Many of your readers will have noted the passing of Oliver Davies and the obituary in the Free Press which covered his musical career. I think it is fitting that we also note Oliver’s contribution to Minehead. He was a founder member of the Conservation Society in 2003 and during his period as the first chairman of the society, was an enthusiastic advocate for the need for a museum in the town. At his instigation a museum committee was set up within the society, to look into the prospects for creating a museum. His enthusiasm drew together a team who rose to the challenge. This led to a number of exhibitions and finally the opening of Minehead Museum based in the Beach Hotel, in March 2014. The museum, now an independent registered charity, has gone from strength to strength, attracting over 11.500 visitors last year. Along with his vast musical knowledge, Oliver was also very keen on historical research relating to Minehead and was an authority on the Victorian and Edwardian architects who helped shape the town. He remained keenly interested in the development of the museum and was elected Honorary Life President in 2017 in recognition of his contribution to the founding and development of the museum. He was still actively involved with the museum right up until his death and it is unfortunate that this season the museum has not been able to open because of the current public safety concerns.

Julian Luke

Chair of Trustees,

Minehead Museum