Taking the road less travelled

YOUR article about driving a Land Rover at Eastnor Castle (October 19) reminded me of a recent family celebration. My grandfather was 98 in September and we were struggling for a suitable present, but his lifelong love of cars provided one thought.

On the big day, we took him to the Land Rover Experience in Devon, where he calmly drove a Range Rover down 45˚ gradients and into uncomfortably deep water with a huge smile. Considering he’s never driven a 4x4, is partially disabled due to childhood polio and is deaf, he completed the course magnificently and, upon being awarded his certificate, was told he was the oldest man to have completed the course.

At this time of uncertainty, it’s a shame to hear so much negativity in our country. When I ask my grandfather about the past, his response is: ‘I’m not interested in the past—i’m only interested in the future.’ Perhaps we could all try to adopt his attitude? Guy Wilson, Monmouthshire