Closure threat to Seaton Museum due to lack of support

Seaton Museum, housed above the old Town Hall in Fore Street, is in danger of closing unless it gets more support.

That's the view of long serving curator Ted Gosling who, in his annual report said that it will be a case of "use it or lose it" unless they got more support.

Mr Gosling said: "I look with envy at the local support that museums in Sidmouth, Honiton and Lyme Regis get.

"Do the present day people of Seaton and our local councillors know that precious and rare artefacts, including the finds from the important Roman site Honeyditches, that we hold in trust for future generations – or do they care?"

Mr Gosling said the museum would not exist today without the support of many people over the years – some of them no longer alive – and the backing of the Axe Valley Heritage Association which runs it.

Members were told that because of covid, the opening of the museum for the 2021 season has been postponed until next spring.

Mr Gosling continued: "People's health and wellbeing is our main concern and we are taking reasonable steps to reduce infection to our amazing volunteers.

"The museum is important to locals and tourists alike and the decision was made to open in May. Hopefully by that time, we might be back to normal.

"I do hope that all members will be able to avoid this nasty virus and I look forward to meeting you at the opening ceremony next year.

Mr Gosling said the annual general meeting would not be held this year and the current committee members would continue until 2021.

Museum chairman Roger Brookman said that although the museum had remained closed this year because of Covid, he urged people to continue to support them.

He said: "W are a charity and we do rely heavily subscriptions, so please help us go forward with your support and continue to run our museum which is a vital part of the community."

There are tentative plans for a museum in the proposed redevelopment of Marshlands by Seaton Town Council.