Sir,
We were so pleased to see the Tenby webcam mentioned in a recent letter to the Observer.
As overseas visitors to Tenby (we consider it our second home), we visit the webcam site with almost daily regularity. It is always wonderful to check in to see what the weather is doing, where the tide level is and any number of other tidbits of information that we can glean from that little rectangular view of 'heaven'.
We have waved to friends and relatives - from both sides of the lens - and in fact on several occasions have probably looked like a bunch of mad fools to the people of Tenby as we have danced about, jumping and signalling to people sitting at their computers as far away as Canada and Australia, especially back in the days when the camera's view was trained on Tudor Square!
We have watched storm waves crash over the pier, sunsets and sunrises over Castle Hill and even the tiny dots that we know to be children and dogs running about on the sand, all the while anticipating the next time we will be able to be there again in person. It truly is a very valued part of our daily routine and we honestly miss it when it has occasionally been out of commission.
It is understood that the exact view that it offers may not always be ideal, particularly once spring arrives and the beech tree leafs out, but it has been such a fabulous link to a place that seems both far away at times and as near-as-can-be at others.
During our visits to Tenby we have repeatedly tried to find out who is responsible for the system so that we might share with them our gratitude for offering such as service. (In fact, I would be honoured to buy the managers a pint or two of heartfelt 'thanks' if I ever were to meet them in person!). So far we have had no luck.
The folks who operate it, whether they do so for commercial reasons or not, most definitely have our profound appreciation. If anyone has the means to pass that along to the appropriate persons we would be very, very grateful.
John White and Family,
St. Catharines,
Ontario,
Canada.