A recurring comment made about the artist, in the letters written by Oakley's closest friends, relate to the energy he displayed, energy that was directed not only at the paintings he produced but at a wide range of artistic activities, including the items mentioned in the quote above.  It is hoped that some additional examples of these items will be included at a later date.

Aside from his art, he clearly enjoyed walking, which during his time at St. David's meant the scenic byways and footpaths around the city as well as its truly wonderful coastline.  In his love of the countryside, he would not hesitate to "take up arms" (with pen rather than sword) to attack any violation of what he felt was God's intention for how the landscape should be treated.

Herbert C. Oakley was also a prolific letter writer, to friends, and in a more serious manner to editors of the local newspaper, championing any cause or issue he felt needed to be addressed.  Examples of these appear in the section entitled "Letters & Newspaper Articles".

It would appear that writing poetry also provided him considerable pleasure, given the vast amount he wrote.  Some are quite amusing;  most are quite revealing of his thoughts, beliefs and personality.

As his poetry so often reflected, he was a deeply religious man, and so it must have given him tremendous joy when he became the author of a featured hymn sung at St. David's Cathedral on Ascension Day in 1927.

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The words in the hymn clearly reflect the beliefs of this unique individual.