A significant milestone for the cultural landscape of Street took place this week as the Alfred Gillett Trust celebrated laying the foundations for the new Shoemakers Museum at The Grange.

The event featured the symbolic planting of a pear tree by local shoemakers Howard Burch and Angela Southern.

The new facility, slated to open in 2025, promises to be a key attraction, showcasing the rich history of shoemaking in the region.

The proposed new museum in Street

The museum will feature several exhibits, including "Welcome to Street," which explores the local history and identity, and "Making Shoes," offering insights into the craftsmanship and stories of shoemakers through the ages. Another highlight, "Buying and Selling," will trace the evolution of shoe selling from traditional methods to modern marketplaces.

Additionally, the "Ancient Underwater World" exhibit will display marine reptile fossils, painting a vivid picture of Jurassic Somerset.

The celebration also included local treats like apple juice from Hecks Cider Farm and cake from Burns the Bread, enjoyed by staff, volunteers, and special guests.