Don't ditch lectures 1

The BBC's decision not to broadcast the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures is disappointing ("Lectures might be ghost of Xmas past", March 26).

For many children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, these lectures are their first and sometimes only exposure to real science by real scientists.

They have inspired many children to learn more about science or even to become scientists - including me.

Surely the BBC could find space to fit these unique lectures into its schedule, crowded as it is by property, gardening, food and "relationship" programmes? A change of heart would endear Auntie to all of us who hold these lectures dear.

Philip J. Corr
University of Wales Swansea