Sir, – I read with great interest the article by Conor Pope regarding tips for new college students as it brought back happy memories of myself starting out into university in 1960, particularly the piece where he suggests you should " invest" in a second-hand bike ("Making a little go a long way: top tips for college students", Pricewatch, August 27th).
I totally agree.
I bought such a bike from the famous bicycle shop of Christy Bird of Charlemont Street in Dublin. It cost me £2 and 10 shillings and I had it for my full four years.
It was twice stolen and dumped into the Grand Canal, but was recovered and “handed in” to Harcourt Terrace Garda station where I could reclaim it. Finally on graduation and off to seek my fortune, I sold it back to Christy Bird for the original purchase price! What an investment.
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Those were the good old days of the much-maligned bed-sits, sharing rooms with who knows who, clearing away 70 empty milk bottles to “find” the kitchen, and no mobiles or technical back-up to help us on our way, but we happily survived, as today’s young people will, so good luck to all new college students and enjoy your time wherever you are. – Yours, etc,
JOHN DONNELLY,
Ballinrobe,
Co Mayo.