Donations wanted for hi-tech history

A touch screen virtual tour of West Bromwich's historic Oak House is to be set up as part of a big money revamp and historians are appealing for donations to help.

They would like photographs, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia for the planned interactive feature at the 16th century mansion, which will cost £3,000 to design. Members of the voluntary Friends of Oak House Museum and Barns group have already raised enough money to have the interactive display designed and now want a little extra help.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has also awarded £100,000 to Sandwell Council to breathe new life into derelict barns at Oak House, including installing a modern visitor facility to replace current mobile huts at the venue in Oak Road, while council chiefs are seeking millions more for a large-scale revamp of the Tudor mansion off Oak Road, an old Yeoman's house.

The friends group has now revealed its plans for a 360-degree touch screen guided tour and history of the museum.

Group chairman Sandra Carter said she wanted anyone with interesting stories, photos or other items relating to Oak House to get in touch.

"We'd love to hear from anyone who can help out with the new display," she said.

"The plan is for the electronic guided tour of the house to allow visitors with disabilities to view parts of the museum which would otherwise be inaccessible to them.

"We've had people come forward with pictures of when the Queen visited in 1977 and that's the kind of thing we're looking for.

"We'd love to use people's fond memories to help tell the story of Oak House."

The friends group is also appealing for more members to sign up and continue its work, with the group facing an uncertain future due to dwindling numbers.

The group is holding an annual general meeting next Wednesday from 6.30pm and wants anyone interested in helping out to attend.

For further details, or to submit photos or other memories for the interactive display, call Sandra Carter on 01922 723 230 or Oak House Museum on 0121 5530759.