The National Trust
Sir: As a member, I was naturally disturbed to read of Mrs Brock's experiences with the National Trust (November 25). I have been surprised that so far your correspondents have only echoed her verdict that the Trust has become a "shoddy, second rate outfit" in its treatment of staff and in its commercialism.
I am not trying to gloss over Mrs Brock's story — it is, as she says, "nasty and unedifying," but I cannot believe that hers is a typical experience. I have spoken with too many of the Trust's employees to think that their enthusiasm and interest would be so apparent if they felt themselves ill used. As for the Trust's 'commercialism,' funds do not just drop into its lap. They have to be earned in one way or another. Many visitors wish to take souvenirs home with them and I believe the Trust is wise to cater for this need. If it did not, others certainly would and in any case visitors will not necessarily make a donation in lieu of the purchase. Nor is there anything " shoddy " or "second rate" about the goods, which the Trust sells in its shops or through the post. Indeed, they provide an example many a gift shop might follow with advantage. The Trust faces enormous problems. A policy of keeping everything in aspic could not, even if it was desirable, provide the everincreasing sums needed for maintenance. The Trust has to balance profit and loss not only in finance, but also in more inponderable things. Mistakes will be made, but they will not, I believe, be irrevocable ones. Those who are ready to criticise the Trust would do well to reflect where our countryside and our historic buildings would be today without its continuing care. Rosemary N. Leach Trobridge House, Crediton, Devon
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