SOME years ago I gathered together a committee which led to the eventual creation of the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall. However, sometimes, and even with the best will in the world, we got it wrong. That is what committees do! Setting up of the museum was handed over to a board. Sometimes they got it wrong. That is what boards do!

Control passed to the original management (they got it wrong) and thence by staff change to the present management. They get it wrong on occasion. That is what managements do!

A government agency has thrown lots of taxpayers money at the museum. That is what they do. If they had not thrown it in our direction, they would have wasted it on something really daft elsewhere. That is what government agencies do!

Yet, out of this catalogue of errors, we have gained an award winning building with a characterful quirky roof which links perfectly the commercial dockyard to the residential buildings of the town. We have seized a valuable waterfront site from the jaws of big business and dedicated it to public use and enjoyment. We have brought to Falmouth the country's national collection of small boats. We have set up a lively education which introduces school children to their maritime heritage.

We have a maritime library with an international reputation. Like it or not, we have in the town a museum of national importance. Given time, goodwill, imagination, and the relinquishing of old grudges we might even end up with a museum which commands local pride and affection.

Derek Toyne, Penmere Crescent, Falmouth