During a recent trip to Alton I decided to visit The Curtis Museum for the first time. 

I never envisaged quite how big the museum was inside.  

I could have happily spent several hours looking at the many exhibits that were on show.  I especially enjoyed the childhood gallery, where I recognised many toys, games and dolls that I played with as a child.  As I left the museum, the very friendly volunteers recommended that I visit the Allen Gallery in nearby Church Street. 

Whilst I acknowledge ceramics may not be of interest to everyone, I found it surprisingly very interesting. 

From the Wedgewood collection to the decorative tiles that date back over 750 years.  Everything appeared in pristine condition. I also viewed a lovely exhibition of watercolours by some very talented local artists. 

I finished my visit by walking around the delightful garden.  A volunteer suggested I come back later in the month to see the Snowdrops in full bloom.

As I drove home reflecting on a very uplifting afternoon, I realised how very lucky we are to have both the Curtis Museum and the Allen Gallery on our doorstep. 

I feel that it is so important that we value and preserve them not just for ourselves but for the future generations to come.

Mrs T Williams,

Hogmoor Road, Whitehill