A BUMPER-LOAD of visitors came through the doors of Fordingbridge Musuem when it held two heritage open days.

The museum welcomed 192 visitors during the open events last Wednesday and Thursday, where they were able to see behind the scenes and look at some of the objects not normally on display.

Museum manager Philippa Duckworth said: “The open days were a stunning success. The public enjoyed them and we in turn learned a lot from the visitors.

“One of the aims of the day was to recruit volunteers to help as stewards or with behind the scenes tasks such as managing the artefacts or helping with the outreach programme.

“Several people did put their names forward but more are always needed. Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they like and will have the satisfaction of doing fascinating work as well as supporting a key tourist attraction that helps to sustain a vibrant and flourishing community.”

There were plenty of artefacts on show including a Second World War helmet donated to the museum by the town council, which attracted a lot of attention.

A Belgian family who found it in a cupboard discovered it belonged to a Colonel Dennis Clementi, who lived in Fordingbridge and died in 2000 at the age of 91.

The museum has been trying to find out more about Colonel Clementi.

Philippa added: “A lady at the open day on Saturday said she could remember someone who lived on Pennys Lane in Fordingbridge who everyone called the Colonel. She described him as having an upright military bearing and said that he would give her son sweets as she walked him to school in the late 70s. We are still keen to hear from anyone else who may remember him.” Other items on show during the open days included a tithe map of the area in 1841 and a large number of teeth extracted by a dentist in the 1940s that were discovered blocking a drain.

A speeding ticket issued in Southampton in 1903 for exceeding the 12mph speed limit was also on display with items relating to the Chubb family, who founded the lock business in Fordingbridge, and original drawings done by Augustus John, who lived on the outskirts of the town.

Fordingbridge Musuem is appealing to anyone with information about Colonel Clementi to call 01425 657 850. Volunteers wishing to get involved are also urged to contact the museum.