Sir, I assume that Mr Ronald Brind (Feature, May 26) will have studied the life and works of C. S. Lewis extensively before organising tours to places associated with Lewis and will be able to discuss with his patrons the merits of the writings of the great man and to explain why he considers himself qualified to decide how Narnia should be restored.
Reg Little describes Lewis' house "The Kilns" as anonymous. It can be of no interest to anyone other than the people acquainted with Lewis' writings who wish to know more about the man himself and why he chose to live in a house whose location is even now known to few people in Oxford and in Headington.
It would be difficult to imagine the solitude in which Lewis lived there if it were noisy with "legions of visitors" and the house would become even more insignificant if surrounded by the cafs and bookshops envisaged and the parking facilities for the cars of those visitors who did not travel there in Mr Brind's vehicle. Narnia it would not be.
Mr Lewis would be pleased to know that his beloved garden is receiving expert care and attention but would probably agree that such expert work is better entrusted to the experts in BBOWT than to Mr Brind who wishes to manage the project. Mr Brind is not happy about the felling of certain trees in the reserve, but appears to find compensation in nursing a "passionate wish" for the demolition of eight houses in Lewis Close for no specified purpose. The preservation of C. S. Lewis' home and garden as Narnia is highly desirable, but its development as a commercial undertaking is not.
John Whitwick, Oxford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article