Sir, – Waverley Borough Council's intentions to offer the land surrounding (and including) Brightwell House for redevelopment spurred me to reach for my camera this summer.

I wanted to capture what is there now, in and around Brightwells Gardens, in case it should disappear for ever.

In taking the photographs, it became apparent to me what a haven from the turmoil of traffic and commerce the gardens are. Seeing people playing tennis and bowls adds to the charm and I became captivated by the whole atmosphere.

Another significant fact emerged: Brightwell House and gardens do belong together and complement each other. Losing the house would render the

gardens just an insignificant open space and the house

without the gardens would lose much of its graciousness.

It is some relief that Waverley have said they wish to preserve the vista across the lawns and bowling green towards the River Wey. But what of the reverse view across the green and lawn towards the house? Would the house remain? Will shops and offices intrude across the tennis courts, obscuring the view of the church towers? What kind of buildings will replace the

ageing bowling club house? My pictures pose many

unanswered questions.

Brightwells gardens are almost secret gardens now, enjoyed only by the few who live near by or who know the short cuts between the Health Centre and Sainsbury's town store.

What a. wonderful opportunity Waverley have to give back to the town a restored Brightwell House complete with what were once described as extensive pleasure gardens – somewhere we could all enjoy.

The Farnham Society and the Farnham Trust support my view that Brightwell House and gardens are integral and that the gardens might be restored to a suitable period style.

Some partial garden archaeology could be appropriate to ascertain whether the Georgian gardens differed from the Victorian.

With a successful renovation this historic site would be then well worth advertising as an attraction for visitors to Farnham.

E Anne Cooper (Mrs)

Nutshell Lane, Upper Hale