CREDITON Area History and Museum Society opened its new exhibition That's Entertainment this week – also issuing an appeal for more people to step forward as Friends of Crediton Museum.

Speaking at the exhibition launch at the old Town Hall, society secretary David Nation, said: "This exhibition includes a lot of old pictures, lent items and artefacts for which we are very grateful.

"It has been a team effort to put it together and it contains a wealth of information which will appeal to local people and visitors alike.

"The society members, who are all volunteers, have worked hard to stage it but we must also thank those who support the society and enable it to stage such exhibitions and keep the museum open and heritage of the area preserved.

"We have some corporate friends here with us, from Graphic plc, Todd Lettings and Charlesworth Nicholl, as well as representatives from Crediton Town Council, who all support us.

"However, we desperately need more Friends, individuals and from the business community, to enable the society to continue to run and operate the Museum here at the old Town Hall.

"Without the generous support we receive it would not be possible.

"We have rent to pay and other costs but it is only open when staffed by volunteers.

"We are in our fifth season here, the society this year celebrating 30 years.

"It has taken us 25 years to get the museum up and running and society members are determined that it is here to stay."

Mr Nation thanked John Heal, the society's archivist and chairman, Sandra Cooper who staged the current exhibition with the assistance of all the committee members.

He said that many town organisations and groups were involved including CODS, Crediton Town Band, the Garden Club and individuals had helped as well as businesses such as the Crediton Courier.

Mr Nation thanked Crediton Town Council for paying for new information boards which were displayed.

He added that the main financial overhead is rent to the charity that owns the building, costing £4,500pa.

"Most of this was covered by a grant in the first two years.

"We do not charge for admission but we have been able to continue since then due to the generosity of a number of local businesses and some individuals becoming 'Friends of Crediton Museum'. "Businesses pay £100pa and individuals pay just £15pa, or can become 'Friends for Life' for a single payment of £100.

"Without their help, the museum would have closed. Full details are available on our website: http://www.creditonhistory.org.uk">www.creditonhistory.org.uk ."