Rock 'n' roll memory lane at museum

8:45am Wednesday 25th April 2007

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THERE will be several exciting new displays at Chard Museum when it launches its season with an open day this Saturday (April 28).

Chief among them are an authentic teddy boy suit and other 1950s treats donated by Chard rock 'n' roll fundraiser Alan Horne.

Alan has also given the museum his vintage record player to blare out his original Bill Haley vinyl.

Museum secretary Barbara Dillon said: "We're having a personality-themed display and Alan's very much a personality.

"Everybody knows him in Chard and we were tickled pink when he told us he was giving us his suit."

There will also be a display on Saturday devoted to HMS Campion, a warship sponsored by the people of Chard, who raised a staggering £90,000 in just two weeks in 1942 - the equivalent of £2million today.

Visitors will also be able to chat to trustees and volunteers, and see some familiar displays which have been expanded during the winter.

They include some fascinating 19th Century photographs of Chard taken by artificial limbs pioneer James Gillingham, which are displayed on an eight-minute DVD.

The open day will run from 11am to 3pm and entry is free.