At the end of April 1923 the 4th Tiverton Eisteddfod was held. An Eisteddfod is a cultural festival with competitions including poetry and music. It was organised by the Congregational Church and took place over three evenings. The preliminary rounds were followed by eliminations and then the ‘final’ took place on the third day. There were an extraordinary number of classes to enter. As well as piano, organ and violin categories for adults and children there were various vocal sections for individuals, duets and Sunday School choirs. Crafts and the spoken word were not forgotten and offerings were entered in the embroidery, photography and fruit cake sections. There were several ‘Recitation’ classes as well as a Spelling Bee and ‘6 questions on Mental Arithmetic’. Prizes were awarded for first and second places  – 10/- (50p) and 6/- (30p) for adults and 7/6d (37.5p) and 4/- (20p) for the children.

This half size violin would have been used by a member of the Tiverton Youth Orchestra in the 1970s. At this time it was directed by its founder, Ron Davey, who wrote a booklet about his life with the orchestra. It was formed in 1944. Today, the Tiverton Concert Band can trace its origins back to the Youth Orchestra of the 1940s.

A useful transformation of a shoe box for a home embroiderer.

As can be seen from the inside book cover, Robert Frost has a link with Tiverton.

Nicholas Frost was baptised in St Peter’s on 22 March 1600, the son of Petter. Although there are baptisms for a further 7 children in the family between 1592 and 1604, no record, as yet, has been found for the marriage of Petter.

Written by museum volunteer, Sue B.