I was one of the young mums inspired by Belle Tutaev’s 1961 letter to the Guardian (Obituary, 23 February) to start a playgroup for my own small children, which kickstarted a career as a vice-principal of several further education colleges, an adviser to the Department of Employment and as a senior civil servant. In 1967, without any qualification other than being a mother, I approached the local vicar for use of the village hall for a playgroup. After assurance that this was not a drama group, he became our strongest supporter. When a legal requirement for qualifications came in, the principal of the local college agreed to offer training and 46 mums enrolled on the first night. Then via the Open University and a PhD at Surrey, my career developed. I believe it could not have happened without that letter.
Rev Dr Jean Prosser
Llangattock Lingoed, Monmouthshire
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