26 AUGUST 2004, Page 23

In the beginning

From Dennis L. Bird Sir: Celia Walden (It sure beats The Priory,' 7 August) writes that the Reverend Nicholas Gumbel 'started the Alpha course' at Holy Trinity. Brompton. It is true that when he became curate there in 1990 he took over the course and expanded it into its present worldwide organisation. But he did not originate it. The idea came from a young parishioner named Tricia; she and the then curate, Reverend Charles Mamham, ran the first course in 1977. Soon after, they married.

The name Alpha was chosen to represent 'a new beginning'. The course offers an understanding of Christianity in an informal and non-coercive way.

Dennis L. Bird

Shoreham-By-Sea, West Sussex