The Friends of Blake Museum would like to thank everyone who joined us on Saturday 22nd August 2026 to celebrate the centenary of the museum’s opening. Visitors enjoyed more than 80 slices of cake, 33 cream teas and plenty of soft drinks, water and ice creams. Thanks to their generous support, the event raised significant funds for future museum projects.

The Friends would also like to thank everyone who helped make the event such a success. Chrystal Bliss delighted visitors with her renditions of songs from the 1920s; many praised her beautiful voice and said that she truly captured the music of the era. Dave Englefield of Sedgemoor FM acted as master of ceremonies, providing music between Chrystal’s sets and broadcasting live to local listeners.

David Reakes, also known as ‘The Professor’, led five guided tours for around 100 people. He highlighted exhibits that are sometimes missed and shared a wealth of information about the museum’s artefacts. Visitors described him as ‘absolutely brilliant’, saying that he made the museum come alive, helped them learn a great deal and encouraged them to return.

Peter Evans of the Battle of Sedgemoor Visitor Centre and his colleague displayed a range of weapons used in ‘The Pitchfork Rebellion’, many of which had originally been farming implements. Visitors were able to handle the weapons, appreciate their weight and understand how difficult they would have been to use. The public responded very positively, particularly valuing the explanations and the opportunity to experience the weapons first-hand.

Our thanks also go to the Friends and volunteers who planned the event meticulously and served refreshments to a never-ending queue, as well as to the volunteer custodians and key holders who ensured the public’s safety throughout the day.

Fabulous weather added to the celebratory atmosphere. Nearly 300 visitors toured the museum, while approximately 200 more enjoyed the gardens, where they could have refreshments, listen to Chrystal and Sedgemoor FM, or do both.