The museum lay-out is divided into logical sections reflecting the nature and type of the collections.

The local history gallery depicts the development of Llanidloes during the last three centuries including the mining and woollen industries, the building of the railway, the importance of religion and non-conformism and the Chartist movement.

The museum's other gallery is taken up by two different exhibitions. Household items are shown in two themed cases representing late Victorian rooms. While the exhibition called "If you go down to the woods..." looks at the importance of trees and man's influence on the forests of Britain.

This theme ties in with the Kite Information Point housed within the area and the recreated Victorian gentleman's study.

Between 12 June and 29 September a new temporary exhibition staged at Llanidloes Museum was - W/O Russel C. Hamer: Local boy and WW2 hero.

Russel Chapman Hamer was born on 5 October 1916 in Llanidloes. He joined the RAF and with training completed, was posted to 3 AOS, Aldergrove as a staff pilot. On October 7 1939 he joined 141 Squadron and during the Battle of Britain was stationed at Biggin Hill and Ackrington. In November 1940 Russel Hamer flying with Sergeant C. R. Hill as his gunner, damaged or destroyed a JU 88 at night.

From April 1941 Russel Hamer flew one of the first Bristol Beaufighter 1Fs, which was one of the first aircraft in the world to be fitted with airborne radar. He was teamed up with Flight Sergeant E. Walsh and they flew lone patrols at night over the coast and the English Channel. In June 1942 they attacked and destroyed a Dornier Do 217.

Russel Hamer died on September 9 1942, when his aircraft crashed after a fight with a Heinkel HE 111, however before the crash he had made sure that his operator Flight Sergeant E. Walsh had baled out safely over land. The funeral service was held at St. Idloes Church and he was buried at Dolhafren Cemetery in Llanidloes.

The museum has been most fortunate in borrowing a number of items from Russel C. Hamer, a cousin of the war hero and is hoping that visitors will help the museum celebrate one of the many heroes of World War 2.

The museum is housed at Llanidloes Town Hall, Great Oak Street, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6BU, Wales, entrance on the side of the building."

Article written by Eva Bredsdorff