19 SEPTEMBER 1987, Page 38

Carthusian failures

Sir: Max Hastings's observations about Charterhouse (Diary, 1 August) strike a true note. Those who were prominent at that formidable institution in my day were seldom heard of again. As one who was a failure before Charterhouse, at Charter- house, and ever after Charterhouse, I am confidently pinning my hopes on being a resounding success in an Old Carthusian paradise (no monitors or captains of games — except perhaps croquet — admitted).

And why is it that any chance Old Carthusian .I meet immediately shuts up on mention of the school?

No, I do not want to meet any OCs, thank you. I know at least three.

Charles Lyall

Greywalls, The Avenue, Petersfield, Hampshire