13 APRIL 1956, Page 18

GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S LAUREATE SIR,—Thanking John Betjeman for his kind reference and

inquiry (March 23), I am glad to assure him that I am alive—and still writing. Last week I celebrated my sixty-eighth birth- day with a meal of Severn elvers which should strengthen me to reach the 'allotted span.'—Yours faithfully, F. W. HARVEY High View, Yorkley, Near Lydney, Glos