I WAS pleased to learn that someone else knew that George Scarrott and Mich Austin cut down the Oxford Castle Mound trees (Cutting Edge, Oxford Mail, May 16) in 1952.

George was my uncle, and I remember him at work on the mound. My mother, sister Wendy and I were passing by New Road on our way to the Oxford Cattle Market.

The trees, including the Hangman’s Tree, would have been sold as logs to heat homes in Marston, Headington and Cowley, where we lived.

Wood-burning stoves may have revived Uncle George’s former trade – though with insurance and safety equipment, which was unavailable then. However, I cannot see bonfires in the centre of Oxford making a comeback.

Recently, four workmen using petrol strimmers and customary safety gear, cleared the weeds at the edge of the Lower Wolvercote play area.

To relate such a current activity to something that happened in 1952 is impossible, but I do hope that any trees on Castle Mound grow very slowly!

Uncle George and his trademark flat cap will not be available.

PETE LISEMORE Godstow Road Wolvercote Oxford