Sir, I read with interest the cost of an autograph (£95) or photo (£85) with Christopher Eccleston ("Charging what for a photo with Who?", Mar 30). In 1976, when Tom Baker was the Doctor, I arranged for him to appear for a signing session at John Menzies in Princes Street, Edinburgh. On the day 5,000 children with accompanying adults turned up. Tom stayed all day (no lunch) but eventually he had to be taken to the airport. We gathered the names and addresses of the remaining children and the publisher supplied signed copies of books and photos that were sent gratis to the children whom Tom had been unable to meet. Tom's fee for the day? He asked only to be allowed to choose a few books from the stock. And he apologised profusely for not seeing every child.
My wife was expecting at the time of Tom's visit. After the birth a parcel arrived from Tom Baker with a letter, card and a teddy bear, which we still have. Perhaps Mr Eccleston could take a few life lessons from Mr Baker.
William Spence
Edwalton, Notts
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