A cold March afternoon in the museum

Yesterday afternoon was one of those days when I could have found something else to occupy my time rather than travelling 26 miles to Falmouth to be a volunteer at the museum. But if I had not come I would have missed a lovely afternoon spent with visitors from around the UK. Firstly, a couple 85 years young had driven down from Chiverton to visit the Museum and marvelled at the size of our helicopter. I had a wonderful conversation with them both. Secondly, I met a lovely close-knit family from Ashford in Kent who were visiting for the first time with two lovely polite children. The little boy, of around 2 years, politely asked if he could have the 'blue boat' from the waterfront. Sadly I had to explain that if I let him have it other children would miss it. Fortunately he accepted my explanation, and directed his parents to the shop. The only down-side was the 'gruff' gentleman who wanted to know what was grown in the fields, under the plastic sheeting, on the far side of Flushing. I did suggest to him, as I did not know, to drive across and look for himself but after that he seemed to lose interest!

And although I am saying it myself, I was thanked personally by a visitor for making his visit so memorable. So, on reflection as I travelled back to Penzance, it was not a bad afternoon after all.

Martin Smith

Galleries Volunteer