There’s plenty happening at the Valiant Soldier Museum Heritage & Visitor Centre this summer, with new displays to enjoy, family-friendly trails, and some lively dates for your diary. Do pop in for a look around – we’d love to see you.

New in the museum: A remarkable, very large map of Buckfastleigh and the surrounding area (about 6½ft x 4½ft) has been generously donated to the Museum. We’ve had it professionally framed so everyone can enjoy it. It’s now on view in the reception area – a fascinating snapshot of how things looked at the beginning of the 1900s.

Family fun – spot the woolly sheep: In a nod to the town’s long association with the wool trade, our volunteers have hidden little woolly sheep around the Museum. It’s a cheerful challenge for children during the school holidays to see how many they can find. Entry is free of charge for TQ11 residents.

Upcoming events: We’ve a run of seasonal get-togethers planned – come along and join the fun.

• 60s Night – Sunday 25 August 2024, bar open 5pm–10pm: Groovy music from the era to mark the Valiant’s closure as a pub in the 1960s. Dig out your bell bottoms and mini-skirts – here’s to flower power!
• Pumpkin Carving Workshop – Sunday 27 October 2024: A hands-on Hallowe’en session for all ages.
• All Saints’ Day Bar – Friday 1 November 2024: Another opening of the bar – and yes, spirits will be available!

We’re also seeking funding to run a series of storytelling events, possibly with a ghostly twist. If you’d like to support or get involved, please get in touch.

Volunteers – thank you, and could you help? June was Volunteers’ Week, and our amazing team deserve a big thank you for keeping the Valiant running. If you can spare a few hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for friendly folk to show visitors around, help on reception, assist with admin, lend a hand in the garden, and especially anyone who’s a whizz with IT.

Coffee mornings: These continue every Wednesday in the Information Centre, 10am–12 noon. It’s a relaxed time for a chat; one of our Trustees is usually on hand.

The garden: The garden is coming on a treat. We’ve planted a small herb bed, a new path will be laid soon, and a gate has been fitted at the entrance thanks to one of our dedicated volunteers.

Opening times and extras:

• Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–3.30pm (last entry 3pm).
• During opening hours we sell Salcombe Dairy ice-cream, gifts, souvenirs, and second-hand books and records.
• You can also hire our rooms for meetings and gatherings; please see the website (details below) for up-to-date hire charges.

We hope to see you soon.

Contact: Email info@valiantsoldier.org.uk, phone 01364 644522, or visit http://valiantsoldier.org.uk.