I WAS interested to read Mr Jessop’s comments on Firepower (Mercenary Tactics Of Artillery Museum, News Shopper, April 15).

Mr Jessop and your readers should note the museum has held its prices for more than five years and would have raised them had the reorganisation of its collection not begun. Instead the price was frozen.

Many of the most popular exhibits such as the Victoria Cross guns were moved to ensure the visitor experience was not undermined significantly.

The website and admissions area make it clear some areas are closed temporarily, so visitors are aware before they pay.

Once the reorganisation is complete in around January next year, visitors will be able to see more of the regiment’s extensive collection by appointment.

Firepower is not like other private museums. It draws Ministry of Defence support.

It is the museum of one of the biggest regiments in the British Army, a regiment which is keen to engage with the community and to interact with the public of all ages, so they have an informed understanding of life in the Army today.

This is a principal reason behind the presence of soldiers at “their museum” for short periods between operational tours of duty.

They enjoy it and their presence complements the exhibits of regimental and national history preserved at Firepower.

I would be pleased to welcome Mr Jessop back to Firepower so I can explain the many challenges facing both the museum and other organisations which are safeguarding the nation’s heritage in troubled economic times.

DAVID CRESWELL

Chairman

Firepower

Royal Artillery Museum