Wraps are taken off Much Wenlock Museum revamp

The wraps have been taken off a museum in Shropshire which has undergone a £500,000 transformation.

Much Wenlock Museum was closed for almost a year as workers stripped it back before completely refurbishing it.

It now houses a section dedicated to Much Wenlock's links with the Olympics – and includes a message from Lord Coe, chairman of the London 2012 organising committee.

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This week visitors were allowed to take a sneak peek at the revamped displays before its officially opening next week.

The museum was revamped with help from Shropshire Council and a £520,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The museum, which is housed in the former market hall built in the 1870s, was closed last March.

The doors were opened yesterday for a preview.

Emma-Kate Lanyon, curator for Shropshire Council, said the preview at the museum, in The Square, had so far gone well.

"We have had lots of local people and representatives from the Olympian Society and local TV and radio.

"It's all been very positive and it's nice to welcome people in to enjoy the museum and to see how we will mark 2012."

She said: "The museum was completely emptied and stripped back and it has been completely refurbished."

A section of the museum has been dedicated to Dr William Penny Brookes and the links to the Olympic Games.

It contains the message from Lord Coe which was presented at the launch of the Wenlock mascot.

It reads: "We hope you are as proud of Wenlock as we are. It was very important to us that our mascots are anchored in Olympic and Paralympic heritage.

"Thank you for letting us share your story."

But as well as the Olympic connection there are also displays looking at the geology of the area, including Wenlock Edge; the history of the town and the flora and fauna.

The museum, which also houses the visitor information centre, will open officially on February 17 with invited guests including senior officers from Shropshire Council, Councillor Keith Barrow, the leader of Shropshire Council, and the Mayor of Much Wenlock Town Council Councillor Lesley Durbin.

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for tourism and culture, said: "The opening of the newly-refurbished Much Wenlock Museum is great news for the town."

Other preview events are lined up on Friday from 10.30am to 1pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, then on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Next week, during half term, from February 13 to 18, the museum will open from 10.30am to 1pm and 1.30 to 4.30pm.

Admission will be free.