Sir — Carfax tower’s two jacks have been striking the hours (no longer the quarters) for well over 100 years.

But for a long time now the smaller of the two bells needs attention. Instead of a nice ding we get a dull clunk. The dong of the other bell seems fine, as are the bells of the clock chime. Oxford has a variety of fine rings of bells which are well looked after either by town or gown, including the six in Carfax tower.

I’m sure that the jacks would look more cheerful if they could be allowed to do a better job.

Robert J. Bruce, Marston