AFTER reading about the proposed admission charges to the Russell Cotes Art gallery and Museum, I was reminded of an experience in the 1960s as a member of the Bournemouth Borough Police Force.

On patrol at Bournemouth Pier, towards the end of a very wet Easter holiday weekend, I was approached by a desperate looking schoolteacher from the home counties. He was accompanied by 30 schoolboys who were penniless and drenched.

He needed to spend the last hour or so of their day in a dry and safe place which did not involve money.

I formed them into a crocodile and marched them to the Russell Cotes Museum (admission free!). The teacher was extremely grateful.

Now I see that it is proposed that a child will pay £4 to get into the museum. Progress they call it!

GRENVILLE RICHINGS (Retired Policeman), Bournemouth