1 November 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

MICHAEL Leppard, the town historian and founder member of the East Grinstead museum, has stepped down.

In 1976 Michael helped open the original museum which was in East Court mansion, and was closely involved in its transfer to new town centre premises in Cantelupe Road in 2006.

Known to generations of the town’s children whom he taught at Sackville school, Michael campaigned for a town museum following the formation of the East Grinstead Society, of which he was chairman, in 1968.

"In the 1950s, there was a museum in the tower of the parish church, which the new vicar of East Grinstead disposed of. Although I was still at school, I very much hoped that the time would come when East Grinstead could have a new museum, and one which would be protected against the treatment which it had received at his hands," he said.

A temporary home was found for the collections in three rooms at East Court, but it was always clear that the available space was both too small, and too far from the town centre.

As honorary curator, Michael made the best possible use of the cramped space, while retaining the hope that one day a more suitable site would be found.

A new museum was eventually built in Cantelupe Road on land given by the Town Council. It opened in 2006, since when Michael has been a trustee, with particular responsibility for the research room.

In 2009 the Queen Victoria hospital transferred their collection of memorabilia relating to pioneering plastic surgeon Archie McIndoe and his “Guinea Pigs” into the care of the town museum.

A collection of international importance, it is hoped that the artefacts will one day be on permanent display in a purpose-built new wing.

"As a boy seeing the Guinea Pigs in the town in the ’40s and ’50s I certainly could not imagine them becoming part of the town museum. That’s the biggest triumph, I think."The m

seum’s collection also includes items from the family-run pottery which once stood at the junction of Park Road and Garland Road. It was closed in 1943, and eventually demolished 30 years later.

Paying his own tribute to the man behind the museum’s success, chairman of trustees Mike Hollins said: "Michael was the font of all knowledge. He campaigned for the foundation of the museum, established it and then sustained it for more than 35 years, all as a volunteer.

"We hope we can still rely on his historical expertise, which is unmatched in modern times. He has made a unique contribution to the history of the town."

* Earlier this year, helpers at the museum were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent to an individual being made an MBE.