Sir, Re: The proposed demolition of the Old Coal Office in Saundersfoot. It is the most iconic building in the village, standing as it does in such a prominent position. For myself, being one of the oldest natives, it evokes memories of a thriving village, with coal mining at its centre. One of my earliest memories is of running to meet my father in our lower field on his way home from the mine at Bonvilles Court. He would be accompanied by seven or eight black-faced miners, among them would be Isaac Nash, Will Hart, Idris and John Edwards and my uncle Joe Waters. Quite often they would be singing, since most would have been members of Bethesda or Saundersfoot choirs. One of the highlights of the year was Francis Fair. I don't know its origin, but it was held in Cambrian and Brewery Terrace and consisted mainly of races for the children. One race in particular was the 'Treacle Bun Race'. This involved standing on the wall which surrounded the coal office and being handed a bun soaked in treacle, which you had to eat as quickly as possible, then run around the wall; the first one to return to the starting point, being the winner, received a prize. When the colliery closed, I have vivid memories of lots of unemployed miners, sitting along the wall and chatting. I lived in Colchester during the '60s and during that time, the main street, which had consisted of lovely old buildings stretching back to Tudor times, was destroyed, as these were replaced by hideous glass-fronted shops. I moved from there to Exeter University, only to find that the same thing was proposed for the city centre. Fortunately, under pressure from the university, the city fathers decided to keep the facade of all buildings in the main streets, so the city today, unlike Colchester, still has its medieval look. I think the Old Coal Office identifies Saundersfoot and to replace it with more car parking space, would totally destroy the image of the village, particularly when viewed from the seaward side. I love my village and would hate to see it destroyed just to satisfy short-term commercial interests.

Duncan Hilling, President, Saundersfoot in Bloom.