NEWTON Abbot Museum wants to put residents’ personal knick-knacks at the heart of its virtual collection.

Community outreach worker Kate Green is hoping that people living in the area will help by sharing the secrets of their mantelpieces and shelves.

‘It doesn’t matter whether or not the objects are historic, valuable or rare, just that they say something about the family that has decided to treasure them,’ says Kate.

She has invited households to take photos of their bits and bobs with the images set to become part of the People’s Museum project.

They will also be displayed in the Your Space gallery at Newton’s Place when it opens.

Kate said: ‘We all have little pieces picked up over the years which help tell our stories or keep precious memories alive.

‘On my mantelpiece for example the centrepiece is an old clock bought from the Teignbridge recycling centre.

‘It bears a plaque thanking Mrs E Bray for 21 years of service to Cascelloid, dated October 1963. It still keeps time and chimes beautifully.

‘We also have a collection of oil lamps and wooden animal carvings bought on various trips and holidays.

‘A vase of fresh flowers always cheers us up. Two special items are gifts from our son when he went abroad on school trips – a red silk bag containing a heart-shaped shell and a small stone carving, both very treasured.’

Mantelpieces first appeared in medieval times when open fires were moved from the middle of a room to the wall.

Some modern houses still incorporate a mantelpiece, even if the fireplace below houses a gas or electric fire.

‘We really would love to see what’s on your mantelpiece or shelf, it will add to the story of Newton Abbot and the surrounding communities,’ said Kate.

‘Do please get in touch and become part of the People’s Museum.’

Images can be emailed to [email protected]. Remember to include contact details and information about the objects.