It all started some 25 years ago by buying a small white jug with an embossed picture of William Booth on it, (pictured opposite) from a junk shop.

From this modest beginning the Horridge Salvation Army Collection was born.

As life long Salvationists it was perhaps not surprising that the family interest in Salvation Army memorabilia developed and the collection grew rapidly.

For many years the collected items were boxed and stored away because of lack of space to display them.

It was not until the family moved back to Ilfracombe, Devon, that the space was available to start displaying the collection.

Although the collection is displayed in a private house, it is open to the public throughout the year by appointment and attracts many interested visitors from the United Kingdom and overseas.

The museum also provides travelling exhibits for corps, divisional and national events.

The display consists of literally thousands of items, just a few of which are shown here, including china, pictures and prints, musical instruments, even a Mercy Seat!

Among the rare items are Articles of War signed by General William Booth and a cornet presented by General Bramwell Booth to a member of the Motor Ambulance Band.

The museum boasts over 3,000 postcards and over 5,000 photographs and prints together with collections of model bands, badges and insignia, records, books, you name it, if it's connected with The Salvation Army, you'll probably find it in The Horridge Salvation Army Collection.

It is well worth taking the time to visit this most impressive private collection of Salvation Army memorabilia.