SIR: I read with interest the article in last week's Chronicle (October 15) of Stefan Lipa Fundraising Consultancy reaching its 25th anniversary. May I congratulate Stefan and his wife Abba on reaching this achievement.

I remember Stefan long before he started his business with his wife Anna when he worked independently in the mid-1980s. Stefan, as appeal director, helped the Theatre Royal in its second important phase of fundraising (ie extension of the stage and fly-tower along with the erection of new dressing rooms).

We would meet local businesses interested in fundraising on a Sunday morning in the theatre where I would briefly tell them of the theatre's history before Stefan produced plans of the proposed extensions and the costing thereof. He was successful in raising the required sum! It was a pleasure working with him. Congratulations Stefan and Anna on reaching the 'silver' anniversary of your fundraising consultancy.

Phil Yates,

Tower Street,

Winchester