Bostin' year for museum

Jan 5 2006 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

STAFF at the Black Country Living Museum are celebrating a recordbreaking year.

The top tourist attraction at Tipton Road, Dudley, enjoyed a six per cent increase in visitor numbers last year.

Bosses saw a remarkable 58 per cent increase in coach parties and an extra 8,000 schoolchildren taking advantage of its unique educational programme.

The museum, winner of the Wonder of the West Midlands Awards, welcomed almost 240,000 visitors through its gates in 2005 - 72,000 of them children on educational visits.

Museum marketing manager Emma Middleton said: "The museum's success reflects the quality of our collections and the commitment of our staff.

"It is particularly satisfying to see that both the total numbers are up and that more and more schools are finding what we offer so worthwhile.

"With all the events and new activities we have planned for next year I am confident we will enjoy a bright and prosperous 2006."

The museum unites the past and the present in a "living" experience.

Buildings and artefacts from the last century, infused with the character of the Black Country, transport visitors back in time.

The museum can be contacted on 0121 557 9643 for details of opening times during the winter months.

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