HISTORICAL artefacts from the Berkswell Museum are going on sale this weekend.
Exhibits in the now closed museum are being sold this Saturday (November 5) with all proceeds being donated to the Berkswell Scouts, which is raising money for a new hut.
Among the items are historical wood working and kitchen tools, porcelain and china, dolls, a wind-up record player, and oil lamps and primus stoves.
The Berkswell Museum in the heart of the village closed its doors for the final time in May this year following dwindling visitor numbers and a lack of interest from younger volunteers.
Opened in 1981 in the 16th century cottage of a district nurse, the collection of artefacts was built up over the years and grew to include memorabilia, farm implements, tools and household items which gave visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the village.
Speaking to the Observer in the wake of the closure earlier this year, committee member Margaret Argyle, a volunteer at the museum for 35 years, said the tough decision to close the venue had been a long time coming.
She and other volunteers tried changing the opening hours and set up a Facebook page to encourage people – particularly younger generations – to visit.
Since its closure she and fellow volunteer Wendy Burns have been working hard to reunite families with the items they loaned or donated to the museum.
Mrs Argyle said: “We have spent the last few months sorting through the artefacts and making sure items were returned to their rightful owners or heirs.
“It has been extremely sad having to close the museum down – as it has been so much part of our history.
“But it is nice to see the money going towards another local venture.”
The items will be on sale at the Berkswell Museum on Lavender Hall Lane from 10am until noon this Saturday.
