Ferrymead

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31339, 8 April 1967, Page 12

Ferrymead

Sir,—The intellectually Handicapped Children’s Society is in immediate need of funds, and yet we are squandering over £50,000 on a junkyard. “Preserve the past,” we cry, forgetful that the past is always with us, preserved

within the present, and that there are more urgent needs than just another playground. Let us be a little more constructive and direct our thoughts not to what we term the past and the future, but to the now, and pass out our love and help to all those unfortunates who are so much in need. We can find them in every country in the world. What a vital Ferrymead we could build, not just a selfish monument to the glory of old iron! —Yours, etc., R. J. GLEN. April 5, 1967. [The campaign organiser for the Ferrymead Carnival (Mr F. A. Betts) replies: “To refer to the projected historic park and museum complex at Ferrymead as a ‘junk yard’ suggests a state of mind which, if not actually intellectually handicapped, is certainly emotionally disturbed. When this great plan is realised it will be of enormous benefit not only to all children, including those unfortunates whose plight seems to have obscured R. J. Glen’s vision, but to students of all ages. The necessary finance will be raised by the tireless efforts of unselfish enthusiasts who are working for a cause outside themselves. I suggest that there are many more deserving targets for the shafts of petulant anger which R. J. Glen’s personal interest has directed towards Ferrymead. If the writer would contact me I would be pleased to correct his obvious misconceptions on the subject”]