MY family have recently had several walks across Charlotte's Bridge, the new bridge at Fatherford.
The idea for a bigger bridge was conceived over a cup of tea in my kitchen with my daughter, Claire, who was a close friend of Charlotte.
We knew that the terrible tragedy that befell young Charlotte could never be allowed to happen to anyone else. She was drowned, aged 12, attempting to ride her pony across the swollen Okement River. We also knew that a wider stronger bridge would provide easy access for horses, prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs etc, for all to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river walk and tramlines.
To watch a seed, in this case an idea, germinate and grow into something wonderful is indeed a joyous experience, but without the help of several people this would not have been possible.
I would personally like to say a very big 'Thank You' to Dudley Luxton and Derrick Webber, who, after much nagging from me, brought the subject up at a meeting of the Okehampton United Churches (OUS) and the Hamlets Council.
They also acquired permission from the landowner and Devon County Council, and funding from Devon County Council (DCC), the OUS and friends and family of Charlotte from Eastlake Farm Riding Stables.
So many people in so many ways have contributed time, money and ideas for this project over several years. Thank you all so very much. Because of you, and others, 'Charlotte's Bridge' will go down in local history books alongside such things as Jays Grave and therefore Charlotte will never be forgotten.
Sue Leech
Limehayes Road
Okehampton