He goes on to say that the lettering on the memorial needs to be 'touched up'.

However, the wording is incorrect. My wife and I were recently given an updated paper which we think may have been printed soon after the time of its erection.

The wording says: 'Near this place in September 1607 those later known as the Pilgrim Fathers set sail on their first attempt to find religious freedom across the seas. Erected 1957.'

They did not set sail from Boston.

The true story of their failed attempt to sail is recounted in the second paragraph of the text.

This year North-East Lincolnshire is proudly celebrating the 400th anniversary of the successful 'escape' of the Pilgrims to Holland, via the Humber, from Immingham.

Last year, a group of American Congregationalists visited Boston. Following a guided tour of St Botolph's Church, my wife was asked to accompany the visitors to Scotia Creek. It happened to be the day before the 400th anniversary of the failed attempt, and a short impromptu service remembering all Pilgrims was held at the memorial.

Needless to say, there was considerable dismay at the incorrect wording.
Members of the Congregational Church in America have offered to pay for the wording on the memorial to be corrected, possibly by super-imposing a new plaque over the incorrect original.

The borough council has been informed of this kind offer, as has the Environment Agency, which is committed to the improvement of the waterways.

The agency's initial response was encouraging, but nothing has been heard for several months. Our American friends could be forgiven for thinking their generous offer may not be taken up.
Hopefully, the Environment Agency would complete the improvement to the memorial site by installing water- and vandal-proof interpretation board.

JOHN CAMMACK
127 Spilsby Road,