by Camilla Wydenbach
Having read the last newsletter, I feel compelled to respond on the above subject. I need to explain to residents that I have no vested interest as our children are grown up and have long left home. However as a parent, grandparent and a headteacher of a Hampshire primary school I feel I must add my view to the ‘contrary view’ on the subject of ‘Damage to trees’ reported from the recent AGM.
It is often a view expressed in the media that today’s children are not able to enjoy the freedoms of a previous generation.
I believe that children who are fortunate enough to live in Ethelburt Avenue have inherited, along with the garden city ideals of Herbert Collins, the bonuses that children of that era enjoyed. They are able to play in the planned green spaces adjacent to their homes, easily supervised by parents, as were children of what has become a bygone age. I believe, this should include climbing and erecting swings in the larger, more mature trees. It is unlikely that such mature trees will suffer irreparable damage from swings and there are many other less mature trees in the road (or in gardens) that could have bulbs planted beneath them.
Just as living in Ethelburt Avenue continues to be a ‘journey back in time’ as it must be for all residents, it gives me great delight to see Ethelburt Avenue children enjoying life as it was for us older residents when we were children. Ethelburt Avenue children can play in green spaces, are (relatively) safe from traffic, can climb trees, can swing in trees, can play close to home where family can watch over them… in short, can do all the things that the majority of city children can=t do.
Residents are understandably very keen to preserve historical aspects of Ethelburt Avenue, I would ask them to also preserve a way of life for children that prevailed when Herbert Collins established Ethelburt Avenue.
This is one of two letters received. The other letter expressed similar views.