Since Kay took over there have been many improvements both to the fabric of the building but also to the way it is managed. If the tower is a steady ship, facing out to sea, then Kay has been a very able captain looking over a crew of volunteers all keen to ensure the museum runs smoothly and ensuring that the heritage of our town is not forgotten. There have always been people interested in the history of the Cinque Port of Seaford. Mark Antony Lower, the renowned Victorian schoolmaster and historian, lived in the town and wrote about its heritage. He was instrumental in founding the Sussex Archaeological Society and wrote and gave historical lectures in the town. The Newhaven and Seaford Historical Society was formed and its members collected items of interest and researched the history of the town. In the late 1960s they had raised enough money by means of raffles and jumble sales, to purchase a caravan. This contained a collection of prints and photographs and stood either outside the Martello Tower or in Church Street, usually staffed by local residents Ken and Joan Astell. This 'mobile museum' was such a success that three years later, rooms were obtained in West House, Pelham Road, to store some of the many items which had been donated. Eventually, the museum formally moved to West House and despite its leaky roofs, a steady stream of visitors passed through the doors to see a collection which included the town chest and other items donated by Seaford Urban District Council and also a church organ from Seaford Baptist chapel. On sunny days prints and pictures were hung on the fencing around the garden. In 1979 the lease for West House expired but fortunately the Martello Tower, the property of Lewes District Council, became available when its resident died. He had lived in a flat which had been built above the tower but this had become unstable and had to be demolished. A good deal of work had to be done to make the building suitable, but the museum was able to move into the tower and it was formally opened by council chairman Mrs Whitley on April 12, 1979. By this time Seaford History Society had split from its Newhaven twin and was led by Seaford Town Crier, Peter White. In the first year of operation more than 4,000 people visited the tower to see the eclectic collection of artefacts and displays. Pat Berry raised money by giving slide shows and George Jakens provided not only exhibits from his collection of old radios but also a rather hap-hazard filing system. The museum steadily expanded within the tower with many fine displays including recreations of a wartime kitchen, Victorian shop and schoolroom. In 1992 the tower was burgled when a fine model of the sailing ship Seaford was stolen but this prompted a high-tech security system to be installed. However, burglars have not been the main enemy of the tower. (No, I am not talking about the French, but the weather!) In 2002 a generous lottery grant made the museum watertight, probably for the first time in its 200-year history. An education room and secure archive were added and volunteers at the museum can now work in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The museum is always happy to welcome new volunteers at the tower. There is a variety of work that needs to be done from stewarding, to cataloguing items on computer, to dusting and cleaning; even a couple of hours a month can be of great benefit. If you would like to join this happy ship please telephone 01323 898222 any time and leave your name and telephone number on the answerphone. Alternatively, you can join the museum for just 5 per year which will give you not only unlimited access to the tower but also a quarterly newsletter. Many volunteers attended the tower to celebrate Kay's 10 years at the helm of the museum and these included Pat Berry who wrote this column until her illness before Christmas. Kay was presented with gifts by museum trustee Leslie Coombs. Seaford Museum is open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and also Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings from 11am to 1pm. KEVIN GORDON