THE first day of the new season of Cogges Farm Museum had an Easter theme - with children watching cakes being baked and hunting for eggs.

On Saturday, the Witney museum, saved from the threat of closure, came back to life as it opened for the new season.

Throughout the weekend, Easter activities were on offer to keep young and old visitors amused - including an Easter egg hunt on Sunday. Maids were busy in the Manor House baking Easter goodies on the range, while visitors saw how butter was made in the courtyard.

Youngsters followed a 'bunny trail', and looked for clues in the site's extensive grounds.

A new children's farm was also launched, where children can get up close to creatures great and small in a petting area. Visitors were invited to buy season tickets at specially reduced rates.

Volunteers gave up their spare time the previous weekend to give the place a spring clean before the re-opening.

It received another boost with a donation of £5,000 from the Witney Town Hall Charity, which supports local good causes. This will be put towards marketing the museum in 2008.

Source: Witney Gazette