Tim Wonnacott heaps praise on Harwich after museum opening

Television royalty Tim Wonnacott, 70, of Antiques Roadshow fame, cut the ribbon at the highly-anticipated Harwich Museum in Anglia House, Main Road, and had plenty to say.

“What a fantastic community there is here in Harwich, I don’t know of another place more keenly aware of its history,” Mr Wonnacott said.

“I hope the town will become an exemplar to the rest of the nation to demand more public awareness of local history and create more places of excellence like this.

Read more:

• ‘If you want ice cream go to Clacton!' - Frinton reignites war on lolly vendors
• Popular clothing retailer closes its store inside Colchester supermarket

“I’ve been a person associated with objects all my life. Objects tell stories, objects are history. Here in Harwich we have a new fabulous museum that, through these objects, tells the story of this wonderful place.”

The museum has a unique mix of fascinating displays, resources, photos and artefacts which boast the town’s rich history.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex Nigel Spencer said he is “proud” to represent the area. “Harwich is a wonderful place, full of wonderful people who work so hard for the community,” he added.

Pleased to meet you - Tim mingles with guests outside Harwich Museum

“As founder of the Kindertransport project, I know the museum here will play a huge part in educating people about the subject and I am proud to announce we are on track to unveil a new statue to commemorate this important part of the town’s history.

“I came to this building when it was empty, dark and dismal and have witnessed this merry band of volunteers transform it into a beautiful part of our town.”

The daunting project required transforming the former print processing factory. It now consists of six large display rooms, special exhibitions areas and media screens that feature the history of Harwich, Dovercourt and the surrounding villages.

Glad to be here - Tim Wonnacott at museum

For David Whittle, the museum’s curator, it has been a “challenging, but rewarding task”

“The idea of creating a museum came about because Harwich has such a rich history and needed a place to display some of it,” he added. “The history of Harwich is far bigger than any building, so it is our intention to keep changing things regularly and keep the museum fresh with all the many new things to see.”

For many, the museum’s curator was the perfect man for the job, with town mayor Ivan Henderson describing him as “a walking history book”.

He said: “It is not just visitors who will enjoy this fantastic venue but residents as well.

“Here we have a great place to see and hear the many stories of years gone by.

‘David has had all this stuff in his head for many years and I would like to pay tribute to him.”