A GIFT TO THE NATIONAL TRUST.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—We 'shall be glad if you will allow us to announce through your columns a most important acquisition on the part. of the National Trust. Many visitors to the Isle of Wight will be familiar with the fine stretch of downs between Ventnor and Shanklin known as St. Boniface Down. Mr. Llewellyn Evans, the present owner of these downs, has, in order to carry out the generous wishes of the previous owner, the late Mrs. Caroline Ann Evans, of Bryndir, Roehampton, presented them to the National Trust to be held by them for the benefit of the nation. The property conveyed consists of 221 acres of unspoiled downland, commanding magnificent views, and it is Mr. Evans's wish that nothing should be done to interfere with its natural beauty, but that it should be kept as far as possible in its present state.
The National Trust has gladly accepted the guardianship of this beautiful property, its first possession in the Isle of Wight, and a strong Local Committee of Management, which will administer it in accordance with the donor's wishes, will be immediately set up. May we, on behalf of the Council of the Trust, express our gratitude for the wise and far-seeing generosity of the late Mrs. Evans in thus securing for the public benefit for all time such a splendid property P—We are, Sir, &c.,
PLYMOUTH, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Joint BAILEY, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee; S. H. HAMER, Secretary.
The National Trust, 25 Victoria Street. S.W. 1.
Previous page
