4 JULY 1981, Page 16

Sir: With real sorrow I have read the news of

JAC's imminent retirement. Stranded for 24 hours at Heathrow some time during the summer of 1971 I picked up my first Spectator, containing what must have been the first of his puzzles: the theme, I remember well, was 'Titus Andronicus', and knowing the characters' names I was able (almost) to finish it.

I have bought the paper ever since, and some of your contributors I like nearly as much; but it will not be the same without JAC. Please thank him for me, for the hours of pleasant escape he has given over the years. I hope he will now write his memoirs. M. Blackburn

9 Castle Street, Totnes, South Devon