by Emma Grove

Two arrivals at a museum have prompted curious villagers to find out more.

Volunteers at the Abbey Gatehouse Museum in Minster are also hoping the new statues of a nun and a lady in the stocks will encourage children to come and learn about the Island’s history.

The Gatehouse Museum, is next to the abbey in Union Road.

There is lots of local history to see at the museum including a huge display of fossils found on Island beaches, a wide range of Victorian costume and artifacts including coins and pottery from an archeological dig.

There is also a large First and Second World War collection as well as plenty of postcards and pictures of Sheppey.

Lena Crowder, secretary to the Gatehouse, said: “The new residents at the museum are causing intrigue in Minster village.

“It’s a really really interesting place; we call it our little treasure on the hill.

“We want to encourage children to come and learn about their local history.”

On Saturday, July 11 there will be a summer fete with a bouncy castle, arts and craft, books and cakes for sale and much more.

Fred Clouter will also be hosting a fossil road show, where people are invited to bring things they have found on the beach to find out how old they are.

The museum is open every Saturday and Wednesday from 2pm – 4.30pm throughout June and from July 21; the first week in September it will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well.

Entry costs 50p for children and £1 for adults. If you would be interested in volunteering to help the museum, or to find out more, please phone Ken Ingleton on 01795 873709.