THE most exciting year yet at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton is being planned as a series of events take place throughout 2006 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. There are plenty of things to see and do in the museum?s packed exhibitions and events programme over the coming months. Mrs Webber said the museum was hoping for a bumper year as it celebrates its quarter century. ?We have had a good start to the season. Visitor numbers are up on last year,? she said. Over the years, the museum has welcomed thousands of visitors and now it wants the help of local people to make the anniversary special. Mrs Webber is asking people to sort through their photographs in preparation for a big display of pictures charting Okehampton through the years. From July 8, the family history research room will be open and Mrs Webber is asking anyone who has interesting old pictures of Okehampton or the Hamlets to come forward with their own personal contributions to the exhibition. Mrs Webber said the exhibition would also provide the chance for people to find out more about any pictures they might have. The museum is currently hosting Recycle: an exhibition of work by artists inspired by the Dartmoor landscape and using natural materials such as wool, peat, wood and mud. From May 19 to 20, the West Devon Borough Council recycling trailer will be stopping off in the museum courtyard. The recycling theme will continue on the second day, with a family workshop allowing people of all ages to join in using recycled materials to make flags and banners. Items made on the day will be hung in the courtyard from July 1 as part of the museum?s eye-catching next exhibition, which will run throughout July. Before then, highlights inlcude a demonstration of rag rug-making by Peta Turner on Wednesday, May 10, and a talk about Dartmoor longhouses given by Jenny Saunders on Tuesday, May 16, from 2pm. The talk has been combined with a cream tea, at a cost of just £4.50. Numbers are limited, so people are advised to book in advance.
