Letter: Wragg time

I AGREE with Dennis Grattan (Letters, 24 June) and his comments helped me to conjure up happy memories of jazz pianist, Eubie Blake, celebrating his 105th birthday, seated at his piano, wreathed in cigarette smoke and clasping a Scotch while accompanying his 84-year-old girlfriend in whatever song she was belting out.

When asked about his feelings on reaching such a great age, he replied: "If I had known I was gonna live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!"

I stopped smoking 22 years ago and do not miss it, but have asked my family to let me have a packet of "Harry Wraggs" and a box of matches for my 95th birthday!

George Cooper

Westgate Leslie