Sir, having recently retired I now use my exacting dental skills opening envelopes for the organiser of the Benevolent Fund Christmas Draw. I also collect envelopes from the Post Office from those who have 'forgotten' to place a stamp on the envelope. I am impressed by the generosity of the individuals in our profession who help others who are needy, and I expect these problems will increase in the current climate. I expect most dentists give to charities in various ways and I would always respect the choice of a person to support a particular cause.

However, I was saddened this year by the caring health professional who took the trouble to send in a million pound note from the Bank of Make Believe (aren't they all!) Needless to say there was no name, and no stamp on the envelope. Perhaps the person involved was amused, but there are many who have been helped by the Ben Fund who are not, and I am just getting a grumpy old pensioner.

The Ben Fund will also feel the crunch of the present financial crisis and put more pressure on those who help our colleagues. Except perhaps for the one individual who I hope never finds they are in need.