I AM pleased to read that the obelisk overlooking Lymington Quay is receiving some support towards its restoration.

Sir Harry Burrard-Neal is a relative of mine in that my grandmother was from the Rooke family tree, which includes Col Henry Douglas Rooke, who gifted Woodside Gardens to local residents.

Further back in time, two Rooke sisters married two Burrard brothers, hence my connection to the monument.

Another Rooke member owned the manor of Burley for a short while.

Indeed on some old documents mentioning Bisterne Close, it is referred to as ‘the Rookes’.

Therefore the Burrards are still here in the New Forest, just that through the female side, the surname changes – Burrard/ Rooke/Grant.

RICHARD F GRANT, Burley.