Draft Letter

LETTERS CONTENTS
PAGE

Handwritten draft of a letter to the Editor of the Christchurch Times written in July 1968. Wheatley wanted this published in the paper as a letter to the Editor, but the editor refused to publish it on the grounds that it was a blatant piece of advertising, which, of course, it was.

Sir,

May I ask the hospitality of your columns to draw the attention of your readers to the New Forest Show which, under the patronage of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, K.G., takes place of Wednesday July 31st. in the lovely grounds of New Park, Brockenhurst.

For many years past it has proved a happy day for an ever greater number of people. Last year the attendance was over 22,000. This year it will have the added attraction of being enlivened by the band of Her Majesty's Coldstream Guards.

Displays are given of jumping and cattle (numerous classes), foxhounds, driving, coaches, horses, dogs, goats, rabbits, pigs, forestry and flower arrangements. For the winners of these events there are scores of cups and cash prizes.

Close to 150 stalls offer for sale plants, clothes, agricultural machinery, china, books, gardening implements, paintings, confectionery, home-made wines, woodcarvings, dairy produce and innumerable other items.

Many people will enjoy the mammoth fun-fair, and parents can leave young children in a nursery tent where they will be amused and well cared for. Clay pigeon shooting is also provided.

There will be large restaurants for members (30/- per annum), and for the public (admission to show 6/-). In addition there are four buffets and seven licensed bars, and well organized car parks.

Britain owes an inestimable debt to those who first made her wealthy by cultivating the soil, by raising bloodstock and by rural industries. This annual show is an enormous encouragement to those who still earn their living by these means, as well as being a really jolly day out. It is my earnest hope that the show will receive the support of all who dwell in the New Forest area and the many thousands of people who are enjoying a holiday in this lovely part of England.

Dennis Wheatley

President 1968