SIR – I read with interest John Shearon’s letter about Pumpy Thomas (Worcester News, July 31).

I knew him well, he owned the house in which I was born. His full name was Emanuel Percy Thomas.

A warm and generous man, he loved Claines Church and donated several things.

He gave the clock on the tower and several bells too.

Every Christmas he’d come round in his Rolls Royce with a large joint of beef for every tenant. Pumpy usually attended Evensong at Claines and on one occasion he cut it a bit fine.

As he came through the door they started the first hymn.

It was Advent Sunday and the hymn was O come O come Emanuel.

It nearly brought the house down so to speak.

OLLY BARTON

Worcester