Your letters
To the EditorDuring the deep snowfalls in December and January, some children/people dragged from the woods into the park some yew, box and other branches to help construct an igloo.
What they probably do not realise is that yew is extremely poisonous to cattle, even in very small amounts, and its potency increases as it dries out .
Although the bulk of this material has been removed, there are a lot of small pieces of yew left over a wide area, due to the branches being dragged. It would be extremely helpful if the people responsible would contact me and we could arrange a convenient time to meet and rake the area, to remove as much yew as possible before the cattle are turned out. Not much fun, but nor is dealing with sick or dead cattle.
Thank you
Chris Ruttle
Home Farm Barn (01494 837428)
To the Editor
I just wanted to drop you a few lines, as The Lee will always be my favourite place, even though I now live in Devon.
I moved to The Lee with my parents in 1959 and I started school in 1961 at Lee Common. We moved into Home Farm Cottage, which was owned by the Liberty family at the big house. I have fond memories of playing there as I had a lovely friend called Fiona Liberty; we used to swim in their outside pool.
My father worked for Major Liberty as a forester and I used to go to Lee Church Sunday School, where my grandfather is buried.
Being able to look at the website is great; looking back at the photos of the summer flower show, the sports day and The Lee itself.
I live in Torquay, Devon now but I must get up there for a visit.
I hope you don’t mind me contacting you, thanks.
Eric Jervis
Torquay
To the Editor
I recently started doing my husband’s family history and found out that his uncle is one of the men from The Lee who was lost at Fromelles.
His uncle was Percy Price from the Old Swan and I wondered if it was possible, via your Newsletter and website, to put out an appeal for any possible photograph or information anybody may have about either him or other members of the family.
Until I started my search we knew nothing about my husband’s father’s family as he had died when Jim was about five.
If you could do this for me I would be very grateful. We are in touch with the team who are trying to identify the bodies found at Fromelles and Jim has given a DNA sample in the hope that his uncle’s body is amongst those found in the mass grave. We are awaiting the board results with bated breath, although the chances of this being the case are very small.
Winifred Price
wnfred@mac.com
To the Editor
My father, Henry George Lewington, lived at The Lee during the first part of the last century in the shop run by his parents. From letters I received from him before his death, I have compiled some recollections of his life then. I wonder whether these thoughts would be of interest to you or your community. (Ed: Article follows this letter.)
I wonder also whether your readers will be able to add any further detail. I would be delighted to hear of any information; please email jlewington8@googlemail.com.
My wife and I plan to visit The Lee in the spring to have a look at this, to us, unknown part of the kingdom.
John Lewington
Perth