In December we received the good news that negotiations to secure the future for Bodmin Keep, independent of the Ministry of Defence will begin in Spring. Our Crowdfunder Fighting for our Future, supporting the museum’s running costs is live. Thank you to all those who have supported us so far.

Meanwhile, Bodmin Keep-Cornwall’s Army Museum’s ‘pop-up’ museum, will be back on tour from May onwards. Featuring our fully restored Ferret Scout Car and interactive displays, with iconic objects from the museum collection such as our air raid siren, uniform and weapons collection, the pop-up museum was visited by over 5,000. This year once again we’ll be attending Bodmin Town Day, KBSK in the Park, the Royal Cornwall Show and steam rallies and festivals around Cornwall.  

Also hitting the road was our exhibition Victory and Reflection, looking at experiences of Victory in Europe at the end of the Second World War at home and abroad. The exhibition was hosted at Shire House, Bodmin Jail, and Lostwithiel Guildhall. Following this, we installed our Treasures on Tour display at Shire House, showcasing recent acquisitions, many which have never been seen by the public before.

Readers may have also spotted the VE80 Photography Trail around town. These evocative Second World War images are scattered throughout Bodmin, and you can find a digital map to follow the trail on our website.

Supporting local history groups remains a priority. We were honoured to provide research and objects for the St Wenn Remembers Again event and a special Remembrance Day display at Lanivet Church. If you need support with your military themed displays, do get in touch.

On 26 June we are delighted to host acclaimed author Christopher Jary, who’ll be giving a talk on the Second World War Battle for Hill 112, a pivotal battle during the Normandy Campaign and a significant chapter in the history of the of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

Behind the scenes, the vital work of conservation continues. We are particularly proud of the restoration of two rare 1890s Burmese silk paintings. Working alongside local conservators, we have returned these delicate works and their ornate wooden frames to their former glory.

Engaging with schools and young people remains a core part of our output. In 2025 we visited 16 Cornish primary schools, engaging with over 800 pupils. Using suitcases filled with real and replica WWII artefacts, children learnt a valuable lesson in understanding how Cornwall was affected during the war, what happened to evacuees and why air raid wardens were key to our safety on land. By also becoming “mini curators”, the children practise their speaking and listening skills, introducing an artefact they particularly like to their classmates, all while dressing up and having fun!

Our Young Curators have also been busy. This January, they researched and designed a new display on military communications, which is currently free to view at Bodmin Library (Chy Trevail). We are looking to rerun the Young Curators programme this summer. If you are aged 14–18 and have a passion for history, please contact info@bodminkeep.org.uk to take part!

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