I have only started to buy the Daily Echo regularly, since retiring last April, but I must say I already know a lot more about Southampton than I ever did throughout my working days here thanks to your paper.

I spent my working life in the merchant navy, initially joining the Union Castle pursers' department in 1960 and I know from the crew lists in those days that the vast majority of the ships were manned by local people.

It is therefore surprising to me that there has not been more support for a state of the art maritime museum as suggested by Andre Semple (Letters, January 17).

I agree that we have missed a potentially wonderful site at Ocean Village. Unfortunately the existing museum is very old fashioned in presentation and uninspiring, despite the best efforts of the very helpful staff who welcome you there.

R Elliott, Bassett, Southampton.