ALLHALLOWS Museum visitor figures plummeted by 29 per cent in 2008 its worst number in four years.

ALLHALLOWS Museum visitor figures plummeted by 29 per cent in 2008 - its worst number in four years. More than 7,000 people visited the High Street venue, according to its chairman Pat Perryman who said the drop was "expected" and reflected a "combination of factors". She said: "The Market Charter celebrations were reduced to one day and bad weather and the economic climate also took their toll. Visitor surveys were very complimentary with 96 per cent expressing themselves 'highly satisfied' and the remaining four per cent indicating 'satisfied' with their experience . "Allhallows is the premier tourist attraction in the town and continues to provide Honiton with a vibrant and informative source of historical interest. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers who are justly proud of their museum and I would like to thank everyone."Last year, the museum had 145 full or affiliated members who contributed a total of 9,451 hours work in lending practical assistance in the daily running of the visitor attraction. The museum was also inundated with 1,543 telephone calls and 1,042 e-mail queries from non-visitors. In her annual report, Mrs Perryman said good exposure in local and national press, including a BBC film on lace-making, helped towards 283 donations being made to the museum last year.She added her highlight of "another very busy year" was the completion of the A future for our past project. The Heritage Lottery-funded scheme was due to end in 2007 but was delayed by unexpected problems including a burst water pipe in the building's study room. However, society members were able to celebrate its successful completion on August 30 last year. The museum continues to take an active role in the community and fosters links with numerous other groups in the town.