One in seven free tickets used by residents at SeaCity museum

Free Seacity museum tickets snubbed Free Seacity museum tickets snubbed

JUST one in seven of the free tickets to Southamp-ton’s Titanic themed museum have been used, latest figures reveal.

The council gave away tickets to all 98,000 households in the city to visit the new SeaCity museum this year for free.

But the offer of free entry for a family of two adults and three children has only been taken up by around 13,600 households so far.

Today the Daily Echo can reveal the council is already planning new exhibitions to tempt back visitors to see something “fresh”.

The free ticket giveaway, just weeks before local elections in May which saw Labour take power from the Tories, was criticised at the time as an election bribe.

SeaCity opened in April on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in which 1,500 perished, around a third from Southampton.

Overall visitor numbers in the five months since it opened have topped 83,000 on target for the forecasted 150,000 visitors a year.

The £15m project, shortlisted for a prestigious building award, has been funded from a £4.9m lottery grant and £500,000 from fundraising so far.

The council made up the budget gap with the proceeds of asset sales and short-term borrowing.

It had intended to find up to £5m from fundraising.

Southampton’s Grade II-listed former magistrates’ courts and police headquarters at the Civic Centre were transformed and extended into the cultural and heritage attraction.

Conservatives defended the money as well spent as it has left the city with a valuable legacy.

The Southampton Cultural Development Trust was set up to raise funds for both SeaCity and £2.1m towards the city’s forthcoming £21m arts complex.

Councillor Warwick Payne, the council’s leisure boss, said: “We are where we are. It’s been built. The question now is how do we make the best of it.

“We are already trying to think ahead of what other stories we can tell with the idea that if you come back there will be something fresh to see.”

He said an exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Southampton getting its city status in 2014 was being considered.

Other exhibitions in coming years could be based around the 600th anniversary of Agincourt, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and 50 years of production of the Ford Transit in Southampton.

Cllr Payne added there were no “active” plans to outsource the management of SeaCity after a Tory tender failed to secure an operator.

Comments(68)

mansak_hunt says...
8:50am Sun 14 Oct 12

This idea didn't go down too well, unlike the Titanic

South101 says...
8:53am Sun 14 Oct 12

We never received our free tickets, when contacting the council we were informed that it was Royal Mail's fault and there was nothing they would do to re issue. From the sounds of it we weren't the only ones this had happened too.

robich says...
8:57am Sun 14 Oct 12

The free tickets are family passes but cannot be used during school holidays - so when can families visit? Unless they take their children out of school?

fuzzyfelt says...
9:18am Sun 14 Oct 12

robich wrote:
The free tickets are family passes but cannot be used during school holidays - so when can families visit? Unless they take their children out of school?
weekends

Portswood says...
9:18am Sun 14 Oct 12

robich wrote:
The free tickets are family passes but cannot be used during school holidays - so when can families visit? Unless they take their children out of school?
Well said robich - you've hit the nail on the head. I'm surprised Matt's article didn't mention this. The free tickets could be used on a Saturday, I suppose. But what with football training, catching up with homework and other stuff that needs doing, it's not easy to fit in.

Maybe the council can have a rethink and extend the passes to include school holidays. I can't believe the museum is really going to be swamped then.

Inform Al says...
9:20am Sun 14 Oct 12

'The council made up the budget gap with proceeds of asset sales and short term borrowing' So that's why they sold off the Swaythling youth centre, the Local Housing office and the Flower Roads community centre, leaving Swaythling with nothing to keep the kids off the streets in the evenings. Well done Royston, see you managed to build a new community centre on your own ward in this time.

rachie66 says...
9:44am Sun 14 Oct 12

fuzzyfelt wrote:
robich wrote:
The free tickets are family passes but cannot be used during school holidays - so when can families visit? Unless they take their children out of school?
weekends
Couldn't agree more! School holidays would be the best time to visit! Weekends I always avoid going to town plus have plenty of other stuff that needs doing!
I also thought all school children were getting tickets to visit during school time! Neither of mine have.

Tony in Liberia says...
9:59am Sun 14 Oct 12

I went there with a free ticket, and felt I'd overpaid to see it. What a wasted opportunity! It's rubbish, and I haven't found anyone yet who was impressed. What a wasted opportunity ...

joenice1 says...
10:12am Sun 14 Oct 12

I actually think 1 in 7 is OK. I used ours and the family enjoyed it.

This story is really negative, which does not really suprise myself, as I do find our paper can be like this.

I think the musem has been a real success as well as Tudor house.

Come on Echo, lets be a little more positive, maybe you should say how many people have been the the doors in total.

userds5050 says...
10:28am Sun 14 Oct 12

"This story is really negative, which does not really suprise myself, as I do find our paper can be like this."
Were you hoping it didn't sink after all?

sotonbusdriver says...
10:41am Sun 14 Oct 12

Never recieved free tickets in the first place, and to be honest think that the new so called extention looks like an eyesore.
Total waste of money, when it could have been used to benefit more people than it will ever reach.

chunky_lover says...
10:42am Sun 14 Oct 12

I asked for a £25 reduction on the council tax bill and it was denied. The council are such **** idiots.

Hampshire Rose says...
10:46am Sun 14 Oct 12

It was ludicrous to make these tickets not valid during school holidays. We were frequent visitors to the old maritime museum.
I wonder how many schools in the city would have allowed time off

bogart259 says...
11:15am Sun 14 Oct 12

Bit of a none story. Are we bored at Echo Towers?

Please bear in mind that the tickets have to be used by the end of the year. Still haven't used our yet, but fully intend to.

Dusty says...
11:20am Sun 14 Oct 12

I took some friends to the museum, we paid full price as i live just outside of southampton, even though i am born and bread.

Have to say how disappointed i was with it. Nothing of real substance at all and very over priced. I love my history, but this left me wanting.

George4th says...
11:56am Sun 14 Oct 12

Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!

Eric_Cartman says...
12:06pm Sun 14 Oct 12

robich wrote:
The free tickets are family passes but cannot be used during school holidays - so when can families visit? Unless they take their children out of school?
A weekend?

arthur dalyrimple says...
12:34pm Sun 14 Oct 12

the mayflower could be southamptons big earner ,get a replica built and moored and rename this museum the mayflower and advertise in usa.

Hdg end mo says...
12:35pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Pointless building bring back the magistrates court and the local nick

Lone Ranger. says...
12:42pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Well this confirms exactly my postings over recent months.
.
Public money was used to prop this ego trip up ........ Despite Smith and co denying it as the money was to be grants etc ........ And they said NO public money would be used...
.
Now which poster said tha if a councillor lied he should resign .... Oh yes Aldermoorboy.
.
Who denied that public money was being used ..... Oh yes loosehead.
.
Strange neither of these have posted yet !!!!.
.
The resident of Southampton to lied to and conned .......... And this will be a millstone around our necks for years to c ome

southy says...
1:07pm Sun 14 Oct 12

arthur dalyrimple wrote:
the mayflower could be southamptons big earner ,get a replica built and moored and rename this museum the mayflower and advertise in usa.
Theres all ready a working replica of the Mayflower, in the USA.

southy says...
1:18pm Sun 14 Oct 12

George4th wrote:
Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Static Museums tend to be for visitors to go to, locals can go when they want and if they want, Traveling Museums tend to bring in more local people to see, because of the short time scale that they are base there.

This just go's to prove a point that when people go on their holidays on a cruise liner, they don't visit the city that they are departing from or returning to, its the call in ports where they tend to visit a city or town and spend there money.

Chas O'Bursledon says...
2:17pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Ok. The Echo has lost the plot. As an ex marketeer I can tell,you that a 15% uptake is phenomenal. As ever journalists are totally detached from the realities of the commercial world. Try doing a proper job before you criticise others for doing theirs.

freefinker says...
2:39pm Sun 14 Oct 12

southy wrote:
George4th wrote:
Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Static Museums tend to be for visitors to go to, locals can go when they want and if they want, Traveling Museums tend to bring in more local people to see, because of the short time scale that they are base there.

This just go's to prove a point that when people go on their holidays on a cruise liner, they don't visit the city that they are departing from or returning to, its the call in ports where they tend to visit a city or town and spend there money.
1) Your first paragraph is just supposition. You have no evidence to back it up.
2) Your second paragraph is an illogical conclusion from the first. Again, you have no evidence to back it up.

freefinker says...
2:40pm Sun 14 Oct 12

.. southy, I do hope you have read what Paramjit Bahia says, 11:51am Fri 12 Oct 12 on this post: -
http://www.dailyecho
.co.uk/news/9980327.
Suspended_councillor
s_form_rival_group/#
commentsList

You really need to stop telling fibs and lies; and listen to the very few remaining friends you still have left on this site.

Lone Ranger. says...
2:43pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Chas O'Bursledon wrote:
Ok. The Echo has lost the plot. As an ex marketeer I can tell,you that a 15% uptake is phenomenal. As ever journalists are totally detached from the realities of the commercial world. Try doing a proper job before you criticise others for doing theirs.
I think that you may read the article again ......... The Echo reported the facts as given ....... It is not their own statistics that have been used ......
.
Perhaps it is the council thats disappointed !!!.
.
Not great response from an ex marketeer ...... perhaps that explains th "ex" .. .

bigal007 says...
2:52pm Sun 14 Oct 12

i think the it was a waste of money ye it was sad what happen the money could have been spent on the people of southampton and may be tidy up the other titanic thing in the park !!

mack chinnon says...
3:26pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Ive been (for free) and I thought it was very good.

southy says...
3:47pm Sun 14 Oct 12

freefinker wrote:
southy wrote:
George4th wrote:
Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Static Museums tend to be for visitors to go to, locals can go when they want and if they want, Traveling Museums tend to bring in more local people to see, because of the short time scale that they are base there.

This just go's to prove a point that when people go on their holidays on a cruise liner, they don't visit the city that they are departing from or returning to, its the call in ports where they tend to visit a city or town and spend there money.
1) Your first paragraph is just supposition. You have no evidence to back it up.
2) Your second paragraph is an illogical conclusion from the first. Again, you have no evidence to back it up.
Yes well your so blind you could not see the evidence that is right before your eyes and chooce to ignore the evidence.
The evidence is how many Liners passengers have pass though the city since this museum been built.
The traveling Titanic road Museum publish and told the City it was pointless having a static Museum, unless you have Holiday makers staying in the city for a Holiday, people do not hoilday in Southampton they just pass though, Even Liverpool got more from money from one passenger ship just making a call in for 1 day, than what Southampton has since this Museum.
Evidence is not needed what is happening proves the point.

userds5050 says...
3:47pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Lone Ranger. wrote:
Chas O'Bursledon wrote:
Ok. The Echo has lost the plot. As an ex marketeer I can tell,you that a 15% uptake is phenomenal. As ever journalists are totally detached from the realities of the commercial world. Try doing a proper job before you criticise others for doing theirs.
I think that you may read the article again ......... The Echo reported the facts as given ....... It is not their own statistics that have been used ......
.
Perhaps it is the council thats disappointed !!!.
.
Not great response from an ex marketeer ...... perhaps that explains th "ex" .. .
They're not just quoting the facts though are they? They're putting a particular spin on the statistics by saying Southampton residents have snubbed the Sea city museum. As Chas points out nearly 15% of the city having visiting the exhibition already is hardly a snub.

freefinker says...
4:48pm Sun 14 Oct 12

southy wrote:
freefinker wrote:
southy wrote:
George4th wrote:
Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Static Museums tend to be for visitors to go to, locals can go when they want and if they want, Traveling Museums tend to bring in more local people to see, because of the short time scale that they are base there.

This just go's to prove a point that when people go on their holidays on a cruise liner, they don't visit the city that they are departing from or returning to, its the call in ports where they tend to visit a city or town and spend there money.
1) Your first paragraph is just supposition. You have no evidence to back it up.
2) Your second paragraph is an illogical conclusion from the first. Again, you have no evidence to back it up.
Yes well your so blind you could not see the evidence that is right before your eyes and chooce to ignore the evidence.
The evidence is how many Liners passengers have pass though the city since this museum been built.
The traveling Titanic road Museum publish and told the City it was pointless having a static Museum, unless you have Holiday makers staying in the city for a Holiday, people do not hoilday in Southampton they just pass though, Even Liverpool got more from money from one passenger ship just making a call in for 1 day, than what Southampton has since this Museum.
Evidence is not needed what is happening proves the point.
.. that's only what YOU say is happening.

Evidence dear boy, evidence.

You do mention the word "evidence" in both your first and second sentence. Then you refute what you have just said by saying "Evidence is not needed .. "

But either way, you don’t produce any, do you?

Paramjit Bahia says...
5:31pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Considering what ever a NuLabour councillor's wife may have foul mouthed about people of our City and her husband not objecting to that, and most residents not using free passes to Cllr Hannidies Horror House, it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes.

Being no marketing expert but only a lay man I suspect the eye sore attached to listed building of Civic Centre is not going to meet projected number of visitors. As even with all the publicity due to opening timed with anniversary of Titanic Tragedy and temptation of free passes during what was supposed to be summer only 83000 people went in, I can't see how that flow could be maintained in winter.

Myths Tories and their supporters on this site tried to spread have now been exposed as fiction. Council had to even sell assets for financing this museum is a shocker.

Tories on this site have often argued that this folly was financed with lottery money and fund raising. But how can they add £4.9 million of loto money to£500,000 from fund raising and come up with figure of £15,000,000-------?
??

I have never been good at math, so am begging for help from clever Tories. PLEASE HELP... or simply own up

loosehead says...
5:36pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Hampshire Rose wrote:
It was ludicrous to make these tickets not valid during school holidays. We were frequent visitors to the old maritime museum.
I wonder how many schools in the city would have allowed time off
I went with my wife & there were schools showing children around & don't schools close early on Fridays? why not take them straight after school on a Friday?

housewife says...
5:36pm Sun 14 Oct 12

My family used our free tickets.
Two adults, two children in the school holidays.
.
Thank goodness it was free as I'd have been very, very, very **** off if I'd paid £26 for the visit (what were were told on the door was the normal family ticket price).
We learned nothing from the displays,
.
The ONLY interesting point was the map of addresses of drowned and surviving crew - FASCINATING - but on the floor so people kept walking on the interesting bits.
.
The new build bit is awful - far too much dead space.
Maybe in 15 years they will find a proper use for it.

loosehead says...
5:39pm Sun 14 Oct 12

arthur dalyrimple wrote:
the mayflower could be southamptons big earner ,get a replica built and moored and rename this museum the mayflower and advertise in usa.
Totally agree with the Mayflower idea.
no matter what some people in this paper say the pilgrim fathers set sail to America from this city not Holland or Plymouth.
the word Plymouth Sound in America is because it was a safe refuge as was Plymouth for the damaged ship to get repairs here.
They set sail from here now let's shout about it.

solomum says...
5:40pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Tony in Liberia wrote:
I went there with a free ticket, and felt I'd overpaid to see it. What a wasted opportunity! It's rubbish, and I haven't found anyone yet who was impressed. What a wasted opportunity ...
You have now. I thought it was really well done and a lovely tribute to the titanic. My children enjoyed it, particularly my youngest who had already been with the school and was very keen to show us around. We did not have free tickets, but I feel it was money well spent. It gave us a real insight into the lives of the passengers and crew.

ajw1986 says...
5:58pm Sun 14 Oct 12

We used ours, was well worth having a look.

Linesman says...
6:05pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Dusty wrote:
I took some friends to the museum, we paid full price as i live just outside of southampton, even though i am born and bread.

Have to say how disappointed i was with it. Nothing of real substance at all and very over priced. I love my history, but this left me wanting.
If you were bread in the city, then you should have used your loaf.

Yhat's what those who were born and bred in the city did.

Linesman says...
6:09pm Sun 14 Oct 12

When this project was in the planning stage, I said that it would be an expensive White Elephant, that would be costly to build and costly to maintain and never be cost-effective.

I did, however, think that it's initial popularity would last for more than a couple of months.

Royston's Folly! What a legacy!

SotonGreen says...
6:16pm Sun 14 Oct 12

I never received a free ticket so didnt have that option/

George4th says...
7:43pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Considering what ever a NuLabour councillor's wife may have foul mouthed about people of our City and her husband not objecting to that, and most residents not using free passes to Cllr Hannidies Horror House, it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes.

Being no marketing expert but only a lay man I suspect the eye sore attached to listed building of Civic Centre is not going to meet projected number of visitors. As even with all the publicity due to opening timed with anniversary of Titanic Tragedy and temptation of free passes during what was supposed to be summer only 83000 people went in, I can't see how that flow could be maintained in winter.

Myths Tories and their supporters on this site tried to spread have now been exposed as fiction. Council had to even sell assets for financing this museum is a shocker.

Tories on this site have often argued that this folly was financed with lottery money and fund raising. But how can they add £4.9 million of loto money to£500,000 from fund raising and come up with figure of £15,000,000-------?

??

I have never been good at math, so am begging for help from clever Tories. PLEASE HELP... or simply own up
"it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes"

So how come Labour got elected?!

For those who have visited the Museum the opinions are mostly positive and if you ask the kids who visited, they will tell you it's GREAT!

Paramjit Bahia says...
7:48pm Sun 14 Oct 12

SotonGreen wrote:
I never received a free ticket so didnt have that option/
Get elected to City Council, they will offer you plent of junkets on free!

st1halo says...
7:52pm Sun 14 Oct 12

George4th wrote:
Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Personally, I think the building is hideous and amazing how they got permission to bolt it onto a Listed building. Can we all do that? The fact that it is up for design awards means nothing at all! Wyndham Court next to the train station won awards and has to be one of the ugliest in the city.
Our councils, past and present must be so glad that so many people lost their lives on that tragic day as its been a cash cow for them ever since.
This city has a rich and fascinating history and its very sad that very little of it is demonstrated other than the Titanic disaster. If these councils werent so intent on turning the city into Legoland and concentrated on recreating the old city, perhaps tourism would increase and justify the expense of such museums

Paramjit Bahia says...
7:53pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Lone Ranger. wrote:
Well this confirms exactly my postings over recent months.
.
Public money was used to prop this ego trip up ........ Despite Smith and co denying it as the money was to be grants etc ........ And they said NO public money would be used...
.
Now which poster said tha if a councillor lied he should resign .... Oh yes Aldermoorboy.
.
Who denied that public money was being used ..... Oh yes loosehead.
.
Strange neither of these have posted yet !!!!.
.
The resident of Southampton to lied to and conned .......... And this will be a millstone around our necks for years to c ome
I notice so far usual Tories residents on this site are quite on the subject of source of money spent on this super expensive mill stone their darlings have left dangling around Counci's neck

Paramjit Bahia says...
7:58pm Sun 14 Oct 12

freefinker wrote:
.. southy, I do hope you have read what Paramjit Bahia says, 11:51am Fri 12 Oct 12 on this post: -
http://www.dailyecho

.co.uk/news/9980327.

Suspended_councillor

s_form_rival_group/#

commentsList

You really need to stop telling fibs and lies; and listen to the very few remaining friends you still have left on this site.
It was also emailed to him yesterday, so should have read it by now.

Paramjit Bahia says...
8:10pm Sun 14 Oct 12

George4th wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Considering what ever a NuLabour councillor's wife may have foul mouthed about people of our City and her husband not objecting to that, and most residents not using free passes to Cllr Hannidies Horror House, it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes.

Being no marketing expert but only a lay man I suspect the eye sore attached to listed building of Civic Centre is not going to meet projected number of visitors. As even with all the publicity due to opening timed with anniversary of Titanic Tragedy and temptation of free passes during what was supposed to be summer only 83000 people went in, I can't see how that flow could be maintained in winter.

Myths Tories and their supporters on this site tried to spread have now been exposed as fiction. Council had to even sell assets for financing this museum is a shocker.

Tories on this site have often argued that this folly was financed with lottery money and fund raising. But how can they add £4.9 million of loto money to£500,000 from fund raising and come up with figure of £15,000,000-------?


??

I have never been good at math, so am begging for help from clever Tories. PLEASE HELP... or simply own up
"it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes"

So how come Labour got elected?!

For those who have visited the Museum the opinions are mostly positive and if you ask the kids who visited, they will tell you it's GREAT!
At the same time even this thread has comments that some did not think it to be worth it.

I and no doubt few others may also be waiting for some pro Tories on this site to explain the magic behind the sums they used to write. Because if this item is correct then it is clear that Council money was spent on this project.

George4th says...
8:15pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Lone Ranger. wrote:
Well this confirms exactly my postings over recent months.
.
Public money was used to prop this ego trip up ........ Despite Smith and co denying it as the money was to be grants etc ........ And they said NO public money would be used...
.
Now which poster said tha if a councillor lied he should resign .... Oh yes Aldermoorboy.
.
Who denied that public money was being used ..... Oh yes loosehead.
.
Strange neither of these have posted yet !!!!.
.
The resident of Southampton to lied to and conned .......... And this will be a millstone around our necks for years to c ome
I notice so far usual Tories residents on this site are quite on the subject of source of money spent on this super expensive mill stone their darlings have left dangling around Counci's neck
The money that was wasted by successive Labour councils is the real history of modern Southampton (I use the term modern loosely!). Labour invested nothing in Southampton and yet spent millions upon millions! Labour only knows how to spend and has no idea how to invest in the future.
At least the SeaCity Museum is a viable attempt to inject some interest in a very bland Southampton. It will be a success - it is ON TARGET TO MEET THE TARGET OF 150,000! (83,000 to date is an excellent number!)

Southampton will never attract the young educated and business while Labour and the Unions are in charge. As a result, Southampton will remain devoid of culture, entertainment, business and investment. Heaven help Southampton if the NHS and the Universities pulled out!!

bazzeroz says...
8:46pm Sun 14 Oct 12

There's a few comments stating that that they never received the tickets in the first place. Instead of using Royal Mail (which at the best of times is a dire service!) why didn't the council deliver them with their quarterly brochure (whatever it's called) which I believe is delivered by the council to every household within the city limits. Oh! and by the way, anyone want to buy a free ticket? ;)

andysaints007 says...
8:53pm Sun 14 Oct 12

bogart259 wrote:
Bit of a none story. Are we bored at Echo Towers?

Please bear in mind that the tickets have to be used by the end of the year. Still haven't used our yet, but fully intend to.
Tell us why it's a 'non story' then ?

FoysCornerBoy says...
8:55pm Sun 14 Oct 12

loosehead wrote:
arthur dalyrimple wrote:
the mayflower could be southamptons big earner ,get a replica built and moored and rename this museum the mayflower and advertise in usa.
Totally agree with the Mayflower idea.
no matter what some people in this paper say the pilgrim fathers set sail to America from this city not Holland or Plymouth.
the word Plymouth Sound in America is because it was a safe refuge as was Plymouth for the damaged ship to get repairs here.
They set sail from here now let's shout about it.
2020 is the 500th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers voyage from our fair city to the new world and it would be great if Southampton could - for once - seize this opportunity to do something really big.

Personally I was disappointed at how successive City Council political administrations wasted the opportunity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster in a meaningful or fitting manner. Many local people think that the Sea City museum is a tawdry and ill-conceived commercial exercise that has done little to enhance the City's image at home or abroad.

This contrasts with the approach of cities like Belfast and Liverpool which - despite the enormous political and economic difficulties they have both experienced - clearly understand and connect with their rich cultural heritage and have used this to promote successful economic regeneration.

Plymouth rightly senses an opportunity presented by the 500th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers' sailing to America and their Council is already planning ahead to reap the rewards from this.

Southampton City Council needs to get on board too and join with both Rotterdam and Plymouth (yes with EU funding if possible) so that we can all enjoy the very real benefits on offer to our cities.

loosehead says...
9:34pm Sun 14 Oct 12

FoysCornerBoy wrote:
loosehead wrote:
arthur dalyrimple wrote:
the mayflower could be southamptons big earner ,get a replica built and moored and rename this museum the mayflower and advertise in usa.
Totally agree with the Mayflower idea.
no matter what some people in this paper say the pilgrim fathers set sail to America from this city not Holland or Plymouth.
the word Plymouth Sound in America is because it was a safe refuge as was Plymouth for the damaged ship to get repairs here.
They set sail from here now let's shout about it.
2020 is the 500th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers voyage from our fair city to the new world and it would be great if Southampton could - for once - seize this opportunity to do something really big.

Personally I was disappointed at how successive City Council political administrations wasted the opportunity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster in a meaningful or fitting manner. Many local people think that the Sea City museum is a tawdry and ill-conceived commercial exercise that has done little to enhance the City's image at home or abroad.

This contrasts with the approach of cities like Belfast and Liverpool which - despite the enormous political and economic difficulties they have both experienced - clearly understand and connect with their rich cultural heritage and have used this to promote successful economic regeneration.

Plymouth rightly senses an opportunity presented by the 500th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers' sailing to America and their Council is already planning ahead to reap the rewards from this.

Southampton City Council needs to get on board too and join with both Rotterdam and Plymouth (yes with EU funding if possible) so that we can all enjoy the very real benefits on offer to our cities.
So you agree with me then?

dolomiteman says...
10:34pm Sun 14 Oct 12

South101 wrote:
We never received our free tickets, when contacting the council we were informed that it was Royal Mail's fault and there was nothing they would do to re issue. From the sounds of it we weren't the only ones this had happened too.
Same here, tickets not receieved.

Over the Edge says...
11:53pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Smith's bribe didn't work, no one fell for it.

AdamSFC says...
11:56pm Sun 14 Oct 12

Linesman wrote:
Dusty wrote:
I took some friends to the museum, we paid full price as i live just outside of southampton, even though i am born and bread.

Have to say how disappointed i was with it. Nothing of real substance at all and very over priced. I love my history, but this left me wanting.
If you were bread in the city, then you should have used your loaf.

Yhat's what those who were born and bred in the city did.
But what if he didn't have the dough??

FoysCornerBoy says...
1:21am Mon 15 Oct 12

loosehead wrote:
FoysCornerBoy wrote:
loosehead wrote:
arthur dalyrimple wrote:
the mayflower could be southamptons big earner ,get a replica built and moored and rename this museum the mayflower and advertise in usa.
Totally agree with the Mayflower idea.
no matter what some people in this paper say the pilgrim fathers set sail to America from this city not Holland or Plymouth.
the word Plymouth Sound in America is because it was a safe refuge as was Plymouth for the damaged ship to get repairs here.
They set sail from here now let's shout about it.
2020 is the 500th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers voyage from our fair city to the new world and it would be great if Southampton could - for once - seize this opportunity to do something really big.

Personally I was disappointed at how successive City Council political administrations wasted the opportunity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster in a meaningful or fitting manner. Many local people think that the Sea City museum is a tawdry and ill-conceived commercial exercise that has done little to enhance the City's image at home or abroad.

This contrasts with the approach of cities like Belfast and Liverpool which - despite the enormous political and economic difficulties they have both experienced - clearly understand and connect with their rich cultural heritage and have used this to promote successful economic regeneration.

Plymouth rightly senses an opportunity presented by the 500th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers' sailing to America and their Council is already planning ahead to reap the rewards from this.

Southampton City Council needs to get on board too and join with both Rotterdam and Plymouth (yes with EU funding if possible) so that we can all enjoy the very real benefits on offer to our cities.
So you agree with me then?
Thanks, citizen. I'm not entirely sure of your point but I would be really up for something that makes Southampton look a bit less provincial than many people on this site tend to make us. Judging from what I've seen so far from the Echo we still have quite a long way to go.

Dusty says...
3:21am Mon 15 Oct 12

Linesman wrote:
Dusty wrote:
I took some friends to the museum, we paid full price as i live just outside of southampton, even though i am born and bread.

Have to say how disappointed i was with it. Nothing of real substance at all and very over priced. I love my history, but this left me wanting.
If you were bread in the city, then you should have used your loaf.

Yhat's what those who were born and bred in the city did.
You plonker, ok i made a spelling mistake and you trying to be clever and pompous, try to ridicule and belittle, while making your very own spelling mistake, lol>>>>>Yhat's

Are you one of those people that have no friends in the real world?

Lone Ranger. says...
8:07am Mon 15 Oct 12

George4th wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Lone Ranger. wrote:
Well this confirms exactly my postings over recent months.
.
Public money was used to prop this ego trip up ........ Despite Smith and co denying it as the money was to be grants etc ........ And they said NO public money would be used...
.
Now which poster said tha if a councillor lied he should resign .... Oh yes Aldermoorboy.
.
Who denied that public money was being used ..... Oh yes loosehead.
.
Strange neither of these have posted yet !!!!.
.
The resident of Southampton to lied to and conned .......... And this will be a millstone around our necks for years to c ome
I notice so far usual Tories residents on this site are quite on the subject of source of money spent on this super expensive mill stone their darlings have left dangling around Counci's neck
The money that was wasted by successive Labour councils is the real history of modern Southampton (I use the term modern loosely!). Labour invested nothing in Southampton and yet spent millions upon millions! Labour only knows how to spend and has no idea how to invest in the future.
At least the SeaCity Museum is a viable attempt to inject some interest in a very bland Southampton. It will be a success - it is ON TARGET TO MEET THE TARGET OF 150,000! (83,000 to date is an excellent number!)

Southampton will never attract the young educated and business while Labour and the Unions are in charge. As a result, Southampton will remain devoid of culture, entertainment, business and investment. Heaven help Southampton if the NHS and the Universities pulled out!!
Typical Tory attitude ............ In defence of the lies and spin from a poor and ineffective Tory Council all you do is blame pevious administrations knowing all along that this is not the answer.
.
Smith and his chums lied ...... They promised NO public money would be used ........ and PROVEN now that it was ............ You still offer NO defence

stay local says...
8:15am Mon 15 Oct 12

southy wrote:
freefinker wrote:
southy wrote:
George4th wrote:
Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City.
>
Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade!
>
The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City.
My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it.
>
I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Static Museums tend to be for visitors to go to, locals can go when they want and if they want, Traveling Museums tend to bring in more local people to see, because of the short time scale that they are base there.

This just go's to prove a point that when people go on their holidays on a cruise liner, they don't visit the city that they are departing from or returning to, its the call in ports where they tend to visit a city or town and spend there money.
1) Your first paragraph is just supposition. You have no evidence to back it up.
2) Your second paragraph is an illogical conclusion from the first. Again, you have no evidence to back it up.
Yes well your so blind you could not see the evidence that is right before your eyes and chooce to ignore the evidence.
The evidence is how many Liners passengers have pass though the city since this museum been built.
The traveling Titanic road Museum publish and told the City it was pointless having a static Museum, unless you have Holiday makers staying in the city for a Holiday, people do not hoilday in Southampton they just pass though, Even Liverpool got more from money from one passenger ship just making a call in for 1 day, than what Southampton has since this Museum.
Evidence is not needed what is happening proves the point.
What a classic statement Southy. It is fantastic how you can argue against yourself in so short a reply. It is a change for you to not need evidence, normally your claim is to go to the library and look it up. Yet when given details of multi paged multi agency reports you claim higher evidence, Only known to the secret inner core of elite such as your self (hardly an egalitarian view point). Alternatively to have it from someone in the know (a man you met fishing on the bridge at Redbridge who has a red escort)

Please keep posting your drivel as it brightens my day, I get daily amusement from your delusions, sadly even those who offered you a modicum of support are now seeing that you only able to offer comedic valve to discussions.

I am glad you are representing the TUSC as I am sure your internet profile will influence the voters at the next election. However I feel your next foray into politics will only seek to divide the votes for the monster raving loony party.

Taskforce 141 says...
8:32am Mon 15 Oct 12

If you havent been to the Sea City Museum - DON'T!!! - what a crock of s**t. Tedious links to Titanic, next to no actual exhibits, had i paid for entry i would have demanded a refund.

Southampton has been stitched up again.

OSPREYSAINT says...
8:38am Mon 15 Oct 12

I went along to the Sea City Museum with my freebie ticket, but it wasn't valid on the day, my fault, I hadn't read the small print, however I paid to go in and was surprised how good it was, I spent several hours wandering around and apart from the tat on sale in the Souvenir shop, thought it was well worth the entrance fee, I have an interest in shipping, Southampton and it's history so that may have been an advantage. I suspect those that didn't like it, had a disadvantage in the fact that were not interested in the subject matter to start with and couldn't be bothered to try to understand what they were looking at. Hopefully some of the exhibits can be changed to make it worth returning. Southampton has a superb heritage which has been badly neglected and the fiasco over the Aviation and Maritime Museum needs sorting and putting on track again, Solent Sky is looking very shabby and needs to be relocated where people can actually find it.

OSPREYSAINT says...
8:41am Mon 15 Oct 12

Taskforce 141 wrote:
If you havent been to the Sea City Museum - DON'T!!! - what a crock of s**t. Tedious links to Titanic, next to no actual exhibits, had i paid for entry i would have demanded a refund.

Southampton has been stitched up again.
Stick to your laptop then, virtual Museums are available.

OSPREYSAINT says...
8:47am Mon 15 Oct 12

dolomiteman wrote:
South101 wrote:
We never received our free tickets, when contacting the council we were informed that it was Royal Mail's fault and there was nothing they would do to re issue. From the sounds of it we weren't the only ones this had happened too.
Same here, tickets not receieved.
Should have got Loosehead on the task, he is the expert at leaflet distribution.

OSPREYSAINT says...
8:54am Mon 15 Oct 12

Linesman wrote:
Dusty wrote:
I took some friends to the museum, we paid full price as i live just outside of southampton, even though i am born and bread.

Have to say how disappointed i was with it. Nothing of real substance at all and very over priced. I love my history, but this left me wanting.
If you were bread in the city, then you should have used your loaf.

Yhat's what those who were born and bred in the city did.
Crumbs, make a spelling mistake and you are toast on here! The Spelling and Grammar Police are here to help with free education, learn for nothing, there is a comprehensive No Money Back Guarantee with every lesson. If you choose to ignor it, you do so at your own discretion.

sotonboy84 says...
9:30am Mon 15 Oct 12

South101 wrote:
We never received our free tickets, when contacting the council we were informed that it was Royal Mail's fault and there was nothing they would do to re issue. From the sounds of it we weren't the only ones this had happened too.
Exactly what I was told - would not re-issue tickets. Makes me wonder if they were ever issued in the first place...

allison.luella says...
10:24am Mon 15 Oct 12

itook the opportunity to go and thought it really good, stop being so negative will you!!

It was about time we citizens of Southampton got something back from this council!!

Notice how it was a conservative council and not a labour one who actually thought about its citizens!! x

sotonboy84 says...
11:27am Mon 15 Oct 12

st1halo wrote:
George4th wrote: Well, I guess this story sums up the known apathy of the people of Southampton and why we attract so little in the way of business, culture and entertainment to our City. > Plus of course you get the usual excuses and justification trotted out by the "can't be bothered" brigade! > The SeaCity Museum is an excellent building and is up for a reasonably prestigious design award and deservedly so. It is especially liked by the young and by many visitors to our City. My family were impressed with the whole concept and those I know who have visited the museum have thoroughly enjoyed it. > I guess some people just don't like museums!! Especially Southampton people!
Personally, I think the building is hideous and amazing how they got permission to bolt it onto a Listed building. Can we all do that? The fact that it is up for design awards means nothing at all! Wyndham Court next to the train station won awards and has to be one of the ugliest in the city. Our councils, past and present must be so glad that so many people lost their lives on that tragic day as its been a cash cow for them ever since. This city has a rich and fascinating history and its very sad that very little of it is demonstrated other than the Titanic disaster. If these councils werent so intent on turning the city into Legoland and concentrated on recreating the old city, perhaps tourism would increase and justify the expense of such museums
Not just sticking that modern bit onto a Grade II* listed building but sticking those things on the roof, cutting away the stone steps to the entrance and removing the glass 'police' names from the lamps at either end of this side of the building. Disabled access/main access could have been provided in the modern part and the steps could have stayed. The glass signs are original to the building and integral to its history so should be replaced. I don't think the modern building is at all attractive and really damages the look of the original building and by taking away the steps has destroyed a once grand entrance and made this side of the building a complete eyesore.

Linesman says...
11:31am Mon 15 Oct 12

George4th wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Considering what ever a NuLabour councillor's wife may have foul mouthed about people of our City and her husband not objecting to that, and most residents not using free passes to Cllr Hannidies Horror House, it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes.

Being no marketing expert but only a lay man I suspect the eye sore attached to listed building of Civic Centre is not going to meet projected number of visitors. As even with all the publicity due to opening timed with anniversary of Titanic Tragedy and temptation of free passes during what was supposed to be summer only 83000 people went in, I can't see how that flow could be maintained in winter.

Myths Tories and their supporters on this site tried to spread have now been exposed as fiction. Council had to even sell assets for financing this museum is a shocker.

Tories on this site have often argued that this folly was financed with lottery money and fund raising. But how can they add £4.9 million of loto money to£500,000 from fund raising and come up with figure of £15,000,000-------?


??

I have never been good at math, so am begging for help from clever Tories. PLEASE HELP... or simply own up
"it can be argued that most Soton people are decent honest and intelligent, they can spot gimmicks and do not accept bribes"

So how come Labour got elected?!

For those who have visited the Museum the opinions are mostly positive and if you ask the kids who visited, they will tell you it's GREAT!
That may be correct, but how many are visiting?

If only a few, and they say it is great, that does not make any difference to the balance sheet, especially if the majority of that few are ones that have visited because they had a free ticket.

Lone Ranger. says...
2:57pm Mon 15 Oct 12

allison.luella wrote:
itook the opportunity to go and thought it really good, stop being so negative will you!!

It was about time we citizens of Southampton got something back from this council!!

Notice how it was a conservative council and not a labour one who actually thought about its citizens!! x
You didnt get anything back ....... YOU paid for it out of the public money that was to to prop this up

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