Champagne launch tinged with sadness after the loss of two long serving members

CORKS popped at Seaton Town Hall yesterday (Wednesday) to celebrate the reopening of the Axe Valley Heritage Museum.

Guests at a champagne reception heard that this year’s historic displays were bigger and better than ever – after thousands had been spent on improvements during the closed season.

Chairman Geoff Marshall said the museum now boasted some splendid new display panels, thanks to a number of grants and donations.

And he praised the town’s county councillor Jim Knight – guests of honour at the party – for helping acquire funds for a special new display of local photographs.

But despite his upbeat message, Mr Marshall said it had also been a sad time for them since the museum closed last year – with the deaths of former chairman Roy Chapple after a quarter of a century in office, and trustee Bob Ramsdale.

“Both are remembered with affection and will be sadly missed,” he said.

Mr Marshall praised Curator Ted Gosling who helped found the Association, which is now in its 25th year.

He added: “Without his efforts we would not have such a successful museum to benefit residents and visitors alike.”

Mr Knight echoed his praise adding: “Ted works over and above the call of duty.”

The new “interpretation panels”, costing more than �4,000, were designed by museum consultant Jeff Bellinham, of Crediton- based Scribble and Nonsense.

Manned by volunteers, the museum opens daily from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.15pm to 5pm. Admission is free.