Dubai, where they would...

16.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Mark Andrews

'Why I believe this West Midlands tram revival is a step in the right direction – a century later'

'Why I believe this West Midlands tram revival is a step in the right direction – a century later'

Trams were most definitely seen as the future for transportation. In many of the suburbs in Birmingham, including Hall Green where I live, there are...

14.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Dr steve mccabe

Dan Morris: Movie magic in the air as Oscars 2026 nominees take their seats

Dan Morris: Movie magic in the air as Oscars 2026 nominees take their seats

I first fell in love with film at the age of seven. It was during the opening of a certain sci-fi sequel and on a certain famously icy make-believe...

14.03.2026 9

Express & Star

Daniel Morris

'Time to make the online world safer for children' – your letters, plus Denis Healey in the Midlands – a picture throwback

'Time to make the online world safer for children' – your letters, plus Denis Healey in the Midlands – a picture throwback

Views on online safety, running a local government, and remembering Dunblane. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our weekly FREE...

14.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

'Come see how Men’s Sheds bring men together' - your letters, plus a historic photo of a school evacuated over structural fears

Readers share their thoughts on Men’s Sheds, politics, and the future of currency. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our...

13.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Take a look at historic 19th century photos that capture old-style Shropshire policing by officers with stovepipe hats

Here they are, doing their duty to protect and serve Salopians - Victorian ones, that is. Because these photos capture the days of old-time policing...

13.03.2026 9

Express & Star

Toby Neal

'Scrapping net zero won’t cut energy bills' - your letters, plus a snapshot of early days at Bridgnorth Grammar School

Readers respond to recent debates on energy policy, NHS missed appointments and the role of former political leaders. You can enjoy other pictures...

12.03.2026 7

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Letter writer disputes arguments on war and regime change, plus when a World Cup hero visited Cannock in 1972 – a picture throwback

Challenging war claims, correcting news pictures, and reacting to water cremation – your views. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more...

12.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Dan Morris: Pastry perfection is tonic to tales of our troubled times

Pie, pie, me oh my… Nothing tastes sweet, wet, salty and dry all at once, oh well it's pie. Apple! Pumpkin! Minced and wet bottom… I’ll...

11.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Daniel Morris

'Past inquiries ignored health data—Hixon must not repeat this' - your letters, plus a nostalgia snap of when gales wreaked havoc in Walsall

Our readers share their thoughts on local issues, health, and daily life. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our weekly FREE...

07.03.2026 8

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Mark Andrews: Shabana's £40,000 asylum giveaway, World Book Day, and how Trump should choose Iran's next leader

I'm thinking of starting up a side-hustle in people trafficking, to take advantage of the Home Secretary's new plan to encourage enterprise....

07.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Mark Andrews

A satirical take on Keir’s latest address - your letters, plus a mammoth task for the RAF in 1988 - an archive picture

Readers share their views on leadership and the display of flags. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia...

06.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Crisis in Iran: What do we know and how does it impact us here in the West Midlands?

I recall the youthful idealism which undoubtedly provided the catalyst for the revolution - Dr Steve McCabe takes a deeper look at the crisis and what...

06.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Dr steve mccabe

'Drivers won’t trade comfort for cycling' - your letters, plus a snapshot of Wolverhampton Civic Centre under construction, 1976

Concerns over cycle lanes, TV licences, station shelter and local support at Crufts. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our...

05.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

E-transporters need clear laws, say concerned reader - your letters, plus a throwback to a picturesque village in 1949

Today, readers share their views on e-scooter laws, coping with loneliness, a surprising tinnitus remedy, calls for accountability over public funds,...

03.03.2026 2

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

'Sort the potholes before the cycle lanes,' says frustrated reader - your letters, plus a 1986 throwback of life at St Mary’s Church School

Readers voice frustration over dangerous potholes, neglected footpaths, and council spending priorities. You can enjoy other pictures from the past...

03.03.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

'Flying our flags is a sign of pride, not provocation' - your letters, plus England prepare for Wales in a 1958 snapshot

From flying the Union flag to concerns over tolerance and the courts, local readers have their say on issues affecting the nation today. You can enjoy...

02.03.2026 6

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Reader warns late NHS letters could put lives at risk – your letters, plus girls get a hands-on taste of engineering – a picture from the archive

Readers share their thoughts on NHS delays, modern men and speaking up, rural gun controls, and political defections. You can enjoy other pictures...

28.02.2026 9

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Birmingham vs Black Country: How industry built two proud but different cultures

Dr Steve McCabe takes a look at the proud differences between the Black Country and Birmingham In ‘The Canterville Ghost', a humorous short...

28.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Dr steve mccabe

Mark Andrews: Aliens, ski-jumpers with big packages, and our brave new world under Zack Polanski

Mark Andrews takes a wry look at the week's news How will you be celebrating? I was thinking along the lines of a vegan-friendly street party...

28.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Mark Andrews

'£7 billion for roads, but potholes won’t vanish overnight' – your letters, plus Black Country children evacuated to Shropshire, a 1939 throwback

Your letters highlight roads, community values, and everyday annoyances. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more with our weekly FREE...

27.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

A reality check on immigration claims - your letters, plus an RAF adventure snapshot from 1962

Readers push back against political claims, arguing that debate on immigration is anything but silenced and that HS2 risks failing the wider regions...

26.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Council urged to give choice on winter green bin collections - your letters, plus a snapshot of Darlington Street Methodist Church in the 1900s

Your views on everything from green bin collections and road safety to parking charges and supporting vital local hospices. You can enjoy other...

24.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

'The NHS: a national treasure, but not without its flaws' - your letters, plus George Bickley teaches cadets to fly in a 1940s throwback

From the NHS and work life to tax, local services and public safety - your letters this Monday. You can enjoy other pictures from the past and more...

24.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

'It's like patching a leaking boat: the state of our roads' - your letters, plus a 1978 snapshot of pancake racing at a Walsall school

Readers write in on some of the issues making headlines, from the state of our roads and the challenges facing rural life, to debates over immigration...

23.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Tania Taylor

Mark Andrews: Heckling the King, and why the Equality Act is about as British as a branch of Aldi

Mark Andrews takes a wry look at the week's news Is heckling the King a step too far? Reporters have been accused of disrespect for shouting...

21.02.2026 10

Express & Star

Mark Andrews