Like most evenings Alan Hallman enjoys putting his feet up with a cup of tea and reading his Express & Star from cover to cover.

However, back in 1969 his evening routine ended up changing his life when he spotted a notice in the paper.

The advert announced that a meeting was being held to assess the support there would be for a museum dedicated to recording the history of the Black Country.

Since then Alan, and dozens of others, have been closely involved in the creation of the Black Country Living Museum, based in Tipton Road, Dudley.

Alan says: “To say that it has taken over my life could be seen as an understatement.

“I went along to the public enquiry and then in 1970 we formed a group called The Friends of The Museum – I can’t believe that was 40 years ago.”

They have supported the museum in collecting exhibits, manning displays, promoting the museum, organising events and making donations.

The Friends are responsible for the services in the Museum Chapel and the Living History Weekends.

In addition a group of Friends are trained to act as guides and demonstrators and there is a talks panel which provides speakers for outside bodies