THIS year hopes to be an exciting one for the bijou museum of local history located in the Manor Offices in Holsworthy, as volunteer applications are being invited ahead of the planned reopening in early summer.

Dr David Hillebrandt, Holsworthy Museum trustee, explains: “Residents may have noted that the museum has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but this does not reflect a lack of activity with our team of volunteers working hard behind the scenes planning for a reopening in early summer.

“As always they have been answering family history enquiries and undertaking the endless job of cataloguing our collection. We are also attempting some building works to minimise any COVID transmission risks without interfering with the structure or unique atmosphere of the original building.

“We have many local artefacts but our five rooms have specific themes including the domestic display in the original parsonage kitchen, the war room, agricultural implements and a medical section devoted to Dr Craddock, a local GP’s role in the development of penicillin.”

Dr Hillebrandt said that, sometimes, it is only after leaving the area that one realises the community strength and history of Holsworthy as an ancient ‘port town’.

He continued: “This may explain why many enquiries come in by email from families with Holsworthy connections. We also get a constant trickle of tourists during holiday months but sadly not as many residents as we would like. Have you visited? Our volunteers love to explain about our exhibits and several of them can tell you about their own schooldays in the town.”

The recent pandemic has allowed the team to re-evaluate its current working practices and adapt to the ever changing world.

Dr Hillebrandt said: “Our COVID induced shutdown has been a chance to reflect on our work and we have realised that asking volunteers to offer a regular commitment is an out-of-date concept. We do need a few more people who can ensure we open for our planned hours but we are now also looking for volunteers of all ages with varied skills who can work on specific projects at a time that suits them. Some of this work can be done from home but part of the pleasure of volunteering is the social contact it brings.

“This year we are planning a volunteers party and training session and anybody with an interest in local history would be very welcome to join us. We can offer training with some access to national courses so this is an opportunity for younger people to add something valuable to a CV when looking for employment. We are also asking for local businesses to become specific supporters to take on projects.”

For further details of the museum’s collection and for volunteering visit www.holsworthymuseum.co.uk

Mr Hillebrandt added: “[The website] is worth a browse even if you are unable to visit the museum itself at the moment. It has a collection of local photographs, details of blue plaque properties in the town and an extensive list of books and booklets on sale on all aspects of local history.”