'Thank you everyone for visiting': We visit the Museum of Cannock Chase for the final time before the doors close

Millions of people have memories of visiting the museum as part of school trips, family outings or community events, however, Friday (April 25) marked the last day that the centre will welcome history-hungry visitors through its doors.

From its humble beginnings as the 'Valley Heritage Centre' in 1989, the Museum of Cannock Chase quickly went on to become a 'must see' location when passing through the region - so much so that it became a regular part of the area's school history trips.

Now, visitors and staff members have given their final farewell to the centre that has brought them so much joy over its long history.

Talking about the poignant farewell,  Lee Bellingham, service manager at the Museum of Cannock Chase, said: "It's a sad day. It's a very sad day. But it's sort of bittersweet.

"We have had so many people come here to say goodbye and have a final look around, and they have said how much they have enjoyed coming here over the years. It really validates what we have all tried to do here."

Hundreds of people turned up to bid the museum farewell, with many people travelling from all over the world to see the venue one last time.

Ms Bellingham said: "We have had people who came as children bring their own children, visitors from Wales, from all over.

"It's a real shame that the museum is closing. It has been very sad, but we have appreciated seeing everyone here today. We want to thank everyone for visiting over the years."

Walking around the museum, it was a scene of tears and sadness, but also smiles and joy, with families consisting of parents, children, grandparents and dear friends experiencing the history of the Cannock Chase area.

Visiting the museum with his two little girls, Dori and Grace Haynes, Sam Haynes from Australia said: "It has been emotional. It's a very nice museum, and the girls have really enjoyed it.

"Dori has been emotional, she really likes it here. She loves the miners part of the museum, but Grace loves the whole thing. If it returned, it would mean a lot to everyone here I think."

As we continued through the venue's halls, we could see that it wasn't only a learning place for children, it was also a place for those who used to work in the industry to reminisce, and in some cases, even see pictures of old friends.

Joe Langford, 81, from Cannock Chase, used to work in pits over 40 years ago. He said: "It's a real shame that it is going. Where will children be able to learn this type of history from in the future?

"There is one picture where I actually know all of the people in the photo. This is my history here. It's our history."

As we spoke to staff and visitors, we found that some had never visited the museum before, and were bringing their children for a first and final look at the historic venue.

James Hawkins, 30, and his one-year-old daughter Ettie said they wished they visited earlier. James said: "We are actually visiting for the first time.

"I have been meaning to come for a while, but it's great. It's really nice inside. It's a shame that it is closing."

The closure of the museum was announced earlier in 2024 as part of Cannock Chase Council's attempts to close a £1.3 million budget gap for the 2025/26 period.

The closure of the museum foreshadows the upcoming closure of the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock, which was also included in the budget plans last year. 

At 4pm, staff members and loyal volunteers closed and locked the doors the last time. An end to more than 36 years of service to education and heritage in the area.