"Hi Sally, After a long flight my owl arrived safely in Malta. It is fantastic, you are very talented, looks better than the photos. Thanks so much Martin Brooks."

My Dear Sally, This is to acknowledge receipt of the Hedgehog which you fashioned for me. I hold wood to be the finest material ever made by God or man. I work it myself at the very lowest (and only practical) level and find it so good to see it worked artistically. Your fine work has given me much pleasure and also to my daughter who is delighted with her birthday present. Thankyou. Yours sincerely, Neville Tribe - Burry St. Edmunds, Suffolk.

Thank you so much for carving this for us! This sculpture was beautiful and Christmas Day was certainly emotional for my grandparents! The photograph doesn't do it justice! Simply amazing! It meant the world to them and us! Our dog even thought it was real and ran away from it!!

Dear Sally, Large boxes are not usually a good look for Christmas presents from Russell as our family will testify. They have been known to contain Hoovers, lampshades and once a ghastly plaster of Paris Sphinx! So you can imagine how the family gathered round to watch my expression. However they were met with squeals of delight as I knew EXACTLY what it was. I have been somewhat obsessed with Otters since riding the Tarka Trail only to find that no-one had thought to craft one in any medium in Bideford. Many thanks for all your hard work - it has been well rewarded. Julia Brookes - Alcester, Warwickshire

Dear Sally, I am so impressed with your carved owl - so happy to have found it at Grantham Hall. I hope you enjoyed your home there. Very best wishes and thanks. Julian - Lamberhurst, Kent