I read with interest the article which appeared in the online edition of the Salisbury Journal (Tuesday, October 22).

The story regarded the changing of the light bulb at the top of Salisbury Cathedral spire.

The report mentioned that this happens once every four years and that on this occasion, the job was carried out by clerk of works, Gary Price.

This reminded me of a man named Roy Spring who at one time was also clerk of the works at the Cathedral and who, as a regular customer at the Haunch of Venison, would relate some remarkable stories about the famous spire.

At one time Roy was actively looking for those who had actually scaled the dizzy heights and ascended right to the top of the 404ft spire.

His intention was to form a club called ‘The 404 Club’ where each member would wear a tie bearing an outline of the cathedral spire, with a triangle underneath, and the figure 404.

"It will only count if a person has climbed from the weather door to the very top, and they are a very limited number of people," he said.

Roy was suggesting that as a club member you would enjoy a dinner, a bi-annual get-together, and a possible chance to climb to the top all over again!

Whether this club actually happened I am unable to say…

In the 1980s Roy was climbing the spire once a year to put lamps in the aircraft warning lights and for inspection purposes.

Roy once said that climbing the spire was only as safe as you made it adding, "Sometimes I do a free climb.

"Not tied on to anything.

"That involves climbing up the rungs.

"On most occasions, however, one uses a safety belt."

Looking at our photo I’m not surprised!