31 JULY 2004, Page 25

Mean machine

From Sally Mustoe Sir: Ross Clark echoed the disappointment Lady Bennett and I felt 35 years ago when we organised our first England Ball ('Why the British are so mean', 24 July). With the approval of the then Duke of Norfolk, who was president, we wrote to a long, impressive list of 'patrons' thanking them for 'all their past support' and politely asking them to specify how they would help that year. Only about 10 per cent promised help which did materialise. In all my years of voluntary fundraising for charities, I have found it impossible to predict which of two people in almost identical circumstances will help.

Sally Mustoe

London N6