MADAM,

On 25th September, having lost my way on the steep wooded side of the Wye above Tintern, I managed to stop myself from taking a bad slide down the hill and found myself perched dangerously above a narrow and treacherous slope of mud, with the river as my only way out. Rather than risk drowning, I was able to get the attention of a couple walking their dogs on the opposite bank. They called the police for help.

Suddenly I became the focus of a combined rescue operation involving several branches of the emergency services. First to arrive was a resourceful policeman, Nye, who lowered himself to my side on a borrowed climbing rope and kept me re-assured throughout while helping to co-ordinate the rescue.

Cautiously and creatively the teams combined a roped descent from above with the arrival of a river crew in a small rubber dinghy. Together they lowered me over the slippery mud into the boat, which brought me a short way down-stream to a waiting ambulance. My physical condition was thoroughly checked. Then another policeman drove me back to Chepstow.

Despite my foolishness at having caused this trouble, I was treated with great care and kindness. I wish to thank all those involved in saving me from a possible drowning. Thank you Liz and Bernie from Caerwent, for hearing me and taking action, and for being there until my rescue was complete.

Peter Scott

(Ontario, Canada)