28 JUNE 1975, Page 5

Peregrine

Sir: An offensive and inaccurate paragraph in "Spectator peregrinations" about The Sunday Telegraph would normally be treated with the contempt it deserves, but a gross inaccuracy about one of its Assistant Editors, Mr R. S. Thackeray, must be corrected. Mr Thackeray has never been retired from this staff either "ceremonially" or in any other way. He continues to enjoy my full confidence and the co-operation of senior colleagues in what he does for the paper. Brian R. Roberts Sunday Telegraph, 135 Fleet Street, London EC4 Sir: Further to my letter some weeks ago, Spectator species 'Peregrine', crossed with 'Felix'; predatory (North American verbiage free loader). Important royal and family connections. Twits and terwoos in shaky English (Agars plough style). Frequently seen pedalling in West End wearing dirty feathers. Not to be confused with top free loader Jennifer species which has enormous stamina and is always washing and changing feathers. For further reference on this ornithological wonder, see Cyril Ray in last week's Spectator. Sheila Burns 27 Peaks Hill, Purley, Surrey