REGARDING your article 'Mineral mining at Clearwell Caves.' Clearwell Caves had stopping mining iron before 1947.

When I was a young lad these caves were our playground. We used to play and explore the caves in the Lamsquay and Clearwell areas. There were many, quite a few, in what we called 'Paynes Wood' and some where we had to rope down to 12ft or more.

We used candles to find our way around these iron workings and many times imagined we were lost. No-one knew where we were as we never left anyone on the outside to raise any alarm. We had no fear.

In regard to Ray Wright's Clearwell Caves. We used to call the cave 'Spring cave' as there was a natural spring just inside the entrance.

The entrance at that time was very small and there were no signs of any workings.

Our play days were any time from 1942 on.

I am very pleased to see it as a Forest attraction. We had many happy days when we were young exploring these workings and I know the people of today find it just as interesting and exciting. Well done Ray Wright.

– Roy Haviland, Lydney.