The Museum, which is one of the beneficiaries of this year's fund-raising appeal, ranks high among the growing number of cricket museums. It was opened 12 years ago in Taunton's historic Priory Barn, adjoining the county cricket ground, and now attracts 3000 and more visitors each year. The museum was the brainchild of the late Rex Frost, a former Club Treasurer, and it took a great deal of hard work and perseverance by a handful of Somerset cricket devotees to restore and equip the then derelict ancient monument. Some 100,000 had to be raised in grants and donations. Tony Stedall, the curator, has been involved in the project from its beginning two decades ago.
New interest is created by changing some of the displays.
This year's focus is on Somerset's remarkable Australian connection and some of the memorable encounters with the Tourists. Every year many enquiries are received by letter, phone or in person for which the museum's extensive reference library on the upper floor usually provides the answer. The museum which faces substantial maintenance and running costs is a registered charity and it is hoped that this year's appeal will be generously supported. In the last mailing were draw tickets for the Derby on June 9th and all proceeds from this will go to the Appeal Fund. Please try to sell as many tickets as you can.