On the hunt for hidden treasure in Malton

A local group is asking people to dig out all those weird and wonderful 'treasures' that they have hidden in the attic and show them off to the experts.

The Woodhams-Stone Collections group is holding a second exhibition in Malton's Milton Rooms on Saturday April 21st and experts Sid Woodhams and John Stone will be on hand to identify any 'mystery objects' that are from the local area.

The Woodhams Stone Collection steering group has been set up to create a social heritage centre to house the extensive personal collections of well-known local residents Sid Woodhams and John Stone.

Both have amassed fascinating collections over the past 40 years and now want to give their prized possessions to Norton and Malton and see them put on public display for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Keen collector, Sid, whose collection runs to thousands of items said:

"It's amazing what people have tucked away at home - things that have been passed down in the family and they don't even know what they are or were used for.

"We want people to bring along their treasures for identification - or just so that we can have a look at them - however weird and wonderful.

"I have been collecting for over 40 years so there's not much out there that I might not know about!"

Di Keal from the group said:

"I have known Sid and John for years and always thought that their collections focussed on the town's rich history could be a brilliant attraction both locally and for visitors.

"This second exhibition is another step in the process which will we hope will ultimately see them housed in a new social heritage centre locally.

"We are keen to involve more residents in the project and want lots of people to come along to the exhibition and learn more about just what fascinating collections we have right here in our midst.

"It would be a tragedy if these wonderful collections were lost to Norton and Malton and I hope that the community will get behind this bid to stop this happening and support us."

Malton Museum, the Dickens' Society, Ryedale Family History Group, Howsham Mill and other local heritage groups are also lending their support to the event with displays.

A series of brief presentations from the experts will also run throughout the day including talks from garden historian Peter Goodchild and buildings expert Nigel Copsey.

The group has just been successful in securing some funding from the LEADER Coast, Wolds, Wetlands & Waterways and is working hard to secure other sources of funds to take the project forward.

The exhibition will feature many items from the large brewing industry that used to based in the town including materials from the old Russells Brewery on Castlegate, Malton, alongside pictures of old hostelries in the twin towns.

There will be live entertainment from Wordweavers of Wass who will tell traditional Ryedale and North Yorkshire folk tales and fun quizzes on Norton and Malton 'old and new' plus delicious home-made refreshments from Next Steps of Norton.

The exhibition will run from 10am to 4pm on April 21st at the Milton Rooms, Malton.