It was with great sadness that we read of the death of Oliver Davies in the Free Press (July 10). He was a kind and generous friend to many in Minehead. His concerts in aid of Rodhuish church were eagerly anticipated and much enjoyed, but it was Oliver’s knowledge of local history, and in particular, of our town’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture, that those of us interested in its history admired and valued so much.

Perhaps Oliver’s most significant characteristic was his enthusiasm, which inspired him to set up, with others, the Minehead Conservation Society and become its first chair. When It became clear that iconic buildings were at risk of redevelopment, the society succeeded in setting up a Conservation Area. The society also held annual exhibitions of aspects of Minehead history, curated by Oliver with his extensive knowledge of Minehead’s history. Often, as the exhibition was opening, Oliver was still engaged in writing the captions in his elegant flowing script.

It was the same enthusiasm for preserving valuable knowledge of what would otherwise be lost that led Oliver, while chair of the society, to take the first steps in setting up a Minehead museum by setting up a museum sub-committee. Thank you, Oliver, for all you have done for Minehead. We who remain are grateful.

Sue Lloyd