MINEHEAD Museum saw a record number of visitors last year, it was reported at the annual Stewards Day at the Beach Hotel on Thursday (March 6).

Presenting his annual report, chairman of the trustees Julian Luke said over 11,600 people visited the museum in 2019 and there was a corresponding increase in donations.

He outlined some of the highlights of the year, including a charity quiz and the recent full coach trip for Friends of the Museum to see the extended Barnstaple Museum.

Volunteers were thanked for their efforts in the season, and some of the work that has taken place during the winter on new displays and conservation was outlined.

They were quick to sign up for the new season’s rota and were encouraged to help recruit new volunteers and Friends as there were always opportunities to help with publicity, research, administration or stewarding.

Margaret Shaw presented a talk on Alfred Vowles, who will feature in one of the new displays, and Di Martin followed this with powerpoint quiz with the audience trying to identify some of the more obscure corners of Minehead and Alcombe.

The museum reopens its doors on Saturday, March 21.