CAN I please direct this to Margaret Taylor (nee Covey) and Ronald Brind regarding their comments on the future of the Ampleforth Arms pub on Risinghurst estate.

I also grew up on the estate as did they and I feel that I must point out the inaccurate claims that are made regarding CS Lewis and his brother and now their connection with the Ampleforth Arms, I expect for the purpose of saving the pub.

The housekeeper was Mrs Miller, not Mrs Moore, although she was a close and dear friend of the brothers. I believe that The Kilns belonged to her and she gave to them to live in for their lifetime.

My Aunt, Mrs Miller (Molly) in the 1950s saw a request in the window of the Risinghurst PO for a housekeeper cum cook/cleaner for two gentlemen living at The Kilns.

She replied and got the job.

When CS died the house was too big and lonely for his brother to live in on his own so it was decided to buy a smaller house on the estate for him, but he was not happy living there.

He was drinking very heavily now,and it was not safe for him to be left on his own.

Perhaps while living in the smaller house on the estate Warren might have gone to the Ampleforth for a drink or to buy his bottle of whisky, but it is highly unlikely that C S Lewis ever used the local pubs.

I know Mr Brind. He also feels that he is well informed regarding the Lewis brothers.

I really do understand that the Ampleforth Arms as a pub is a preferable option than having a block of flats built on the site and you want to use all your powers to save it, but please get the facts correct.

JANET SURRAGE nee Surman
Dashwood Avenue
Yarnton