View from the pews

SIR – Edward Chase (Letters, August 27) argues that, just as nobody would tolerate uncomfortable cinema seating, nobody should have to put up with uncomfortable church pews.

I thought it was generally accepted that many an incumbent involved in refurnishing a church has used deliberately awkward pews to ensure that at least a proportion of the congregation remains awake during their sermons.

David Whitaker Alton, Hampshire

SIR – At Holy Trinity in Minchinhampton, we have just replaced our undistinguished pine pews with lovely, solid, wooden, stackable Theo chairs, each one of which will have a commemorative plaque.

This has given us the best of both worlds. Meanwhile the pews have found a more suitable home in the changing rooms of Minchinhampton Rugby Club.

Peter Lapping Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire