5 OCTOBER 1985, Page 28

Wurlitzers

Sir: Cinemas with Wurlitzers which ascend in devilish majesty from the pits of the orchestra may have practically vanished in the Thames Valley, as Valerie Grove asserts (Diary, 31 August), but they are not yet obsolete in certain areas of the north. When, but few years ago, I used to attend school prize-giving ceremonies in the Davenport Theatre near Stockport, it would be an almost cathartic moment of delight for me to see the vast ivory appar- atus slowly rising into view, emitting mar- vellous groans and sighs. The grinning, gaily-dressed performer had in addition the wherewithal to illuminate several coloured bulbs, which would flash on and off in time to the music.

Arden Frewish

Trinity College, Oxford