WARM memories of a visit made to West Somerset just 25 years ago by the then Prince of Wales were recalled this week as the area makes final preparations to celebrate Saturday's Coronation.

Residents of Old Cleeve still remember with gratitude how the future King not only intervened to save an orchard and an ancient monument but made a special trip to the village to share the success of the campaign and plant a commemorative tree.

The Prince had joined a 20 year campaign to stop the landowners, the Crown Estate, replacing the three-acre cider apple orchard and a 700-year old wall with modern houses. After the Prince’s intervention, development plans were dropped.

Looking back, campaigner Jeanne Webb remembered that everyone was very impressed by the Prince’s warmth and friendliness. “He had great charm and humanity,” she added.

Other memorable Westcountry visits by the future King included an appearance at an Exmoor National Park Authority’s “Big Picnic” at Simonsbath three years ago to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the creation of national parks.

He chatted to the then President of the Exmoor Society, the late Sir Antony Acland, Knight of the Garter and former head of the diplomatic service, and the recently retired society chair, Rachel Thomas CBE.

West Country Blacksmiths’ Keiren Roberts, who also met the Prince that day, remembered: “He came across as a really nice person and the projects he champions and supports are brilliant.”