Dear Sir,

We recently spent a day at the Anson Engine Museum in Poynton, and wanted to let you know what a marvellous day we had.

They obviously really care about our heritage at the Anson Engine Museum, and they are very busy rescuing old engines from oblivion and restoring them, so that we all have a chance to see Britain's engineering heritage - which buit an empire.

Many of the classic engines have been restored and are demonstrated to the public. To watch these old machines spluttering into life, and then to listen to the almost musical rythm of them turning, was a delight. Although the museum is not reallly aimed at children, my two daughters were fascinated, and they also enjoyed watching the scale models in action.

Around the main buildings there are many more engines waiting to be returned to their former glory. Unfortunately, a lack of funds means that this may take some time -- isn't that always the way!

The museum is set at a former colliery, but over the years woods have grown up all around, and so it really is a very pleasant setting.

At the end of the day, we enjoyed a welcome cup of tea in the tearoom. Unfortunately, they do not sell any food, but they advised us that they have plans to upgrade the tearoom to a cafe in the future.

Everyone should take the opportunity to see these fine old engines, a reminder of the days when we did not get everything from the Far East, and when Britannia ruled the waves.

Gavin Costello