A HOST of fresh artefacts have gone on display at Newton Abbot Museum where the doors have re-opened for the 2023 season.

Among items from the past to be liberated from the stores are a spectacular set of glass eyes – and cake tins from the much-loved Madge Mellor tea rooms.

Also on show is a lamp presented to the district after it showed support for striking miners in the 1980s, children’s toys and clothes plus a collection of cameras.

Other reasons to visit this year include free twilight sketching sessions between 4pm-6pm every other Monday, a collection of Roman coins from the ongoing archaeological investigations at Ipplepen (on loan from Torquay Museum) plus artwork created by primary school pupils as part of the What’s in Store project starting in March.

Four original drawings of Newton Abbot by award-winning artist Christy Burdock that featured in a high-profile exhibition last year have now been acquired by the museum and remain on display.

‘The museum re-opened on January 24 and we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back and perhaps even exceeding last year’s record-breaking visitor numbers,’ said curator Dr Charlotte Dixon.

‘We’ve been working hard during December to refresh the displays and our outreach worker, Kate Green, has been helping to organise a great new social programme.

‘We’ll be open as usual, Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm plus Saturdays 9.30am to 1.30pm.

‘Admission is completely free, and we provide quiet sessions, sensory bags, audio guides and activity sheets.

‘Free family-friendly activities are also held on a regular basis, just visit our website www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk for all the details and where you can take a virtual tour and download the activity sheets or audio guides. You can also get in touch by calling us on 01626 201121.

‘Newton Abbot and the surrounding communities have such a rich history and we’re proud to be showcasing that in the wonderful setting of Newton’s Place in Wolborough Street, whilst also helping to enrich the lives of people living here today.

‘We look forward to welcoming you.’