It was interesting to see ‘Forest Road Closures Planned’ in last week’s Forester, in the same edition in which I expressed my dissatisfaction with the existing road disruptions throughout the Forest. These new disruptions will affect road users in Awre, Tidenham, Cinderford and surrounding areas. We are advised that closures are expected to be short term, but we are also advised that there will be delays in force which may last for up to 18 months. The reasons for these closures include broadband ducting, sewer repair works, drainage works, telecommunications and pole renewals, which no doubt need some attention. The County Council must be ordering large stocks of yellow ‘Diversion Signs’ to scatter around the Forest. I hope that they get it right this time, as the latest range has caused some confusion and false trails, especially to me.

I’m wondering why laying cables are necessary for such modern telecommunications features as ‘broadband’. Can’t data be transmitted over radio waves? I’m sure there must be a reason, but I can’t think what it might be.

I notice also in the Forester that construction has officially begun on the long-awaited redevelopment of Five Acres, with a new communication facility beginning to take shape. After over a decade of neglect and promises and speculation, it looks as if things might be happening.

The site used to be a Forest cultural, sporting and entertainment centre. Sporting users of the site include Berry Hill Rugby Club, which was the top club in the Forest a generation ago, with epic cup clashes in the national cup with top clubs Harlequins and London Scottish. They had a powerful front row which could probably match any front row in the country. But now the club sadly languishes in a Gloucestershire lower league, playing against second teams from Lydney and Drybrook.

There was also a Berry Hill cricket club playing on the site, which I remember with great pain, for when playing for St Briavels I was given out lbw by our own umpire when I was on 49, an outrageous decision which still hurts. I missed out tragically on a half century which would have been my highest ever score.

The great Berry Hill professional theatre was the best in the Forest. There were presentations, choir festivals, a proper ticketing box, political speeches, male voice choirs and a local musical theatre group offering great memorable productions of musicals Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady.

I look forward to a revived Forest Theatre at Berry Hill to continue this great Forest resource.