The sign of a true flag-waving patriot

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/24/the-sign-of-a-true-flag-waving-patriot

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Made in Britain | Birdsong at night | Keith Flett at Weatherspoon’s | Spectacle cases | Early conkers

St George’s flags should only be allowed to be attached to lamp-posts if they are accompanied by a “certificate of conformity”, stating that they have been manufactured entirely in the UK or that they have been hand-knitted within a 2.5 mile radius. I can’t imagine any patriot flying a flag not made in the UK (‘Don’t call this racist’: row grows over motives behind England flag campaign, 20 August).Bob CooperBarlestone, Leicestershire

Unlike researchers in Illinois, I am not in the least “shocked” that birds stay awake longer due to light pollution (Report, 21 August). In 1976, I remember visiting Middlesbrough, home of Teesside Steelworks and a chemical plant, and seeing their huge sites bathed in light all night long. The hum of industry was accompanied by a remarkable level of birdsong at midnight. Spring birdsong at night was common in industrial cities in the north of England. Dr Simon Sweeney University of York

Anne Cowper may be disappointed about Keith Flett’s age (Letters, 21 August), but I shall never get over him giving custom to, of all places, Wetherspoon’s. How could you, Keith?Brian SmithBerlin, Germany

I use old spectacle cases (Letters, 22 August) as mini man-holders for loose coppers, old keys, nuts and bolts or anything else essential that I may never need again. Yair KleinLondon

Never mind early autumn fruit (Report, 19 August), in East Sussex we’ve got the first conkers.Dave YoungSt Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

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