MORE than 700 years of Forest of Dean history will come into focus against the majestic backdrop of Gloucester Cathedral next Wednesday when a new Verderer is to be appointed.

The Verderers’ Election, to replace the late Ray Wright, will take place in Gloucester Cathedral for what is believed to be only the second time in seven centuries, on February 15.

The four verderers are the Queen’s representatives for the statutory Forest of Dean and are are responsible for all the ‘vert and venison’ it contains.

The election is open to all residents of Gloucestershire except those who live in the City of Gloucester itself, who for some historical reason are excluded.

This week three of the leading candidates, Rich Daniels, Spencer Thomas and Malcolm Walker make their case on why they are they person to vote for.

Rich Daniels was born at the Dilke Memorial Hospital in Cinderford and lived in the Forest all my life despite having travelled widely in the UK and abroad.

I have a deep love for the Dean and an understanding of the complexities of the Forest. It is a significant challenge to maintain a vibrant healthy working Forest, providing timber, a place for nature, wildlife and recreación.

I am a Freeminer and run Hopewell Colliery Museum.

I chair the Freeminers Association and Hands Off Our Forest, better know as HOOF, which led the campaign against attempts to sell the Forest of Dean and other public Forests.

Verderers must be strong individuals who are not afraid to stand for the protection and care of our Forest, both forested and open-ground.

Today, challenges to our Forest are no less and perhaps more than those of the past.

There have been three attempts to sell or dispose of our Forest in the last 30 years.

The pressure of development and housing is squeezing our Forest as never before.

This is despite legislation that should be protecting it.

There are many who would see our Forest sold off, split up, developed, built upon and over commercialised. In so doing destroying the very thing that makes our Forest such a wonderful and special place.

If our Forest is to flourish we must elect Verderers who will protect it for all people, for nature and for forestry.

They must have vision for the future whilst appreciating and understanding our heritage and tradiciones.

Working every day in the heart of the Forest gives me a sound overview of the activities that make up both use and administration of the Forest including regular contact with Forestry Commission across all levels and departments.

I believe passionately that the Forest and our community are inextricably linked. Should you wish me to serve I will make my commitment to steadfastly do so independently and be guided in my task, as always, by the people of the Forest, their concerns and wishes.

Spencer Thomas was born and raised in my early years in Bream, and have lived in the family home in Lydney mostly since.

I attended Lydney Grammar School and progressed to the Royal School of Mines at Imperial College in London to study Mining Engineering and Geology.

In 1965 I entered the family business, founded by my Grandfather, himself a geologist nearly 100 years ago, as the third of four working generations, where I worked until my retirement 2 years ago.

The business was minerals extraction, coal, ochre, and stone.

A large part of my responsibility was in restoration and I was advised on Forestry Matters by Dr Cyril Hart, a previous Senior Verderer in the planting and aftercare of more than 50,000 trees in the Forest.

Most of the work was carried out by two old Foresters, the Sterry Brothers, who tutored me and latterly allowed me to work with them on a hands-on basis.

I spent many hours discussing the Forest with Dr Hart, and the work and responsibilities to the Community of the Verderers currently and for the future.

I am a qualified Freeminer of 40 years standing, and have had many contacts with Mr Albert Howells, past Deputy Gaveller, and other Forestry officials over the years.

I have always had a keen interest in Wildlife in general and particularly in the Forest.

I part-ran my father-in-law’s dairy farm in Bream in the 1970s.

In summary, I am an enthusiast in all matters connected with the Forest, its environs, animals and community both present and future.

I hold strong views particularly on over commercialisation of the Forest, but I am a team player and worker, as people who know me in other organisations will be aware.

I will take particular notice of the views of the Forest Community.

Hopefully I will be able draw on some of the knowledge gained over my long working life if so elected as Verderer.

Malcolm Walker was born in Lydney Hospital and spent my childhood playing freely in the fabulous Forest and quarries of Ellwood.

I now live in St Briavels and support freedom of ‘our Forest’ for everyone.

Please come and witness the High Sheriff Of Gloucester open the proceedings and be part of an historic event being made and wave your hand for Malcolm ‘A True Forester’.