I write in reply to Mr Belcher's letter (October 22) who

obviously took offence to my previous letter.

Just to clarify the word 'elite' in the dictionary is

defined as 'the best' and I totally agree that miners do a

very hard and terrific job but why should it only be the

men that are recognised for it and allowed to become free

miners?

I am well aware of the area of Forest that was

mentioned for my daughter's much needed exercise. I

wasn't aware that Mr Belcher had such an insight into my

family's daily life. I was merely pointing out that children

have other interests and unless they have a strong family

connection to the Forest's heritage, becoming a free

miner is not something they are likely to want to do

(especially after the recent events in Chile).

As for my comment 'no quarries in which to work in'

this just highlights the lack of jobs and therefore

opportunity for someone who does qualify by being born

within the hundred to actually get the relevant work to

make them eligible to become a free miner.

Times have changed and if the tradition is going to

remain then something has to be done. As I previously

suggested, perhaps an education programme allowing

those who need the work placement to qualify having an

opportunity to do this and also by teaching youngsters

what a free miner is all about, otherwise it is something

that they will be learning in hist­ory. All things for future

generations.

As for now allowing women to become free miners is

the obvious solution as it doesn't cost anything ... only

some pride!

– Kate Denley (by email).