Letters
Horse sense
Sir: It was with interest that I noted your comments on Camden and the Mandelas (Notebook, 18 June). For once the North- East has beaten the South in honouring a great man; although far from free in his own land, Nelson Mandela is a Freeman of the City of Newcastle. You will agree that this is a remarkably silly idea, the fulfilment of which gives more satisfaction to local than to African Nationalist councillors. And you will probably not be surprised to learn that the university recently planned to take over where the city left off by renam- ing bars and rest-rooms after our hero.
Good sense prevailed, but there were mutterings and mumblings even after the idea had been thrown out by the majority of the student body. I like to think that I put the final nail in the box by asking the University Turf Club to rename their horse `Whinny Mandela', after the great man's wife. Since this suggestion the matter has remained very firmly closed.
John McPherson
17 Albemarle Avenue, High West Desmond, Newcastle upon 'I yne.
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