Sir – Should I feel rebuffed? For whatever the reason, it is my wife who has received a begging letter from Mr Shapps, urging her to subscribe to his party political funds. Anything from an annual amount of £24.99 to £499 are the donations specified,

Sir - Should I feel rebuffed? For whatever the reason, it is my wife who has received a begging letter from Mr Shapps, urging her to subscribe to his party political funds. Anything from an annual amount of £24.99 to £499 are the donations specified, although larger, unspecified amounts would be even better.

What exquisite and immaculate timing on the part of Mr Shapps. Could it be that there are those somewhat unaffected by a nigh-on collapse in global economies, and the subsequent pressures on other individuals, and families, with only one source of income, grappling with their concerns for the immediate future?

When it comes to money matters, there may be some confusion on the part of the MP over the surname Aitken. Many moons before Mr Shapps descended to Earth, I was tagged with the nickname 'Max', during my time in the Royal Navy. This related to the late Lord Beaverbrook, a Canadian newspaper magnate, family name Aitken, who also served in HM Government.

Following closely in his footsteps and the family newspaper business, was the well known and original MAX Aitken. The 'dynasty' had close ties with the Conservative party.

Not being a beneficiary in either of their wills, I am, accordingly, unable to offer free holidays on board a luxury yacht, or various other benefits that may come to mind, not even possessing a rubber dinghy, with or without upper sundeck, at this present time.

So in the absence of mega money, what then is Mr Shapps offering in return for a lesser contribution? I quote "Enjoying the social side of the party, including regular events hosted by me!"

Wow, almost irresistible, apart from one question - would there be a binding condition, requiring us to pose for photographs with the MP, those then intended for the pages of the WHT?

On the strength of such a prospect, we have decided to give this particular begging bowl a miss, bona fide registered charities being in rather greater need of funds, and support.

PS, Should local electoral rolls be used for the purpose of soliciting?

Gordon Aitken, Harwood Hill, WGC.