A major overhaul of Pewsey Heritage Centre is under way following a public consultation.

During the consultation, people said they wanted to see a stronger focus on the hospital, canal, schools, the cinema, Shelley Rudman and the history of the carnival.

Fritha Costain, a centre trustee, said: “People have spoken, and we’ve listened.

“Pewsey Heritage Centre is part of the community so it’s really important that it features the best stories from Pewsey Vale, and reflects traditions local people think are most important.”

But she said there was a lack of artefacts to put on display to do justice to all the stories people want to see.

She said: “If anyone has an interesting object they could loan or donate to the museum that could help tell these local stories, we’d love to hear from them.

“We’re particularly in need of Pewsey Carnival artefacts – anything from costumes to prizes and programmes.”

Although the museum will not open properly until Saturday, April 12, 2014, the trustees will be running open days while the refurbishment takes place to allow people to see the work that’s being done. The first of these will be on September 14.

Mrs Costain said: “We are always looking for new people to help out.

“We’re particularly keen to find some folk who’d be able to help move artefacts back into the museum and set up the new displays.

“But longer term we need more part-time stewards too – the more we have, the more we’ll be able to be open.”

To help or find out more, call Pewsey Heritage Centre trustee Paul Cowan on 07855 361 600 or email paul_cowan@ hotmail.co.uk