Nettles and flowers at my father’s funeral

At my father’s funeral (Ted Ellis, a former Guardian country diarist), we had some sturdy nettles mixed with the flowers on the altar. They also appear as a cure-all in an old family herbal. So I happily endorse Claire Ratinon’s recommendation to leave a patch in your garden (Don’t rush to rip out your nettles – here’s three ways to put them to good use, 28 March). My mother also swore by a few stings to prevent joint pain. She lived to 90. Mary Stiff Westwood, Broadclyst, Exeter • I love reading Grace Dent’s reviews, but could she mention how noisy a restaurant is? My friends and I are getting older, and find that more and more restaurants are noisy: hard surfaces, music, tables too close together. It can transform the food and the experience. Alicia Baker Highgate, London • The Playfair code (Zoe Williams, 31 March) is still in use among the more arcane crossword community. Azed in the Observer used one in the last few months. There is a very good explanation of how to solve them in Dorothy L Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey book Have His Carcase. Meic Goodyear Lewes, East Sussex • Given recent events in the US, I am wondering if I’ve misheard the name of the hub at the heart of the White House. Is it actually the Evil Office? Neil Thomas Colchester • Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.