23 JUNE 1990, Page 25

High low collars

Sir: The concept that a high clerical collar indicates that its wearer is a Low Church- man is widely held even by Brother Gary's fellow clergy (Letters, 9 June).

Hereabouts a particularly high collar has been referred to as a 'real Northender'; Northender indicating an extremely 'low' sector of the C of E.

I first heard this description some years ago when a clergyman's widow sought to dispose of her late husband's possessions, including his clerical collars. I recall that most items were snapped up but the collars were dismissed as being too high for the churchmanship of potential recipients. Eric King

90 Ombersley Road, Worcester