THE letter (Hereford Times, January 8), concerning the building of the new liner Queen Mary II by the French made interesting reading.

But there were two errors! President Mitterrand spelled his name with a double r; and he would definitely be unavailable for the ceremony - he died in January 1996!

Both facts were reported correctly (as usual) by the Hereford Times, in 1996, which made passing reference to the demise of the French President. I suggest before putting pen to paper, correspondents check back issues of the Hereford Times to ensure correct factual details and learn by excellent example, using the superb library in Broad Street, which retain all copies.

RAOUL NARDIN,

Gwent House, Abergavenny