Letter: John Clare is not forgotten

TOM PAULIN is timely, but incorrect in assuming that John Clare's bi-centenary is passing unnoticed (Review, 11 July).

The afternoon session of the Alliance of Literary Societies annual conference at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in April was devoted to Clare; indeed the conference this year was hosted by the John Clare Society, which has organised many commemoration events.

The Institute devoted its June 'With Great Pleasure Programme' to Clare's life and works, and the Central Literary Society has a lecture devoted to him. BBC Radio is also celebrating the occasion.

J Hunt

Administrator, Birmingham and Midland Institute,

Birmingham