I am very grateful to Michael Ancram for his support in the campaign for Savernake Hospital and can understand his regret at retiring without seeing all our efforts come to fruition.

Guy Opperman was adopted last year to stand as a member of parliament for Hexham in the forthcoming election – which is very sad for us and very fortunate for Hexham.

In the absence of Guy, who many are agreed, would have represented us brilliantly, we desperately require a candidate with an understanding of rural needs who is prepared to put local health services at the top of his/her agenda.

While I recognise this is not the only issue locally – if anyone can tackle that one area and make progress, they can probably do anything.

Walking on water may not be necessary, but whoever can prevent Rev Jeff James and his crew from walking all over us will surely get my vote. Let’s hope there’s someone who has an understanding of healthcare waiting in the wings. Val Compton, Kennet Place, Marlborough.