Body and arms clad in black brown sleeves
Topped with hats of muted green leaves
Misty bluebell slippers comfort their feet
Waltzing where dancing shadows greet
Boughing swains in woodland halls
Pay homage to mother nature's calls
May these acorn princes and kings of green
Forever reign in the Forest of Dean
Like solid images of Foresters true
Stamding stubborn against pollution's toxic hue
Securing the future of birds wonderous dawn chorus
Saving our heritage all that is best for us
These mighty oaks unyielding yet with gentle shades
Will nurture our Forest so it never fades.
MARK Harper gained the respect and hearts of the Forest people when he was involved in the campaign to save the Dilke Hospital.
He must know how proud Foresters are of their traditions and heritage. The Forest of Dean is a truly wonderful place. Its ancient laws and past history are unique.
It is these things which make not only the Forest of Dean but our country the best and puts the 'great' in Great Britain.
So let the Foresters keep their faith in those who were elected to do the best for them. Let the Foresters keep their Forest, don't sell it off.
– Kath Ryder, Mitcheldean.