Sir – Some years ago I voted in Congregation against a motion to disenfranchise members over the age of 75. There were some brilliant speeches for the opposition, notably from Professor Dummett. I remember looking at the young dons who voted for this arbitrary and unnecessary measure and wondering how they would feel when it applied to them. The motion was carried.

Yesterday I made the journey into Oxford to hear the debate on the Castle Mill buildings, only to discover that, as of my 76th birthday a month ago, I am not only disenfranchised, but even barred from attending Congregation. I am not aware of any sudden access of decrepitude to justify this sudden loss of my effective membership of the University.

Seeing the huge majority against lowering the buildings, I wonder how the University manages to get its way with Congregation. Was the vote removed from older members because they are no longer amenable to pressure through their departments or colleges? It all looks and feels rather unpleasant. I am not sure that I still love my Alma Mater.

P J Stewart, Boars Hill