Many years ago my husband and I were invited to Thame Park.

We had a sumptuous meal and a chat in the drawing room. I’ve forgotten the name of our host, but I believe he may have owned Raleigh Cycles and possibly invented Sturmey-Archer gears.

The house adjoined the remains of a Cistercian monastery and the splendid abbot’s lodging. In what was I suppose the refectory was a wonderful array of Japanese swords and armour. The grounds were very large and were protected by a young panther.

I wonder what happened to this animal and wonder if it could be connected to the recent sightings of big cats.

Nancie Villiers, Lucerne Road, Oxford