'Thank you everyone for visiting': We visit the Museum of Cannock Chase for the final time before the doors close

The Museum of Cannock Chase has closed its doors after more than 36 years of educating the UK and the world on Cannock Chase history.

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Staff members and visitors of the Museum of Cannock Chase have said a final farewell on a poignant last day that was full of tears, joy and laughter.

The Museum of Cannock Chase, in Hednesford, has its final day as it has been forced to close.
Some of the longest serving members are pictured including Rachel Gentle ( Education & Events Officer, 16 years service), and Museum Service Manager: Lee Bellingham (29 years service). — The Museum of Cannock Chase, in Hednesford, has its final day as it has been forced to close. Some of the longest serving members are pictured including Rachel Gentle ( Education & Events Officer, 16 years service), and Museum Service Manager: Lee Bellingham (29 years service).

Millions of people have memories of visiting the museum as part of school trips, family outings or community events, however, Friday, April 25, marks the last day that the centre will welcome history-hungry visitors through its doors.

From its humble beginnings as the 'Valley Heritage Centre' in 1989, the Museum of Cannock Chase quickly went on to become a 'must see' location when passing through the region - so much so that it became a regular part of the area's school history trips.

The Museum of Cannock Chase, in Hednesford, had its final day as it has been forced to close.
Holding the A-board is longest serving members. Rachel Gentle ( Education & Events Officer and Museum Service Manager: Lee Bellingham with other staff and volunteers in the background — The Museum of Cannock Chase, in Hednesford, had its final day as it has been forced to close. Holding the A-board is longest serving members. Rachel Gentle ( Education & Events Officer and Museum Service Manager: Lee Bellingham with other staff and volunteers in the background

Now, visitors and staff members have given their final farewell to the centre that has brought them so much joy over its long history.

Talking about the poignant farewell, Lee Bellingham, service manager at the Museum of Cannock Chase, said: "It's a sad day. It's a very sad day. But it's sort of bitter-sweet.

CANNOCK COPYRIGHT NATIONAL WORLD STEVE LEATH 25/04/2025
Staff and volunteers at the Museum of Cannock Chase on its final day on Friday — Staff and volunteers at the Museum of Cannock Chase on its final day on Friday

"We have had so many people come here to say goodbye and have a final look around, and they have said how much they have enjoyed coming here over the years. It really validates what we have all tried to do here."