THE SUMMER TIME MEMORIAL
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR, —I should be grateful for an opportunity of calling your readers' attention to the claims of this Fund, inaugurated to purchase a piece of ancient woodland known as " Petts Wood," nearly ninety acres in extent, adjoining St. Paul's Cray Common, as a memorial to the late William Willett, without whose steady and plucky persistence " Summer Time " would probably never have been introduced. Petts Wood is truly one of the beauty spots of Kent and should be secured if only for that reason ; it is acknowledged on all hands to be the most suitable memorial to William Willett, who knew it well and conceived the idea of altering the clock during his early morning rides there. It lies within a very few miles of the most thickly populated parts of South-East London, and its acquisition will go to form a segment of that green zone which it is hoped will be formed in course of time round the Metropolis. At present the land can be secured at a reasonable price, and the National Trust has agreed to take it over for the use of the public.
A sum of £12,000 is required, of which 18,500 has been already received in cash and promises, practically all from private sources in sums from £500 down to a shilling.
Particulars can be obtained from 34 Ludgate Hill, E.C., the office of the Early Closing Association, who are kindly supporting the scheme, and all contributions should be sent to the Honorary Secretary, Willett Memorial Fund, Captain Larking, at that address.—I am, Sir, &c., A. HORACE BIRD. Willett Memorial Fund, 84 Ludgate Hill, London, E.G. 4.
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