Sir, - Reading the letters in last week's issue, I detected a definite tone ranging from the neutral to the negative so it may be apposite to be positive at a time when news and evening entertainment is so lacklustre.

Your readers may well be interested in something to lift their spirits which is different and that they may not have considered or even know about - it's once a month, varied, stimulating, social and low cost?

The Darlington Lecture Association was originally established for students in Darlington way back in 1882 and still meets the second Monday of every month at Carmel School from September to April.

The current "students", numbering some 500, are somewhat more mature but return year after year enjoying lectures without a need to graduate.

The current season includes recognised speakers such as David Battie of Antiques Roadshow fame, David Templeman Adams, an explorer and "dare devil", Anthony Slinn, an art historian, and indeed something for all tastes.

New student membership is still available at only £16 for the year (compare this with evening classes) and information is available from Brian White on 01325-353312 or Google Darlington Lecture Association.

COLIN JONES President, Darlington Lecture Association, Darlington.