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Dear editor,

As your readers may well be aware by now, my wife and I have, by mutual consent, disassociated ourselves with the Animal Sanctuary, K9.
This decision marks the end of a very happy six year relationship with this hard working and much needed Animal Welfare Organisation here in the South of our Island. Sarrie and I wish to thank K9 for making this transition as easy as possible as we now leave to pursue other avenues.
Working in this difficult and under-funded arena for such a long time now, we felt that the time was right for us to try a change of direction and we shall miss our friends, most especially the little four legged guys who were our whole lives and for whom we worked so hard.
We have been so immersed in the animal welfare of this Island throughout this time that a complete change such as this will no doubt take a period of adjustment but we do sincerely thank all those who have been so kind to us, both while working for K9 and while setting up our new venture.
I have one more thing to add which is; please continue to support K9 in any and every way that you can as they, like all the other refuges here, really struggle to make ends meet and in times such as these it is the charities that seem to suffer the most.
Thank you,

Ian Sharrock,
Stubbers Smoking Relief Clinic.

Dear editor,

We’ve just returned from a lovely week in the south of Tenerife, having stayed at the Volcano hotel in Playa de Las Americas. We were so impressed with the changes the area has undergone, since our last visit to the island over seven years ago. We particular like Parque Santiago, with the water fountains, fantastic shops and funky bars. It’s nice to be see more public walk ways as well now, which makes it much more easier to get from A to B with children.
A visit to Los Cristianos saw more changes afoot at one of our favourite beaches at the harbour. Our son particularly enjoyed watching the heavy machinery in action as the workmen set about improving the beach front. Yet again signs of more improvement to the south of the island. We just wish as much work was being done to improve where we live back in England!!
We left thinking how different it will be next time we visit in another six or seven years – hopefully one thing that won’t change is the weather. It was lovely in April, not too hot and cold enough at night to warrant a quilt. What more could you ask for (apart from a better rate of exchange and the Siam Park being open?) Great paper by the way, we found the Showtime section very helpful! Any online photos of the changes made to Los Cristianos beach would be gratefully appreciated.

Kind regards,
Judy, Mark, Jason and Trisha Foundlings,
Lewisham,
London.

Dear editor,

As a frequent visitor to Tenerife, can I just remark on my sadness on seeing so many new McDonalds springing up everywhere? As I recall there only used to be one such establishment in the area known as Veronicas, aptly situated in a place where young tourists frequent bars, etc.
However, from driving around it is clear to see that the fast food chain has become popular with the locals too, with more and more restaurants dotted up and down the coastline.
As a grandmother I have always tried to advocate the importance of healthy eating to my family, and have always enjoyed eating in Canarian restaurants watching their young children tucking into fresh fish and salad with gusto. What a shame to now think all that healthy food is being swapped for a fatty burger and chips?
Let’s hope the Canarian kids stick to their local cuisine over fast food and continue enjoying the fruits that their wonderful island has to offer,
Greta Simpson,
Margate,
Kent.

Dear editor,

I felt I had to write in to ask why your columnist Kris Jones (Cutting Edge) is living on this Island? In every issue, he is complaining about something or other and never has a kind word about Tenerife.
He says he was born here, went to school here and now works here – well, I have to ask myself why? If he is so disillusioned why doesn’t he pack his bags and go to the U.K.
He shamefully admits he cannot speak the language, he besmirches local councils and is, in my mind, a racist bigot.
Having said all that, I still read his column. It gives me something to moan about because other than his ramblings, I have nothing else to complain about. I happen to believe all of us ex-pats should have nothing but praise for our Canarian hosts for having to put up with so many of us.
Now, I’ve got that off my chest, I would like to say that I really enjoy The Paper and read it cover to cover every fortnight.
Yours truly,

Mr. Forsythe,
Adeje.

Dear editor,

In your last issue, you published a letter from "a very disappointed ex pat", who stated he was being denied access to sports facilities by Arona sports council, on the basis that "foreigners are of no use" to the Canarians.
Having resided in the Canary Islands for several decades, I can confidently say that ex pats are treated very well and fairly by the authorities when A) they speak Spanish to a proficient level, and B), they act in a respectful manner. I have, at times, come across some very obtrusive, even rude, officials, but these are the exception, not the rule.
In contrast, the majority of British ex pats are not "multicultural minded", and are considered by the Canarians as living in their own "Little England", seldom learning the language of the country in which they live. And hence, unable to really grasp or even comprehend the local culture. And to make things worse, Award Events and other activities are organised exclusively for the British, as Sergio pointed out (issue 353).
The minority of ex pats who have fully integrated are not just accepted by Canarians, but respected by them for their efforts.
Yours sincerely,
Felicity R.,
Las Galletas.
 
Dear editor,

So 22 radio stations are to close down for causing interference at TFS airport? Perhaps the static left behind will be more intellectually stimulating than the helpless opinionated banter churned out by most stations!

Graham Francis

Dear editor,

In the last edition, you ran a story of Susan Howarth, a Newcastle grandmother being jailed in the UK for smuggling cigarettes.
Surely, the real criminals are the British Government, for allowing an addictive and deadly drug (nicotine) to be freely marketed, just so that the Treasury can reap the benefits of the tax generated by its sale.
Susan Howarth was wrong to commit this crime, but the government which has condemned her to jail is far from innocent!
Yours sincerely,

Mark Pullen,
Costa Teguise.