Letter: Silence at table

Sir: Reading John Smurthwaite's letter ('It is manners that maketh the meal', August) reminded me of how my grandfather kept me quiet during family mealtimes when I was a child with the words 'Let your meat stop your mouth', advice which was apparently given to him by his own grandfather many years before.

The silent meal may appear anti-social to some of your readers but at least it prevents those annoying aspects of social gatherings, such as food going cold before anyone has the opportunity to enjoy it, embarrassing attempts to reply to questions with one's mouth full, etc.

Yours faithfully,

EMMA HODGSON

Chester-le-Street,

County Durham

8 August