MADAM – Whilst I recognise the wonderful way with words had by the late Laurie Lee and the pride with which Stroud remembers him, I have to say that I have long felt that there is another writer who spent a large part of his life in Stroud (Rodborough), where he died, who has by comparison received far less accolade, even ‘tho the principal character of his books is global in popularity.
The writer is the Rev Awdry and the books are Thomas The Tank Engine.
There is nothing at all (if I’m wrong please correct me) on the approach roads to the town to identify with Thomas.
Yes – the Stroud website mentions him.
Someone told me there’s something in Stratford Park about Awdry.
But there has never been any desire, it seems, to exploit the considerable earning power that Thomas The Tank Engine has provided in other venues all over the world, not to mention films and books etc.
He is worth millions.
But Stroud has missed the train.
Now, consider the amount of ‘derelict’ land around the railway station and adjoining it by Hill Paul.
Ideal location for a visitor centre.
More than that – a ride-on railway line running through places from the books.
And shops, crafts, cafes, etcetera.
The area is accessible to all traffic without having to drive through the town and plenty of room for parking coaches.
The benefit to the town would have been immense in terms of increased commerce in Stroud retail outlets and cafes.
And Laurie Lees’ poems would have reached a wider public.
It might not even be too late, but it should have been done about 50 years ago.
Roger Brooke
Rodborough