I AM writing in support of E. Pickford's views regarding the 'Incomers' slur as expressed in your Review 'Opinion' (13/11/09). I've followed with regular interest the reports and proposals for the various Severn Barrage schemes, and also find your comments that 'Inomers, who never understood the river' both ill-informed and prejudiced towards various river and tidal experts. Would you have said the same thing if they had come from the Forest of Dean?
I am also in full agreement with your reader when they go on to express how your rather insular views can promote an 'us and them' attitude, which can lead to prejudice, intolerance, violence and questionable wars. As the song says 'What's wrong with a little peace, love and understanding?'
Foresters are lucky enough to be born in such a beautiful place, while the wife and I feel fortunate to be living here. Why can't we all just get on and enjoy what we've got?
Well perhaps we all could if some people were not so attached to identifying themselves with where they come from and looked out and embraced and appreciated the bigger picture, then 'incomers,' and maybe even wars could be a thing of the past! – Peter Holmes, Littledean.