Prince sends thanks for Ray's lines of luck (From Stroud News and Journal)

Prince sends thanks for Ray's lines of luck

A STONEHOUSE man has received a letter of thanks from HRH Prince Charles for a poem he wrote commemorating the royal wedding.

Ray Davis, of Regent Street, Stonehouse, said he felt "pleased and honoured" when the letter from Buckingham Palace landed on his doormat on Saturday, April 9 - the day of the royal wedding.

Mr Davis said: "It just fell on the mat and I went to pick it up. The envelope was very impressive. It has a Buckingham Palace mark on it. I noticed that and I thought, this looks good."

The letter, from the office of HRH The Prince of Wales, said: "His Royal Highness has been overwhelmed by the incredibly kind response to the announcement of his marriage to Mrs. Parker Bowles, and he was immensely touched that you should take the trouble to write as you did.

"Your words were greatly appreciated and The Prince of Wales has asked me to send you his warmest thanks and best wishes."

Mr Davis said: "It has been controversial but they are married now and that's what counts in the eyes of god and the country.

"The poem that I have done for Charles is not a very long one, but it is straight to the point."

Mr Davis, an ex-paratrooper, began writing poems four or five years ago after his retirement.

He is a member of Gloucestershire Police Male Voice Choir and is currently rehearsing one of his poems which has been set to music and will be performed at Leonard Stanley Music Festival on July 15.

The letter Mr Davis sent to Prince Charles

Poem from a Cotswold Boy

These Cotswold Hills will sing with joy The day this girl weds this boy This April; a day in spring When life begins and songbirds sing A love of youth that's stood the time Of rocky roads and steep hills climb: Their destiny has always been He will be King and she his Queen. Ray Davis