MALDON'S Museum in the Park is going to be open for family bookings of no more than six on the Wednesday and Friday of half term.

The museum in the Edwardian former Park Keeper's Lodge in Mill Lane, Promenade Park, is a gem for children and gives a great insight into the social, domestic and industrial history of Maldon.

The October half term booking system (for Wednesday, 21 October and Friday, 23 October) comes in the context of the museum being closed over the winter for walk-in visits due to the pandemic.

However, pre-booked visits from community, social and school groups will continue, too – and the museum hopes to be fully open again in the spring, subject to Covid-19 restrictions at the time.

What you can find at the museum

The museum showcases various aspects of Maldon's history including:

• Cinema memorabilia - Maldon once had two cinemas

• Items from long-lost local industries such as Sadd's Joiners

• A model of the Maldon East Railway Station

• A lovely old fire engine

• A baker's oven

• Old shopfronts stocked with bygone packets and tins.

Children's activities will be provided during the half-term visits.

A spokesperson for the Museum said: "The Museum will be open by appointment only for children's activities during the forthcoming half term holiday. We ask that family groups be no more than six and that you make your booking at least 24 hours before your visit. If you do not pre-book then the museum will not be open as there will be no opportunity for walk-in visits."

The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and the booking system enables full Covid-safety measures to be in place.

Any family wishing to book over half-term or any club or group interested in booking should email the Museum in the Park here.