I HAVE sympathy with the bowls clubs who are likely to have their funding cut and I agree that the Steam Museum continues to be subsidised. However, I would like to point out that when the museum was opened it was on the basis of a wildly optimistic projection of future visitor numbers.

Consequently, it has been a constant struggle to reduce the size of the subsidy. The battle is being won.

I became a volunteer at Steam in 2006 and know that year on year, the subsidy has been reduced.

This is down to the efforts of a dedicated team of staff who have shown great initiative in developing income generating projects which in no way detract from the main purpose of Steam, which is to be a museum of the GWR, with top quality customer service.

They are to be congratulated and I for one wish them well in their continuing battle to reduce the subsidy.

Why not support them by visiting the museum or one of the top quality events held there, such as the Railway Festival or Christmas at Steam, which help to generate income and provide a great day out?

If you are a local business investigate what Steam has to offer for corporate events.

The railways are an important part of Swindon’s heritage and Steam is vital to maintain that heritage.

Marlene Wheeler Station Road Swindon