This is a small selection of the many hundreds of comments we received on the 2005 Long List. All comments are circulated to the judges who take them into account in assessing the candidates.

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

I think that the museum has done a splendid job of attempting to keep local interest and development of paramount importance, with ongoing community projects, many which have their roots here. Many of the other museums in the short-list already have had massive grants and funding. I believe that Barnstaple's museum would hugely benefit from winning this award both in status and future projects that the awards funding would bring to this beautiful part of the country.
Sarah Brewer, Bickington, Barnstaple – 18 February

I would like to compliment Barnstaple Museum on their excellent project on Shapland and Petter. It was quite by chance that I visited the museum recently and was very interested to read about and view exhibits from this local firm.
I am quite sure that the subject would interest a large number of Barnstaple residents who would either know the firm personally or would know of its history and workforce. It is a project which would unite the community in a common interest and for that reason alone should qualify for Museum of the Year.
Mrs Shirley Mills, Teignmouth, Devon – 23 February

As Tarka Line Project Manager and also as Chairman of North Devon Rail Users Group, I should like to say that this museum is run very professionally and does an important job with such a small staff team. This exhibition will undoubtedly be popular attracting people from a wide area. We shall certainly be promoting the use of the railway line to reach the museum which is a key attraction in Barnstaple. Winning the prize would, I know make such a difference especially at a time when local authorities struggle with funding for non-core responsibilities.
John Phillips, Down St Mary, Crediton, Devon – 28 February

I thought this museum was a marvellous example of how to do a lot with only a little resource. Those responsible have managed to produce a fascinating display that appeals not only to the local community but to visitors like myself. I went originally only to look at their silver, but got hooked. Add in a very warm welcome and the involvement of the local population; what more can you ask of a small museum? They clearly know how to put any money to best use. Please give them another £100,000 to prove me right!
Miles Roberts, Near Basingstoke – 9 March

Big Pit, National Mining Museum of Wales, Blaenafon

During this February's half-term we were on a caravan rally run by a Gwent group.
The weather was very cold so we were recommended to visit the Big Pit. We all had a fantastic 2 or 3 hours. The best museum I have ever visited. Even my 7 year old granddaughter really enjoyed herself. I recommend a visit to anyone who is fairly able-bodied.
Bernard Williams, Dudley, West Midlands – 17 February

It's an amazing place! Great for kids and adults alike. It gives the Welsh an insight into their history. It reminds us that Wales is a great nation and has had an effect on world industry
Ruth Williams, Cardiff – 20 February

On a recent week's holiday we visited Big Pit with one of our grandchildren, aged 9.
We were all equally enthusiastic about our experience. It was informative at all levels of interest. A particularly engaging feature was the presence of ex-miners who guided the visitors; the commentary of the ex-miner who was our guide underground was particularly impressive.
Rosemary Noyes, Basingstoke – 1 March

I am a KS2 teacher, and after attending a training day at Big Pit, I took my Year 5 class there for a field trip. I could easily have taken the children there every day for a week, in order to fully take advantage of the range of activities and exhibits available. The underground experience really inspired imagination and empathy in the children, as did the audio visual element of the reconstructions. I have used the teacher's resource pack supplied by Big Pit, which was and invaluable aid to my lesson planning with great cross curricular potential. The genuine passion of the museum staff and pit guides was also inspiring, and I look forward to taking my own family for a taste of pure Welsh history.
Elizabeth Pryce, Newtown, Powys – 8 March

Back to Backs, Birmingham – The National Trust

My family and I visited the back to back houses on Sat 26th Feb 05. What an incredible place. From my sons aged 8 to their Nan, we all thoroughly enjoyed it. What stood out for me was the fact the children were actively invited to touch anything and ask as many questions as they could think of. A refreshing change from the standard 'stuffy' museum. I have since been encouraging everyone that I meet to visit this wonderful piece of history. The log fires were burning in the little houses, food was on the tables all adding to the atmosphere. The tour guide couldn't have been more enthusiastic and we will all definitely be visiting again.
Jane Steggles, Sutton Coldfield – 2 March

I visited this project on my own and loved it! I have been busy doing my Brummie family tree for some years now and they lived fairly close to the site so, the project has bought to life what the folks from my tree may have experienced. It put the flesh on the bones (or branches) and gave me a feel for the social context in which several generations of my ancestors lived! Excellent place to visit and would recommend it to anyone!
Susan Hancox, Birmingham – 4 March

We were in England last October and doing family research in Birmingham. We were able to visit the Birmingham Back to Backs. My great-grandfather's family lived in one in the 1800's so it was of interest to us. We found the Birmingham back to backs to be one of the most interesting places we have visited in a long time. Not only because of having an interest in it for genealogy sake, but it has been so wonderfully restored to the different periods that people existed in. I do hope that the Back to Backs are awarded the Prize. It is a very insightful look back to other generations and their way of life. I hope that many other people visit it and have the enjoyable experience that we did.
Betty Jane Rotteau, British Columbia, Canada – 6 March

The fact that this museum is in the centre of the city makes its poignancy and impact even greater. You step out of the modern, bustling culture that is Birmingham into a world that was probably just as bustling, but in a very different way. You get an instant vision of how life changed as you walk into the next house through a ‘secret door’. Growing up in Leicester, I remember similar houses being demolished in the 60s and& 70&s, but never had a chance to appreciate their sociological impact, and their significance in urban history. The exhibition reveals more about the culture as it changed throughout the period since the houses were built, including the amazing pictures of how the houses were before they were restored which, in turn, shows how significant the re-generation of Birmingham has been. I thoroughly recommend that you visit this museum.
Rob Terry, Nottingham – 7 March

The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Museum is, simply, one of Britain's undervalued gems.
Tom Wilson, Cambridge – 25 February

The new development has transformed a good museum into a brilliant one. It is an oasis of culture and a very pleasant place to meet friends. The education and outreach is first rate.
Jenny Jones, Cambridge – 25 February

The Fitzwilliam is one of the most socially inclusive museums that I have visited in the country. It is one of those rare art institutions where visitors are made to feel welcome and included.
Samantha Martin, San Francisco, California – 5 March

I have visited the museum, on and off, for the last 20 years and have found the presentation of its various works to be of the highest standards. The refurbishment of its galleries has greatly enhanced the experience of the visit and it is a very welcoming place for student and casual visitor alike.
Steve Christie, Ware, Hertfordshire – 10 March

If only all towns could have such an accessible cultural treat as the Fitzwilliam. I love the eclectic range of collections. The obsessions of personal choice keep popping up and I always find something new to appreciate.
Griff Rhys Jones – 5 March

Compton Verney, Warwickshire

IAn excellent transformation of a superb building in a dramatic setting. To have then accomplished the achievement of incorporating a museum - permanent and transitional - in such a location is wonderful. The fact that the exhibits are all owned by one man adds to the unique nature and gives an insight into a benefactor's life and ideas. A trip to the museum will always be an occasion and the grounds, building, and staff are all an extra bonus on top of the superb exhibitions.
John Grant, Warwick – 20 February

This beautiful house with surrounding Capability Brown landscape offers something of interest for the entire family. After sensitive restoration, the overall effect is stunning and its galleries provide tremendous scope both for the present collection and for future exhibitions. A "must visit" on ones list.
Jane Schofield, Kineton, Warwickshire – 21 February

This Gallery offers collections of a standard rarely to be found outside major city collections. The contemporary approach is very refreshing in a 'heritage heavy' area of the country. A simultaneously stimulating yet relaxing day out!
John Saunders, Stratford-upon-Avon – 26 February

I attended the Chinese New Year event at Compton Verney with my two children aged 2 and 4. They absolutely loved it! - everything from the Dragon dance to the music, the story telling and the mask making. The food in the restaurant was excellent and reasonably priced and the children loved the effort that had gone into the decorations. A wonderful day out which we hope will be repeated.
Caroline Piper, Southam, Warwickshire – 3 March

Coventry Transport Museum

The improvements made to this facility in the last 3 years are extremely impressive. In the 15 years I have been living in the city I have always taken my personal visitors to the museum and they have always been impressed. But historically it was somewhat of a shrinking violet and it is only with the new entrance and galleries that the true magnificence of the collection is given a suitable housing.
Jacquetta Staunton, Coventry – 24 February

Coventry's transport Museum has finally reached its potential of being one of the finest, if not the finest, collection of automotive history in the world. The new entrance to the museum has finally given the much needed presence to such an important venue. We have been on numerous occasions with our young children. From the old cars that talk to you, to the Thrust SSC experience, building a car out of foam blocks and automotive computer games. This provides a modern link to the purpose of the venue to celebrate the history of automotive design. The fact that the venue is also free entry makes this a unique museum experience.
Mark Guyatt, Warwickshire – 24 February

We visited this museum yesterday and young and old thought it was wonderful - nearly didn't go as thought a transport museum might be boring - it certainly wasn't. Well thought out presentation of items, and the "Coventry people" were a great idea. We all had lots of fun and spent more time there than we thought we were going to. Fantastic.
Cas Simmonds, Crawley Down, West Sussex – 28 February

Visited the museum yesterday. Very impressed with the layout - it was super that we could walk round the exhibits and get close to them. Lots of hands-on things to do of interest to all ages and everyone on the staff that we met were very chatty, friendly and enthusiastically informative. We went for a morning and stayed all day, enjoying a light lunch at the little cafe. Will take the Grandchildren next time! A smashing little museum that deserves encouragement. Hope they win.
Judith M. Smith, Sutton Coldfield – 4 March

Time and Tide: The Museum of Great Yarmouth

I was so impressed with the way the history was so vividly portrayed - we felt we were there in the "Row" and a part of all the action of the fishing environment. It is perfectly clearly explained and reconstructed - even the smell was evocative! The first rate pictures are superbly hung. My companion of 85 was a regular visitor. I am in my 60s and I met a pal yesterday who is already a regular visitor, taking her young and their young. I shall take all mine on their next home visit.
Jean Harris, Swardeston, Norfolk – 18 February

I was born in Great Yarmouth and have lived in the area for most of my 50 years. Having visited this fantastic museum twice in the past week, I must say how excited I am that the history of my hometown has been documented in such a clever and attractive way in this former herring curing works. I shall certainly be promoting the Time and Tide museum to my colleagues in my capacity as History subject leader in a local middle school. Great Yarmouth has had a bad press in recent years, but the museum is a reason to feel proud of being a Yarmouth "bloater" and is hopefully an indication that things are on the up for the town.
Lyn Cory, Bradwell, nr. Great Yarmouth – 18 February

We took our visitors today expecting to spend about an hour looking round. Instead two hours were not enough and we will be going back as soon as possible. An attractive, well-planned exhibition; very informative, covering the herring industry and the history of Great Yarmouth. Excellent value for money and welcoming staff, it would get our vote every time.
Ann Wood, Norwich – 4 March

A very impressive museum. They have told the story of Great Yarmouth in a sympathetic yet interesting way and the objects are well displayed too. The Museum displays first class customer service skills as well.
Tim Sansom, Leicester – 8 March

Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Art Gallery, Lochmaddy, North Uist

I was delighted to hear that Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre is on this year’s short-list for the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year. Taigh Chearsabhagh is a great example of a museum making artefacts and the arts accessible. It brings together the local community at all levels and is based on the noble concept that museums contain something for everyone. I wish Taigh Chearsabhagh every success in this year’s competition.
Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland – 15 February

I have visited Taigh Chearsbhagh on several occasions in the past and it has always struck me as being a wonderfully successful organisation. It is not only a museum, but a hub for the local community providing a valuable resource. Most art museums are now encouraged to play a bigger part in peoples’ lives and not just be a place to go and experience art. Taigh Chearsbhagh is probably one of the few institutions of its kind that actually fully achieves this. I would very much recommend that Taigh Chearsbahagh receives this prize in recognition of its impact on the locale.
David Stamp, Glasgow – 16 February

It is important for the future of any community that it knows and understands its past. This museum was established by the community, for the community and is about the community. This is a brilliant and very interesting museum and has helped me to get a better understanding of my adopted home and has given me a stronger feeling of belonging. Well done everyone.
Peter Rintoul, Lochmaddy – 23 February

I always visit Taigh Chearsabhagh when passing through Lochmaddy, and every exhibition has been of the highest quality. The museum was created by the community, through a fruitful collaboration of community groups. Carn Chearsabhagh is a great example of developing an exhibition entirely through local knowledge. Within Britain the Uists are about as remote and marginal as you can get; North Uist has less than 2000 residents. Most visitors will therefore be surprised to find such a gem of a museum, not only rooted in the community, but also helping so much to continue community traditions. Hebridean Gaelic culture is a living one under threat, so this contribution is so much more than providing an understanding of the past. I think Taigh Chearsabhag richly deserves the prize. The award would also be a beacon to communities across the country: no matter how marginal, how small, how far from the mainstream, you can still create something that demands national recognition.
Thomas Fisher, South Uist – 8 March

The Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square, London

I am a retired biochemist with a long history of visiting and enjoying museums in London - but this one is something so different that I'm impelled to write in its praise. Here we have a most moving piece of social history reflecting not only the charitable practices of the eighteenth century (and the initial moralistic opposition to the creation of the foundling hospital) but the ongoing work of the foundation which continues to this day. Then we have some spectacular works of art, not collected by a person or an organisation but consisting wholly of works donated by the artists. And a wonderful collection of Handeliana, most engagingly displayed. A history of compassion over 250 years, and a feast for eye and ear to boot. What vision, to have brought this to fruition! When otherwise the works of art would have mouldered in store rooms and no-one would have heard of the Foundling Hospital except a few local historians.
Dr F Peter Woodford, Hampstead, London – 25 February

What a joy to find this Museum on a cold, miserable February day. The history of the Foundling Hospital in displays and the recorded voices of previous inmates couldn't fail to move us. The pictures on the second floor donated by Hogarth and other patrons are worth a visit for themselves alone. I hadn't realised that this collection had formed the beginnings of the Royal Academy. The floor devoted to Handel, who did so much for the Foundling Hospital, brought a whole new meaning to Musical Chairs. Relax in an armchair, press a button and hear Handel's music from the chair! Welcoming staff and a good cafe helped to make this the best visit we made on a weekend in London. It deserves recognition.
Patricia And Roy Stuttard, Leicester – 26 February

What a transformation! A warm welcome awaits you at this fascinating museum. An important slice of London's social history is revealed in imaginative new displays that, when I was there, clearly appealed to all ages. The re-hang of the pictures enhances their value historically and artistically and the Gerald Coke Handel Collection forms a wonderful and highly suitable complement to the Coram story. The Foundling Museum deserves to win.
Lizzie Darbyshire, Ripon, North Yorkshire – 1 March

I visited this museum late last year, having visited it about 10 years ago to give a concert. I was absolutely stunned by the transformation in the building, from something that was fascinating but dark and inaccessible to this beautiful fresh, light, modern space. The 'musical chairs' blew me away, but the most important thing about this place is that I can see that it will engage so many different people on so many different levels.
Claire Mera Nelson, London – 4 March

Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham

I am a steam enthusiast and visited this wonderful attraction with a close friend. The two of us have seen many railways and centres over the years, but this one got us very excited. Clearly it has been very well thought through there are so many great exhibits, then the hands on bits and Hackworth’s cottage which is of course worth a visit. The staff were friendly and helpful and I think that the centre could play an important part in the regeneration of the area. Generally marvellous.
Roger Hempsall, Hawthorn Co Durham – 2 March

Huge congratulations to everyone involved at Locomotion. It is easy to see why it has been nominated for this illustrious prize. The whole concept is innovative and combines modern day presentation with traditional style, meaning that the museum is for everybody. A wonderful concept. No anorak required for this exhibition. Well Done.
Margaret Dunn, Shildon – 2 March

This venture in a small, ex-railway and mining town has, through the foresight and initiative of the local authority, local rail and historical interests and the local population, brought a 21st century living railway museum to the spiritual home of railways in this country. The visitor numbers have widely exceeded expectations and has kick-started the local tourist economy. The vehicles on show, the modern interactive interpretation of exhibits, and the development of classrooms and conservation workshops, all go to support the contention that this museum from its opening last September is founded on imagination, innovation and excellence, and deserves to be awarded The Gulbenkian Prize.
Tom Hutchinson, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham – 3 March

I was born and bred in Shildon and served my apprenticeship at the Railway Works. I have watched the Museum grow from nothing to the splendid Museum it is now. With its unique use of an old building from the start of the first Railway in Great Britain, blended in with the new Museum it makes it one of the best Museum in the UK. The collection of railway stock at the Museum makes it a great day out.
Kenneth Hodgson, Shildon – 3 March