LETTER: Reading between the railway lines

Mr Angus Wright
Sunday 28 May 1995 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From Mr Angus Wright

Sir: Strange that the only ethic Thomas Sutcliffe can find in Thomas the Tank Engine is obedience ("Dear Thomas the Tank Engine", 24 May). Had he read a little slower, he would have found respect - for others and for oneself, loyalty, duty, the value of kindness; the possibility of growth by accepting oneself and one's circumstances; the inevitability of upsets and misunderstandings; and, in the end, the certainty of forgiveness in a secure home.

Granted these do not make sparkling copy. The stories do, however, very accurately reflect the world of little children and the concern of their young parents, seeking to surround them with the essential security and love which every parent wishes for his child and which only a parent can provide. That is why they are popular classics.

Originally told, simply and directly, by an old-fashioned clergyman, then sympathetically produced and brilliantly filmed by a producer of talent, the Thomas stories continue to inspire delight and loyalty in parents and children all over the world.

Yours faithfully,

ANGUS WRIGHT

Managing Director

Britt Allcroft (Thomas)

Southampton

24 May

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in