PLEASE keep your letters to 250 words maximum giving your name, address and daytime telephone number - even on emails. Email: letters@swindonadvertiser.co.uk. Write: Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE. Phone: 01793 501806.

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Why we need museum

The letter from Mr Kane (“A Poisoned Chalice” 08.07.17) absolutely confirms the need for the new museum and art gallery.

He is scathing about Swindon (“empty shops, stupid activities of drunken louts, takeaway food, litter etc”) and quotes a report that its retail ranking is sinking.

It is precisely because some people have this picture of Swindon that I am involved, and why the council and many other supporters want to build a new museum in the centre of the town to transform it and to give people a reason to be proud of their town.

People mostly behave according to their environment. Just view a before and after of all the areas around all the other museums that have been built around the country and you will see the incontrovertible evidence of regeneration.

Swindon has a thriving economy and a lot of excellent cultural activity bubbling under this poor image often painted by its own residents.

I can only repeat that it is brilliantly placed in beautiful countryside with excellent communications giving easy access to millions of people, with a great spirit which can be unleashed by this investment.

I am happy to be accused of optimism, but in my business life I believed in having a vision and driving towards it, never accepting the status quo, and the greater the challenge the better.

To date, we have had more than 1,700 people sign our Back The Bid postcards, as well as many statements of support, and that number is increasing every day.

I and all those involved in this project are passionately driving towards our vision of a new heart for Swindon for all the cultural and economic benefits it will bring and we are delighted by the rapidly growing support we are getting.

ROBERT HISCOX, Chair, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust

Call for cruise pals

WE ARE wondering whether Adver readers can help us. From May 27 until June 2 we went on a most enjoyable cruise on the Crown Princess ship.

While on board we met up with a lovely couple whom we only know as John and Chloe. Phone numbers were exchanged and Chloe did phone us once.

Sadly, we have lost the address and phone number. Is it possible that you can put the above details in your paper for us?

Hopefully we can reinstate the phone number and address and get back in touch again.

JOHN AND DIANE BUTCHER, Rosebery Crescent, Eastleigh, Hants

Bosses have union too

WHY do people niggle about working class workers being member of trades unions?

After all, the big bosses have their union. It is usually called the Conservative Party. Isn’t that right, Theresa May?

MAX NOTTINGHAM, St Faith’s Street, Lincoln