French finesse can deter buffet gluttons | Brief letters

Fining diners who overload their plates is one way to stop bad buffet behaviour (Emma Beddington, 21 October), but gentler solutions can be just as effective. The French do it well. A favourite local bistro in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer has a sign at the buffet counter, warning customers: “Gluttony is a wicked vice. Please fill your plates with moderation.” It works: I’ve hardly dared help myself to an extra cornichon with my slice of terrine.
William Ham Bevan
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan

Four of us travelled from Essex and Suffolk on Wednesday with 2pm timed tickets for Van Gogh at the National Gallery. We were invited to join a long queue around the block; it would have taken hours. We decided to ask for a refund instead. Art lovers beware.
Mike Fitzmaurice
Sudbury, Suffolk

I was delighted to read that medical records should be stored digitally (Wes Streeting unveils plans for ‘patient passports’ to hold all medical records, 21 October). It would save time for the nurse at my recent appointment who had to tape my ancient cardboard file back together.
Nicky Campbell
Macclesfield, Cheshire

Let’s hope the Home Office can show a similar compassion to other asylum seekers (Paddington Bear given UK passport by Home Office, 22 October).
Peter Gray
Chesterfield, Derbyshire

If Emma Brockes is looking for an F-word to describe the ex-president (The word ‘fascist’ has lost all meaning. And Trump is using that to his advantage, 23 October), how about Felonious Trump?
Anthony Bron
Oxford