THE Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton (MDL) celebrated its thirtieth birthday last weekend.

The MDL marked the big occasion with an open day last Saturday attended by the Okehampton Community Archive, the Dartmoor Rescue Group, Dartmoor Magazine and the Dartmoor Archive Trust, as well as around 120 visitors.

Marking the milestone in its history, the museum this week issued an appeal to local people to help ensure its existence for the next 30 years.

Like many businesses and organisations, the MDL has struggled in recent times due to the bleak financial climate.

The museum trust is hoping to combat such difficulties with support from the community by filling crucial volunteer roles and attracting more local visitors to the MDL.

Museum curator Maurie Webber said the museum's biggest problem was funding and volunteers.

She said: 'In the present financial climate with so many museums, including the nationals, either closing or cutting back, it is a miracle that we are after 30 years still open — and able to celebrate with the town.

'This is due to the volunteers, trustees and staff, and to the many organisations and individuals that have supported us and still support.

'For the past two to three years, the trust has received an annual revenue grant from the town council and Okehampton United Charity.

'Although not guaranteed in any way, it is very much appreciated and is vital in terms of sustainability.

'There are very few museums in the country, including the nationals, who are sustained in their own right by admissions, shop sales, donations and grants.

'One big advantage the museum has is that the trust owns the buildings, whereas a lot of museums rent.

'The trust is as pro-active as it possibly can be within its limitations. It's always looking forward, but it can only achieve this with the support of funders and the community.

'Life is swings and roundabouts, and the trust now looks forward to another 30 years.'

MP for Central Devon Mel Stride visited the MDL in July.

After his visit, Mr Stride urged the people of Okehampton to support the museum: 'I was thrilled to see such an interesting museum showcasing such a huge amount of history on Dartmoor.

'I would urge people to visit this outstanding museum this summer, but also, if they live locally, to consider volunteering to help out and preserve this fine facility for Okehampton.'

The museum is looking to fill a number of volunteer roles that will help bring revenue in to the coffers.

One is for a school and events liaison officer, who will encourage school visits, and visit local schools themselves to demonstrate the potential learning opportunities at the MDL.

Other roles include a co-ordinator of the Friends of the Museum, a publicity officer, who would distribute publicity literature for the MDL throughout the town, and a maintenance person to ensure the upkeep of the courtyard, car park and buildings.

Filling these roles will help bring revenue into the museum. The trust is also looking for a fundraiser, and people to help in the shop.

The museum opened in July 1981, following a decision by then-president of Okehampton Rotary Club John Young and a group of like-minded volunteers to raise the £8,000 necessary to buy the museum buildings, and further funds to set up the MDL.

The group restored and refurbished the building so it could house its growing collection of local objects.

The museum also celebrates a bicentenary this year, with the main museum building having been built in 1811.

Mrs Webber said the building was originally a granary.

'It was really for distribution of feed. You had your steps that led all the way through the courtyard. It was a distribution mill, if you like.

'The water wheel was here too.

'We don't know an awful lot more than that because there were only two or three pieces of equipment that were in the building when the museum took it over.

'There was a printers here at one point, and Sydney Simmons lived here at one stage. It's an interesting building. It has a certain appeal.'

A fully accredited independent charitable trust, the MDL has an emphasis on the social history of Dartmoor and Okehampton, from pre-history to the present.

The March 2011 edition of the Museum Journal, the leading source for information on museums and galleries, chose the MDL as a specialist collection well worth visiting.

Highlights include a pair of 14th century engraved bells which have links to Okehampton Castle, and a wide range of local artifacts.

Upcoming events at the museum include the Okehampton Camera Club exhibition in the John Young Gallery from September 7 to October 1.

For more information on how you can volunteer or become a Friend of the Museum, please call the MDL on 01837 52295.