HOLSWORTHY Museum is facing a challenging time, struggling to comply with all the rules and regulations needed for accreditation as well as raising funds to stay open, writes Christine Williams.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Holsworthy Museum Society, held at the White Hart Hotel on Tuesday March 27, the treasurer, Pat Smith said that over the past year expenditure had exceeded income and this would be addressed at further meetings. She asked all volunteers to request visitors giving donations on entry to sign a Gift Aid form.

Holsworthy Museum is one of 1,800 museums in the UK which belong to the national Accreditation Scheme whereby periodic inspections take place and ways in which improvements and developments can take place are identified.

With another assessment of the museum due before July the secretary, Liz Curtis said she would stay on until it was completed. Museum Mentor, Alison Mills of Barnstaple said that she was pleased with the way the museum was going. She confirmed she had been contracted to help until the end of July and hoped to continue after that date.

"Accreditation is going to be very challenging," she said, "but I feel we shall be able to achieve it."

Chairman Russell Dymond thanked the volunteers for their hard work in keeping the museum open. He said Janet Mason, who had passed away last year and who had done so much for the museum, was still sadly missed.

For a full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.