A MUSEUM enjoyed a weekend of fun as it celebrated its first anniversary in style with notable names in attendance.

Harwich Museum celebrated its first birthday on Sunday, August 21, with an eventful day including stalls, raffles, a tombola and talks.

The festivities began on Friday with a coffee morning that was busy and well supported.

Lisa Cowley, office administrator at the museum, said: “The celebration was a fun day and we all dressed up in Victorian swimwear to fit the theme.

“Shanty singers were present and Sandra Rogers played her accordion which was great.

“Su Pollard finally made it down to the museum and she was hilarious.

"She is just like you expect her to be but is so down to earth and lovely.”

On the day, the museum was also presented with a £500 cheque by the Luney Club that will go towards its new defibrillator.

Lisa added: “The Luney Club fundraise for different charities and they brought us a cheque a few months back so we thought it would be nice to have an official presentation as they do a lot for the community.”

Along with Su Pollard, other key figures including High Steward Chris Strachan, mayor and mayoress Ivan and Jo Henderson and Essex Deputy Lieutenant Nigel Spencer were in attendance.

Lisa said: “It was lovely having key figures here on the day as some of them were at the opening, Mr Strachan was a doctor so it was fitting for him to unveil the defibrillator as well.”

The event also had talks from curator David Whittle as well as a beside the seaside discussion involving an ice cream bike sent in by Chris Scutt.

The museum has had an eventful and busy year with vibrant events including the Hi-de-Hi themed weekend and an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

A children’s club has been trialled with the view of making it a permanent feature next year.

The Harwich Museum is run exclusively by volunteers, for more information visit harwichmuseum.com/.