As a mother of two small children, I am finding it difficult to take them to any Christmas shows, as the costs are prohibitive.

My husband has a reasonable wage, but £60-£70 for a show is not good value.

Do these events' organisers live on a different planet to the rest of us?

Linzi McGuire East Kilbride

Hydro heights

As a birthday treat my daughter bought us tickets for the recent Andre Rieu concert, which was fabulous. But the venue, the new Hydro is a terrible building.

It has no heart, no soul and, worst of all, no hand rails in the upper hall.

I struggled to climb the stairs and I think I am quite able bodied. Others, some on crutches and some with sticks could hardly make it.

I just hope when Andre returns to Glasgow, he gives this place a body swerve.

Ann McGhee Via e-mail

Footie for free

As a Gorbals child in the 1940s I agree with writer W. Marsh (December 14) about free five-a-side football.

He hopes youngsters make good use of the scheme, but I don't see why youngsters should have to pay to play in the first place.

My mates, who were the cream of the Gorbals, would walk to Glasgow Green to play other street teams on a Sunday. The pitches were free, but you had to be on a pitch before 12pm or they'd all be taken.

What a difference now. Is this the cause of Scottish football's decline in producing more Jinky Johnstones?

There's no more throwing two jackets down for a goal in street. Pitches should be free for all our kids, all year.

W McDonald Glasgow

Star perfomers

I WOULD like to say a very big thank you to the staff and pupils at Abercorn Special School for the Christmas show they put on.

This is one school that has a happy feeling at all times. The staff go all out to make the pupils enjoy everything they do.

Mrs M Petrie Glasgow