The Maldon Society was surprised on a number of fronts by Stephen Nunn’s article (June 6, Page 23, "Did fervent preacher really spark phrase ‘like billio'?")

There are a large number of organisations and individuals who support each other in bringing various aspects of Maldon’s amazing history alive for residents and visitors.

We all recognise we share a common purpose in ensuring heritage is fully appreciated and sustained for the future.

This is overtly demonstrated, for example through Jeanette Stilts with the town’s Heritage Group, but such collaboration also operates through a wealth of personal connections.

Sadly Stephen appears to exclude himself from that collaboration, as evidenced by the fact there was no approach to the Society on the topic about us he chose for last

week.

Since the plaque concerned has been in place for more than16 years, and the pamphlets describing all of them has been reprinted, the Maldon Society has asked Stephen since your article appeared, why it is only now he has chosen to write such a criticism.

Those who were involved in the United Reformed Church plaque can certainly confirm it was researched, both through the offices of the then district conservation officer and the elders of the church.

The plaque represents the best information available at the time.

As we all know however, new historical interpretations do come to light from time to time.

Locally we are fortunate that professional historians such as John Smith carry out incredibly detailed research into our collective past.

When solid facts, rather than barbed criticism, are presented to the Maldon Society we certainly take these on board and find the funds to act on them.

Examples over the last couple of years would be the tangle of names discovered in the Edward Bright family, or the exact location of the original Moot Hall.

We are carrying out a rolling programme of refurbishment of the plaques and where possible these are being made more legible to passers by.

The pace is set by the availability of funds but we invite anyone with concerns about individual plaques to get in touch.

The plaques are only one way the Maldon Society tries to bring our past alive.

Everyone is welcome, for example, at our monthly public talks, or to visit the Maeldune Heritage Centre where our photographic and oral archives are available to all.

Margaret Day (president) and Judy Lea (chairman)

Maldon Society