A museum volunteer praises Kingswood’s ‘hidden gem’

A keen historian has stressed the importance of developing and maintaining his home town’s ‘hidden gem’, a museum for future generations.

Paul Evans, 66, volunteers as an administrator and IT manager at Kingswood Heritage Museum in South Gloucestershire.

The museum celebrates the city’s history and diverse industries.

“It would be a sad and empty place if we ignored everything that happened in the past,” Mr Evans said.

“We take from the past to learn for the future.”

With a team of 40 volunteers, it is the largest independent, volunteer-run museum in the county.

The site, which is based in Warmley, has been home to William Champion’s former brass works since 1991.

Dating back to the 18th century, it is the building where Champion developed Europe’s first commercial zinc production.

“Kingswood and the surrounding area has a very, very rich history, both socially and industrially,” Mr Evans said.

“It’s quite strange because there are quite a few myths around Kingswood,” he added.

Visitors to the museum can learn about some of the most famous myths.

Mr Evans said one of the most famous myths was that of the Kingswood elephant.

The circus elephant, said to be traveling with the circus in the late 1800s, died after eating some yew in the area.

According to the myth, the elephant is buried in the city.

A statue of the sea god Neptune stands in the grounds adjacent to the museum. It was built by William Champion in the 18th century.

Also known as the Warmley Giant, it is said to be the largest garden statue in Britain and the oldest concrete statue.

“It’s all part of the Champion story,” Mr Evans said.

The museum also features Roman artefacts from Stonehill, items from Douglas Motorcycles and boot manufacturer GB Brittons.

Modern exhibitions are also created that showcase the city’s more recent developments and changes, focusing on changing streets and new technological advances.

“I would really like the museum to still be there in 30 years’ time,” Mr Evans said.

“A lot of people visit and the phrase they tend to use is ‘it’s a hidden gem.’

“I just want people to come and see it and experience the fantastic heritage that is Kingswood and the surrounding area.

“It’s important to maintain that information and that link,” he added.