THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

November 16 [1940s]

Dear Canon Newill
I understand that you are interested in preserving the belt of trees at the corner of Sandy Lane and Westcott Road which are threatened by the Sondes Place building operations. I saw Mr. Smith the other day who now owns the property and he suggested that those who are interested should buy a strip of land which would at all events preserve enough trees to screen the buildings.
This seems the only way of preserving them – I believe that Mr. Smith might consider an offer of £200 for a strip of land 35 ft wide extending from the new fence in Sandy Lane as far as his proposed new entrance to Westcott Road.  This would be about 1/3 acre and would include about 3 rows of trees and it would of course be possible to plant more.
I suppose that if we consider this project we ought to add another £50 for fencing, replanting and legal expenses.
I have already had promises amounting to £150 and others have offered to help with unspecified amounts. If you are interested would you care to join in the scheme? 
Yours sincerely
R Vaughan Williams

1. Edward Newill was Anglican Archdeacon of Dorking (1936-1954).