THE Museum of Dartmoor Life has received a much-needed makeover thanks to staff from the Okehampton office of Simpkins Edwards, who took a day off from number crunching to help the local charity.

Inside the museum, a team of six painted the John Young gallery in readiness for the museum’s next exhibition; ‘Floral Wonder’ from the talented children of Okehampton Primary School. Externally, a further team of five weeded the museum’s courtyard.

Museum manager Keri Quertier was thrilled with the offer of assistance from the local chartered accountancy firm. She said: ‘The team were amazing. They did a fantastic job helping us to prepare for Floral Wonder and the busy summer period.

‘As a charity, we rely on volunteers who work throughout the year welcoming visitors to the museum and the visitor information point. Help is always needed and much appreciated, and we would welcome interest from other businesses that are looking for ways to get involved with their local communities.’

The museum makeover was just one of the many volunteering days that Simpkins Edwards will be participating in over 2019. From litter picks and tree planting, to pulling up Himalayan balsam and clearing the irrigation system with Tale Valley Trust, staff from Simpkins Edwards will be out and about across the county making a positive difference to local communities.

Sebastian Beard, partner at Simpkins Edwards’ Okehampton office, added: ‘We had a thoroughly enjoyable day painting, decorating and weeding at the museum. Having redecorated the local scout hut as part of our celebrations to mark the firm’s 50th anniversary last year, we got a real taste for giving back to the local community through volunteering. It’s hugely rewarding and we would encourage other businesses to do the same. It’s amazing what you can achieve in just one day.’

Picture of Simpkins Edwards staff by James Bird.