Beck Isle Museum, after another   successful season, has closed its doors now for visitors until February 2010. However, for museum volunteers, it will be full steam ahead still behind the scenes. This community organisation started in 1967, has around 85 active volunteers, but is still open for new applications for various volunteer opportunities.

            It has been a busy season, especially on the living history and rural crafts days, when demonstrations of rag-rug making, lace making, knitting, crochet and also the crafts of the Blacksmith and Printer helped to bring a bygone age to life.

            Children were invited to play with some of the Victorian Toys and also take part in Victorian games in and around the museum. During August a very well supported display of ‘Old & New’ patchwork quilts was held in partnership with the Pickering Patches Group. The success of the event helped both the museum and the patches group who had enquiries for possible new members from the event.

            More Dinosaur and Fossil events will be held during the coming season in 2010, these are very popular with children of all ages. We have also had many positive comments from people over the Wartime Weekend saying how much they enjoyed the museum and how friendly Pickering folk were. Compliments indeed!

            If you have not visited the museum for a good while please come and see us next season you will be pleasantly    surprised how we have changed and moved forward.

            The museum although closed to the general public is open for school and group bookings by prior appointment  until 19th December 2009. Please come and see us, we look forward to welcoming you.

Rodge Dowson.