One of Radstock Museum's most popular permanent exhibits is an old-fashioned Co-op shop, complete with brass scales, an antique till and groceries all ready for weighing out.

It was the setting for the presentation of a cheque for £657 from Radstock Co-operative Society itself to the museum on Thursday, 28th March. It will be used to support the museum's work in conserving the heritage of the Somerset Coalfield area, social and industrial. Museum Chairman, Clem Maidment, who received the cheque, said: "Radstock Co-operative Society is the commercial hub of the town and Radstock Museum is the cultural hub, so this is very appropriate."

He added: "The donation is very generous. It is in addition to the £1,100 donation which the Co-operative Society gave us in July 2012." The museum, he said, is always battling for funds, to maintain its building, the town's Victorian Market Hall and to continue a programme of temporary exhibitions to engage a wide audience. This year alone sees the current exhibition on village histories, to be followed in May by the 'Children of the Pits' exhibition, an August exhibition on youth culture and an autumn show on traditional crafts. "All these activities cost money, but hopefully they engage our local communities," said Clem Maidment.

Vicki Przytocki, Head of HR and Communications at Radstock Co-operative, said: "It was the members of the Society who decided to give the donation. As a member-run organisation, it was at our AGM last year that it was voted to support Radstock Museum as one of its member-nominated charities in this area. The members wanted to support it because it protects the historic heritage of the community."

Mr Maidment said that the museum also needed new volunteers to work in all its sections – the shop, tearoom and stewarding, in particular. But it could find work for people with all kinds of talents. Anyone interested should email: [email protected]">[email protected] or phone: 01761 437722.

Wendy Walker