Partners reunite for history and tourism in Arundel

HERITAGE and tourism have renewed their happy marriage in Arundel.

Three years after they went their separate ways when the old museum in High Street closed and the tourist information centre which had been based there moved to Crown Yard, they are back together again.

Arundel Museum Society is now providing the town’s visitor information service in partnership with Arun District Council, in what is being described as a “win-win” arrangement for both organisations.

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And the Crown Yard premises will give the society a better showcase for a small selection of its exhibits, keeping the museum’s profile in the public eye until the new £2m museum opens in 2013.

Roman artefacts, including pottery and a section of mosaic floor, and a fascinating display of model ships from the days when Arundel was a bustling port, are now on display at the centre.

Wendy Eve, Arundel’s mayor, cut a ribbon to open the new combined facility on Monday, with other guests at the ceremony including Arun chairman Dennis Wilde, Arun cabinet member for economic and cultural development Norman Dingemans and Arun ward councillors for Arun, Paul Dendle and Don Ayling.

The visitor information service is being operated under Arun’s new “VIC Lite” scheme, with another organisation now running it as a result of the council no longer directly staffing tourism centres, due to budget cuts. However, Arun is providing back-up support and advice to the museum society volunteers at the centre.

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The museum society’s “History Store” cabin in the Mill Road car park, which has maintained a presence in the town since the museum closed, will now be used by staff and volunteers preparing exhibits for the new museum.

Pauline said: “We are delighted to be moving into larger premises and beginning to get to grips with the information service, which will move with us to the new premises.”

Tourism information available includes leaflets, maps, brochures and accommodation listings. The centre will, subject to staffing, open daily from 10.30am-3pm.

Mr Dingemans said: “I’m delighted to see this new partnership open for visitors.

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Residents and tourists who want information about what’s on and where will also be able to learn about the intriguing history of the area at the same time.

“The museum is a fascinating resource for local residents and contains a hidden treasure trove of artefacts that say a lot about the area where we live.

“This new partnership keeps easy access to tourism information in the heart of Arundel at no cost to the taxpayer.”

More volunteers would be welcomed – telephone Diane Pyant on 01903 713849.

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