A heritage museum keeping alive memories of Bilsthorpe’s mining past and village history is appealing for volunteers to help continue its work.

Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum, on Cross Street, has been in existence since 2010 and opened officially in 2014.

Earlier this year the team was proud to be highly commended in the team of the year category at Newark Business Awards.

They take artefacts to schools and groups as well as hosting them at the museum and are always willing to arrange visits when requested.

The museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays during the winter and volunteers do not have to be from a mining background.

Some are former pitmen from Bilsthorpe Colliery, while others have joined to make new friends and support a community project.

Chair Cris Cooper said: “We all have one thing in common — enthusiasm and a determination to make our museum welcoming, interesting and successful.

“Our volunteers get involved with every aspect of the museum, from making a brew to painting our Pony loco and everything else in between.”

She became involved after moving to the area from the south coast.

“I answered an advert asking for people to help archive old copies of the Chad newspaper, which the museum had been given to look after and use as a research resource.

“We have many requests for information from the papers, which go back to the 1800s. I thought it would be a good way to meet people and I have become totally involved with keeping the village history alive, as well as making lots of new friends.

“I jumped at the opportunity to become chair and get us involved with lots of new projects through Miner2Major and Century of Change, among other organisations.

“We all enjoy our time at the museum and we work as a team, mucking in when necessary. We all give as much or as little time as we can and would welcome anyone who would like to join us. It doesn’t have to be on a regular basis, just turn up when you have a bit of spare time.”

The museum is run by the volunteers and entirely funded by donations.

Anyone interested in joining the team can call 01623 571533, email [email protected] or pop in for a drink and a chat on Wednesdays and Sundays.

People can support it through Newark and Sherwood Community Lottery and Amazon Smile at www.newarkandsherwoodlottery.co.uk and smile.amazon.co.uk