SIR: It is our view that the Cathedral should think more carefully before asking the public to contribute to the proposed memorial to Jane Austen in The Close.
Following recent appeals to preserve the medieval glass etc. perhaps now would be the time to appeal for funds to provide good access for disabled and older people to the Cathedral. The Cathedral already has Jane Austen’s gravestone and Winchester has the house she died in. The two seem adequate and certainly reflect her relationship with Winchester.
Perhaps there might be a lift and/or a ramp which could have a plaque noting that it was installed in remembrance of Jane Austen? No doubt this would be a useful and lasting gesture to our great novelist, especially considering she was so sick and died here.
Dr Reefat Drabu,
President,
Winchester Women Graduates, the local branch of BFWG,
Main Road,
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