7 JUNE 1997, Page 33

Original sinner

Sir: Alan Watkins wonders whether Tom Driberg's churchmanship was sincere ('Anyone for Tom', 24 May). I remember Lord Boothby telling me that on one occa- sion he and Driberg were driving to the West Country to do some radio pro- gramme. On the way, Driberg gave him a lurid account of the night he had just spent with the singer Johnnie Ray, sparing no anatomical detail.

When they reached Wells, Driberg insist- ed on going into the cathedral to pray for forgiveness. He managed to convince Boothby of his sincerity, if not of any repentance.

Quentin Crewe

9 Bliss Mill, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire