BOOKINGS are now being taken for visits to Newton Abbot Town and the GWR Museum.

The brand new facility is housed in Newton’s Place, the £2.2 million community hub that has taken shape in the former St Leonard’s Church, Wolborough Street.

The first visitors are due to be greeted by curator Felicity Cole and her team on Saturday, October 3.

Although entry will be free, Covid-19 restrictions require that all trips are booked in advance and numbers controlled.

On opening day there will be four one-hour time slots available between 10am – 2pm for a maximum of six people per session.

Thereafter the regular pandemic opening hours will be 10am – 2pm Tuesday – Friday and 10am – noon on Saturday.

Extended opening times are planned for when safety restrictions are lifted.

Bookings can be made via www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk or by calling 01626 201121.

Mrs Cole said: ‘It’s going to be a real thrill to welcome our first visitors. We know how much interest Newton’s Place has generated and don’t believe for a minute that people will be disappointed when they see inside.

‘The museum is looking absolutely fantastic and we’ve some superb hands-on displays set in a rich and colourful environment which marries the heritage of St Leonard’s with an upbeat contemporary vibe.

‘We’ve all waited a long time for this moment and now it has arrived. Please, come and see what we’re all so excited about.’

Among the treasures on display at the museum will be the prehistoric Milber Votives, tiny cast figures that may have been used in ritualistic ceremonies.

‘This is the first time that these miniature Bronze Age objects have ever been displayed in Newton Abbot,’ said Mrs Cole.

‘They were discovered during excavations on Milber Down in 1937/8. 

‘These beautiful little votives or sculptures would have been very highly prized at the time.

‘They are part of the Torquay Museum collection and have kindly been loaned to the museum for a year. We are delighted to bring them home.’

To maintain public safety the community rooms and town council offices within Newton’s Place will remain out of bounds until further notice.

Toilets will be available for priority use only at staff discretion.