I READ with some amusement your article '55 and Upwards' (LET, September 1), being set up by the gentleman in Darwen for retired professionals so that they can "socialise at a similar sort of level."

Third age elitism?

I am at a loss to understand why, after a long life of work in any field, one group of people who, after all, are no longer doctors, dentists or school teachers, should wish to not socialise with other third agers - butcher, baker or candlestick maker - who, in their own particular field, were just as professional.

C FAGAN (Mr), Anyon Street, Darwen.

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