Madam, Saturday, May 22nd being the 373rd Anniversary of my Birth I was permitted for a few brief hours to revisit Ross, my adopted town.
And there, in the Market Place I witnessed and shared in a most unexpected Festivity, a re-enactment and remembrance of my work.
For, following the unveiling of a most marvellous plaque symbolising 'The Spirit of Ross', created by schools of the town and other diverse citizens, did they proceed thence to the Market Place behind a Piper.
And there did I and my faithful Housekeeper, Miss Jude, distribute gold coins to children, and bread - created as baked Hedgehogs, a symbol of the Town - was given to the poor and needy thronging the Market Place.
And the Good Work of a Citizen was marked by the presentation of a shield, and Support given to a Charitable Organisation of the Town by the gift of money. And, the Good Work done, from thence to my Summer House and Garden, faithfully preserved and most lovingly kept and cared for. And so with the Prospect too.
And it filled My Heart to see Joy and Goodwill so much in evidence in the happy smiles of townsfolk, traders, and visitors alike, so much so that I and Miss Jude, though called to return to the sombre Land of Shade whence we came, took deep comfort and solace that my Beloved town of Ross on Wye remains a community of Good Folk, generous in heart and spirit.
May it evermore continue to be so.
John Kyrle