Weapons and artefacts from centuries of battle have been unveiled at the opening of Maldon's new tourist attraction.
Two years after the building was bought, Richard Wooldridge's vast and varied collection has opened as the Combined Military Services Museum, in Station road, Maldon.
Local dignitaries joined family, friends and co-workers for the museum's official opening on Saturday.
The roll of honour included the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Lord John Petre, Maldon District Council chairman John Archer, council leader Bob Boyce, John Hayes, mayor Ken Smith and mayoress Lyn Smith.
Mr Wooldrige has been collecting items of military history since he spotted some Army webbing by the side of the road as a seven-year-old.
He said: "You will not see the detail that you see in this museum elsewhere. It's taken many days and hours of work. Everybody has put blood, sweat and tears into this place."
John Archer said the museum is 'absolutely fantastic,' a tremendous asset to Maldon and sure to add to tourism in the district.
The museum will now be open to the public from 10.30am to 5pm Wednesday to Saturday. Tickets are £3.50 for adults, £2 concessions and children and £10 for a family ticket
Published Wednesday July 7, 2004
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