A VERY big “Thank You” was extended to corporate sponsors of Crediton Museum at a reception held at the museum at the Old Town Hall, which houses the Crediton Area History and Museum Society exhibitions.

Society member David Nation welcomed everyone to the reception and John Heal, chairman and archivist for the society gave a speech before presenting certificates to the local business representatives.

He said that Crediton Area History and Museum Society was started in 1983 and said that it was in the 90s that the society tried, without success, to buy the Church Workers’ Institute building.

Following this Crediton Festival assisted in enabling a four-week display entitled “Crediton through the Ages” to be exhibited at the Old Town Hall, which was then extended through the summer and into the autumn of 2010.

He said that the museum had held displays at the Old Town Hall since that time and thanked David Nation for starting the Friends system which was a major fundraiser for the society.

Mr Heal thanked the corporate sponsors and said that “the museum would not be hear today if it was not for your support”.

Responding, Barny Butterfield of Sandford Orchards, on behalf of the businesses, said that the businesses appreciated the society and the hard work of the volunteers who kept it going.

He concluded: “We give because of what you do”.

It was noted that the museum was a huge asset to the High Street and an attraction to the town.

Businesses thanked included A White and Sons, Ashgrove Kitchens, Brighter Working Web Design, Mole Avon, Adams Home Hardware, Charlesworth Nicholl, Lewis’s, Sandford Orchards, Graphic PLC and Helmores estate agency.