Museum volunteer extols Kingswood's 'hidden gem'

A keen historian has highlighted the importance of developing and maintaining his hometown's "hidden gem" of a museum for future generations.

Paul Evans, 66, volunteers as an administrator and IT manager at Kingswood Heritage Museum in South Gloucestershire.

The museum celebrates the town's diverse history and industries.

"It would be a sad and bare place if we ignored everything that has happened in the past," Mr Evans said.

"We take from the past to learn for the future."

With a team of 40 volunteers, it is the largest independent, volunteer-run museum in the county.

The site, which is based in Warmley, has occupied the home of William Champion's former brass works since 1991.

Dating back to the 18th Century, it is the building where Champion developed the first commercial production of zinc in Europe.

"Kingswood and the surrounding area has a really, really rich history, both socially and industrially," Mr Evans said.

"It's quite strange because there's a few myths around Kingswood," he added.

Visitors at the museum can learn about some of the most famous myths.

Mr Evans said one of the most well-known myths was that of the Kingswood Elephant.

The circus elephant, which was said to be travelling with the circus in the late 1800s, died after eating some yew trees in the area.

According to the myth, the elephant is buried in the town.

A statue of the sea god Neptune stands in the grounds adjacent to the museum. It was built by William Champion in the 18th Century.

Also known as the Warmley Giant, it is claimed to be the largest garden statue in Britain and the oldest concrete statue.

"It all forms part of the Champion story," Mr Evans said.

The museum also features Roman artefacts from Stonehill, objects from Douglas Motorcycles and boot maker GB Brittons.

Modern exhibitions showcasing more recent developments and changes to the town are also being created, focusing on the changing high street and new technological advancements.

"I would dearly love for the museum to still be there in 30 years' time," Mr Evans said.

"A lot of people visit and the phrase they tend to use is 'it's a hidden gem'.

"I just want people to come and see it and experience the fantastic heritage that is Kingswood and the surrounding area.

"It's important to keep that information and that link going," he added.

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