Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to your article ‘Save Prospect tree’. I’m a frequent visitor to the Prospect to enjoy the picturesque views and the unique atmosphere that it creates through the changing seasons.

I think Caz Holbrook’s idea of a wood carving is a brilliant idea, perhaps another individual who could be immortalised could be Charles Dickens; with his links to the Royal, often staying at the hotel and deciding on his American Tour there. As The Royal is just next door to the Prospect, perhaps they could be approached to help fund the project, they might be happy to do so considering these links.

If the AONB is contacted, perhaps they would be interested in helping to fund a similar set of wood carvings to those they funded at Tintern Old Station; The Circle of Legends: legendary and historical figures with links to the Wye Valley that have been carved, with walks to accompany them. The Prospect could have six figures as they have at Tintern, perhaps famous historical figures that visited Ross as part of their Tour of the Picturesque during the 18th and 19th centuries. This idea would easily fit in with specific walks, visitors could walk in the footsteps of a variety of painters, poets and writers. I will also be contacting Caz Holbrook myself to share my thoughts.

Emma Knight, Newent