READERS’ LETTERS

Larkin visits Monica

SIR: John Sutherland’s piece ‘Larkin’s bare cheek’ (May issue) reminded me of Philip Larkin officially opening the new Library at Leicester University on 27th September 1975. As sub-librarian for administrative matters, I had to organise the occasion.

After Philip had spoken and unveiled a commemorative plaque, the architect Alan Park presented him with a print of old Leicester which my wife had wrapped in colourfully patterned paper. Philip’s response, ‘How kind – I do need a new pair of pyjamas,’ brought the formal, rather stuffy event to a delightfully relaxed conclusion.

A photograph showing Philip speaking to the audience, with Monica Jones in the front row, can be seen in the photo below. Sincerely,

Michael Hannon, Sheffield

Callaghan’s son on No 10

SIR: Like most of the rest of the country,