Visit of the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. ..... Redbourn In Steam 2008.LATEST NEWS - MUSEUM NOW OPEN EVERY WEEKEND
Normal opening hours will resume - from 2 - 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday with the exception of Easter Sunday, March 31st when the Museum is closed.
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Exciting long term Museum project launched in 2011
Redbourn Village Museum launched an exciting project in 2011, with the aim of spending the next nine years exploring and celebrating in turn each of the nine centuries since the foundation of St Mary’s Church.
Every year we intend to mount a display about the century in question, invite an expert to deliver a lecture, and organise an outing to a relevant place of interest. We will invite the younger members of Redbourn’s community to get involved in various ways, and there will be a themed event in the village where everyone can join in the fun.
We have called this project "Redbourn through the Centuries".
2011 was the year of the 1100s, and Alan Featherstone kindly agreed to get everything underway with a talk in St Mary’s Church about the building’s earliest history.
2012 then focussed on the 1200s with an overall theme "Monks and Monarchs" beginning with David Forbes speaking on the Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215.
2013 will be full on interest, including the Black Death, Peasants Revolt and marvellous tales of characters, such as Dick Whittington and Robin Hood, not to mention Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
See 2013 events below for full details of what is being planned.
"REDBOURN'S HISTORY"
Alan Featherstone's book has now been reprinted and is available at £15 from the Museum, Redbourn Post Office and local book shops. Copies may also be ordered by e-mail from John Ridgwell (John-r@ntlworld.com).
Local deliveries are his speciality but post and packing to all UK destinations is included in the price.
This is the definitive guide to the heritage and history of Redbourn and no house in the village should be without it! Buy your copy now direct from the Redbourn Village Museum to support your local Museum.
Redbourn Museum opening times and details Silk Mill House. What Can I see in the museum?. Friends of Redbourn Museum. Redbourn Museum Events
Redbourn Museum - Village history to the present day
Silk Mill House,The Common, Redbourn, Herts. AL3 7NB
Adjacent to Redbourn Common, next to The Cricketers Pub and opposite the junction with Lybury Lane.
Telephone - 01582 793397
Email: RedbournMuseum@gmail.comOpen: Saturdays 2 - 5 pm, Sundays 2 - 5pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time, at the discretion of the voluntary admissions staff.
Access: Parking for visitors. Some limitations of access for disabled people. Please telephone ahead to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Admission: Adults £1.00, Friends of the Museum and children 11-16 years, 50p
A range of items are on sale at the museum, including local history books, videos, pictures, cards and other gifts.
Please continue to support us, either as a volunteer, Friend of Redbourn Village Museum or as a visitor, bringing friends and family along too. If you are interested in helping the Museum by becoming an admissions assistant, please contact Alan Lindfield on 01582 792159 or any of our Trustees. Duties are arranged to fit in with your availability, usually no more than one session every 2 months.
Return to top of page
The Silk Mill House is now Redbourn Museum. It is all that remains of a steam driven silk mill, Woolhams Mill, which occupied this site from 1857 to 1938. Here raw silk from cocoons was washed and “thrown” into a yarn suitable for weaving. The mill was demolished to make way for The Brooke Bond Tea Company. A new factory was built on an extended site in 1960 but this has also closed, the site now covered by housing.
Brooke Bond generously passed Silk Mill House on to Redbourn Parish Council for use as a museum. The museum opened in May 2000 and is managed by the Trustees of Redbourn Village Historical and Museum Group Ltd and is staffed entirely by volunteers.
For a picture of the old Silk Mill see Geof Webbs Redbourn Collection Return to top of page What can I see in the museum?
There are three rooms for you to explore – two downstairs, and one upstairs. After meeting our friendly admissions staff, and paying your modest entry fee, start by visiting the Priory Room on your left.
This room tries to explain some of the mysteries that have long surrounded Redbourn Priory, beginning with…where was it?
Find out what an Astrolabe was used for.
The room opposite is the Occupations Room
Here you can find out about the many industries which used to thrive in Redbourn such as straw plaiting and hat making.
Find out about Dr Henry Stephens and his son ‘Inky’ Stephens.
Upstairs is the Ann Skillman Gallery
In the gallery, a new display for 2005 tells the story of the glass bottle.
Photos of Redbourn’s past can be seen in this room as well as a plan of the nine hole golf course which used to criss-cross the common. The Millennium Wallhanging, beautifully crafted by the ‘Redbourn in Stitches’ group is not to be missed.
Find the locations of 36 pubs which used to be open in the village.
Look out for the new exhibition featuring photographic equipment on the landing.
See…the museum is well worth a visit – and the displays are constantly being updated and changed, so if its been a while since you visited, come again and bring a friend or three!
Return to top of page Friends of Redbourn Museum - ( Redbourn Museum Events)
By paying an annual fee, you can become a member of the Friends of the Redbourn Village Museum. This entitles you to a regular newsletter, special visits to places of interest and privileged booking for the annual coach tour, in addition to unlimited half price admission to the museum.
The annual fees for Friends (revised April 2010) are:
Adults £6.00
OAP (Receiving State Pension) £4.00
Children (11-16) £4.00
Family membership £15.00
Click on the pdf link to open a membership application form * Friends_Membership_Form.pdf:
This can then be printed and sent to the Museum.
The Museum together with Redbourn Parish Council arranged for a Sealed Knot Battle on Redbourn Common. See Redbourn Battle and The Cock.
Return to top of page 2013 EVENTSSaturday 23rd February - "Plague, Protest and Pilgrimage" - a talk by Roy Craske, introduced the1300s continuing our Redbourn through the Centuries Project
followed by afternoon tea. The event was held in the new Parish Centre, opposite the war memorial and attracted an audience of about 40 people. It was an excellent talk and Roy has been invited to return and launch our exploration of the 1400s in 2014!
Friday 17th May 7 - 9 pm - Meet the Family - A preview of Geoff Webb's latest project looking in depth at the 1911 Census of Redbourn families.
Come and meet Geoff at Redbourn Parish Centre, Opposite the War Memorial. Admission Free, refreshments provided.
Sunday 16th June 11 - 3 pm - Redbourn in Steam at the Redbourn Village Museum on Father's Day
Visiting traction engines, large and small, train rides for children, exhibition of models by St. Albans Model Engineering Society, refreshments.
Sunday 21st July - Medieval Mayhem at Redbourn Village Museum and on the CommonThursday 29th August - Coach Outing to Cambridge and the 14th Century collegesOctober - Play readings from Chaucer's 14th Century Canterbury TalesPAST EVENTS
The Museum re-opened on Sunday June 24th 2012 following remedial repairs and redecoration. Now that summer is here, we look forward to welcoming everyone to Redbourn’s very own museum, to enjoy the variety of activities we have on offer. Continuing our "Redbourn though the Centuries" project, this year we focus on the 1200s with a theme of "Monks and Monarchs", including a talk on Magna Carta and a Medieval day, linking the 1200s with the present Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Sunday 24 June – Redbourn in Steam A well-established annual event in the Museum garden, that proves popular with all ages. Visiting traction engines were in steam from 11am to 3pm. Model engine exhibition and train rides for children. Adults £2, Friends of the Museum/ Children £1
Monday 25 June – David Forbes on Magna Carta At 7.30pm in St Mary’s Transept Hall, a lecture as part of our Redbourn through the Centuries project. Admission included wine and summer pudding. SOLD OUTSaturday 7 and Sunday 8 July – Open Gardens People came to rest awhile in our beautifully tended gardens. On show in the Museum was our display of programmes from the 1948 Olympic Games, kindly lent by Ken Smith, and especially relevant with the 2012 Olympic torch being carried close to Redbourn on the Sunday of that weekend.
*Sunday 15 July – Medieval Revels 2012 - A day for all the family to enjoy, as we celebrated Monarchs and Monks both from the 1200s and in our own day. Music and dancing, dressing up, tile-making, demonstrations by a bodger and woodturner, The Priory Physic Garden, Castle of Wonder, Coronation memorabilia, display of cars from Coronation year and London Bus rides round the village. Also appearances from Matt the Monk, and refreshments including a hog roast at The Cricketers Public House. There was also a canvas showing the procession of Queen Eleanor of Castille in the Parish Centre and a demonstration of calligraphy. There was a prize for the person wearing the best crown.
Medieval Revels 2012 at the Museum on 15 July with a parade from the Fire Station
Thursday 30th August - Coach outing to Runneymede and Windsor
Continuing our theme of Magna Carta, the Normans and Kings and Queens in general, with a coach outing and river trip to Windsor after coffee and a talk about the signing of the Magna Carta at Runneymede.
SOLD OUTThursday 25th October - Coach outing to Museum of London, followed by a walking tour and pub supper.
Priority booking for Friends of Redbourn Museum.
REDBOURN PRIORY - An illustrated talk by Alan Featherstone
Saturday February 4th 2012
We sampled a glass of the monks' favourite liqueur on arrival and tea and cakes followed the talk by our local historian and author of "Redbourn's History". This event was part of our Redbourn through the Centuries project, celebrating life in Redbourn in the 1200s.
Hertfordshire Early Dance
*Sunday 10th July 2011
We were delighted to welcome the Hertfordshire Early Dance Group and their musicians “The Presence” to your museum. The dances were selected from the earliest ones known dating back towards the 1100’s to keep the year’s Norman theme highlighted.
All were invited to join in, especially children! – or just watch and enjoy the entertainment.
REDBOURN THOUGH THE CENTURIES
Exciting long term Museum project launch
Redbourn Village Museum launched an exciting project in 2011, with the aim of spending the next nine years exploring and celebrating in turn each of the nine centuries since the foundation of St Mary’s Church.
Every year we intend to mount a display about the century in question, invite an expert to deliver a lecture, and organise an outing to a relevant place of interest. We will invite the younger members of Redbourn’s community to get involved in various ways, and there will be a themed event in the village where everyone can join in the fun. We are calling this project Redbourn through the Centuries so look out for further information under this title.
2011 was the year of the 1100s, and Alan Featherstone kindly agreed to get everything underway with his talk in St Mary’s Church about the building’s earliest history.
JUNE 19TH 2011Our annual REDBOURN IN STEAM event on FATHERS' DAY
Photo: Brian Davies
The Museum was open from 11 am to welcome traction engines, large and small, St. Albans Model Engineering Society members with their models and fun rides through the attractive Museum gardens on a carriage pulled by a miniature steam engine.
This year, for the first time, there was an opportunity to buy a delicious selection of flapjacks from the Village Flapjack Company.
19th May 2011
* "St. Mary's Church from its Normal origins"*
This event took place on 19th May and the talk by Alan Featherstone was followed by a suitable beverages and Norman Nibbles! This was the first of many events planned to celebrate "Redbourn throught the Centuries".
JULY 3rd-4th 2010 REDBOURN OPEN GARDENS
The museum garden was open from 11 am to 5 pm as part of Redbourn Open Gardens and programmes will be on sale giving full details and entry to 22 other gardens around the village.
ANNUAL COACH OUTINGGAYDON MOTOR MUSEUM AND CLAYDON HOUSE
Included refreshments on arrival, admission and guided tour at Gaydon Motor Museum, guided tour at Claydon House (NT).
Free entry to Claydon House for National Trust Members and optional entry to privately owned gardens at Claydon House.
REDBOURN 900 FINALE - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH 2010EXHIBITION OF TEA FACTORY AND STRAW HAT MAKING
Exhibition about Redbourn's Brooke Bond Tea Factory in marquee in grounds (free admission) including tea tasting and chance to win tea-related prizes.
In the Museum itself, there were straw hats in unusual places! Straw hats were on loan by kind permission of Luton Museums.
VINTAGE HAT SWAP SHOP
(or YE OLDE HAT SHOPPE)
“Throw your hat in”, celebrating Redbourn’s hat making history at Redbourn Museum
REDBOURN IN STEAM on FATHERS’ DAY, SUNDAY JUNE 20th 2010
This annual event, co-ordinated by Sandy Ross, attracts more visitors every year!
Engines were in steam in the grounds of the museum as well as an exhibition of models from the St. Albans Model Engineering Society and train rides for children.
Also, for the second time, on the common at the newly rebuilt cricket pavillion there was a Folk and Blues event during the afternoon, which proved very popular on such a lovely day.
SUNDAY MAY 23RD 2010 10 AM TO 5 PM (extended opening hours)Redbourn 900 Rural DayLIVING CRAFTS EXHIBITION
Including:
Paintings of Redbourn’s Wildlife by Ernie Leahy.
Spinning demonstration by Christine Ward from the Mid-Herts Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.
Felt making with Connie Flynn.
Making and decorating clay tiles with local potter, Mike Hardy.
If you made a tile, it is now ready to collect from the Museum (as of Saturday 19th June 2010).
WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER 2008A talk on the ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE M1 JUNCTION 6A - 10 WIDENING PROJECT by Andrew Holmes,Lead Archaeologist for the M1 6a – 10 Widening Scheme.
We were very pleased that, after the disappointment of his cancelled talk due to illness, Andrew Holmes agreed to return to Redbourn. In his talk, he will present details of the discoveries made during the 30 months of excavation and construction activity on the M1 between Watford and Luton.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4th 2008ANNUAL COACH OUTING
This year we travelled by coach to Stoke Bruerne and took a very interesting narrowboat trip on "Indian Chief" through the haunted 3057 yard long tunnel to Blisworth. On our return to Stoke Bruerne we explored the fascinating Canal Museum and surrounding area with the aid of a comprehensive audio tour. A thoroughly enjoyable day out.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY JUNE 28th/29th 2008REDBOURN OPEN GARDENS
We were extremely grateful to Redbourn Folk Club for providing a fine performance throughout the Saturday afternoon. As you can see from the last photograph a mini Glastonbury-type arena invasion ocurred with children climbing over the fence to get in on the action!
SUNDAY JUNE 15th 2008 ... REDBOURN IN STEAM
The Museum and 'Redbourn in Steam' was the final treasure in the Three Counties Radio live Sunday morning programme "Treasure Quest".
Sandy Ross and his friends brought their traction engines and road rollers to the Museum on Fathers' Day, with the added attraction of a miniature railway giving rides to children, provided by St.Albans Model Engineering Society.
FRIDAY MAY 23rd 2008FILM NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE HALL
The fund raising evening in aid of the preservation of Mr.Heather's films raised sufficient money to achieve our aim of tranferring the films to a digital medium, and the future of the films is now safe.
Many thanks to all who came to support our event - and enjoy the films - and to the local businesses who supported us with cash donations and raffle prizes.
MONDAY APRIL 7th 2008A.G.M. in St.Mary's Church Transept
Following the business meeting, Mr Brian Adams from St.Albans Museums gave a fascinating talk about 'Anglo-Saxon Hertfordshire' with many local references. We were especially grateful to Brian for standing in at short notice as our advertised speaker was unable to attend due to illness.
MONDAY MARCH 3rd 2008
An exhibition showing archaeological finds uncovered during the M1 widening works was held in the transept at St.Mary's church.
Above 1st Century Roman brooch, tweezers and pottery
Prehistoric cremation burials were found at Junction 8
At Junction 9a large number of shallow pits were found with evidence of flint knapping and some pits containing pottery
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1st 2008THE HIGH SHERIFF OF HERTFORDSHIRE - HOWARD GUARD - TO VISIT OUR MUSEUM
The High Sheriff Visted our Museum with his wife, on February 1st at 1:45pm.
Visit of Howard Guard
High Sheriff of Hertfordshire
to Redbourn Museum
With Mrs Guard &
The Mayor of Dacorum
01 February 2008 at 1.45 pm
AN ILLUSTRATED TALK ON REDBOURN PRIORY - 18th October 2007
The evening provided a rare opportunity to learn about Redbourn’s most important historical site.
The speaker was Alan Featherstone, Curator of Redbourn Village Museum, author of “Redbourn’s History” and the surveyor for the Redbourn Research Group.
PHOTOGRAHIC EXHIBITION - 21st & 22nd, 28th & 29th July 2007
DARKROOM TO DIGITAL by DAWN HARDY LRPS
Dawn Hardy is a professional photographer who lives in St. Albans. She exhibited her work over 2 weekends in July and had photographs for sale, including local photographs and greeting cards with a difference! We hope to have more cards and postcards featuring Dawn's photographs for sale in the Museum on a regular basis.
REDBOURN IN STEAM - 17th June 2007
These pictures are from the 17 June 2007 Redbourn in Steam at Redbourn Museum Traction engines and road rollers visited the Museum from 11 am were in steam until at least 3 pm. There was also a display of high quality models belonging to members of St. Albans Model Engineering Society, (Below bottom right).
OUTING TO KENWOOD HOUSE AND AVENUE HOUSE, LONDON - 17th May 2007
Numbers were restricted to 30 for this outing by coach due to limited space at Avenue House, home of The Stephens Collection, which tells the story of Stephens Ink. Dr Henry Stephens, whose parents ran The Bull Public House in the High Street, started his career as an apothecary and invented a free-flowing writing fluid, which he later marketed. His son, "Inky" built up the business and became a wealthy man and local MP for Finchley. He left his house with 10 acres of grounds, including an arboretum, to the people of Finchley after his death. We had earlier visited Kenwood House where we had the choice of either a historical tour or one covering some of the famous artwork in the collection, followed by lunch.
AGM and OPEN EVENING - 30th March 2007
After the AGM, we showed the short film "The Stephens Story" which tells the story of Dr Henry Stephens who founded Stephens Ink and was born in Redbourn. The film features St. Mary's Church including the bellringing and several references to Redbourn. The event was well supported with approximately 50 people attending and making constructive suggestions about the future of the Museum. Thank you to all Friends of the Museum and others for your support.
Please contact John or Pauline (details at foot of page) with any thoughts for future events - your input will be greatly appreciated.
The 2006 programme of events arranged by the Events Committee included:
COMBINED CHARITIES FAIR - 11th November 2006
John & Pauline were very pleased to welcome so many people to our 'table' in the Village Hall, and even more pleased to have raised over £100 in the two hours that the Fair was open.
GORDON BENINGFIELD EXHIBITION - 30th September - 1st October 2006
Many thanks to everyone who supported this event which was probably the most successful museum-based event since we opened in 2000.
The weather was kind to us on the Saturday when a small V.I.P. reception was held before the exhibition officially opened. The guests included Mrs Betty Beningfield, Mrs Joan Bartholomew, Museum Trustees and representatives of the charities who had displays in the marquee. A short talk about the life and work of Gordon Beningfield was kindly given by a close friend, Mr Dennis Furnell.
The weather on Sunday turned 'nasty' with torrential thunderstorms and very gusty winds. The Museum's marquee sustained some damage, and was saved from ending up in the car park of the Cricketers by quick thinking, and acting stall holders.
Gordon Beningfield was our first patron and lived in Redbourn where he may have developed his love for the countryside and wildlife which featured in his works.
The exhibition included many items of memorabilia as well as original paintings and signed prints which local residents kindly lent to the Museum for this one special weekend. We also had on display, many books that Gordon illustrated as well as stamps featuring his butterfly illustrations, issued by Royal Mail.
Several charities attended, including Butterfly Conservation, The Chiltern Society, The Ver Valley Society and the R.S.P.B.
Some of the paintings got mixed reactions!
The children's art competition attracted a marvellous 46 entries which were judged by Ernest Leahy. The paintings were displayed in the marquee.
Despite the blustery conditions, the marquee got very busy!
Children’s Painting Competition ResultsAge Group 2 - 4 years
1st Prize: Harry Tallantire,
2nd Prize: Samuel Fishwick,
Highly Commended: Freddie Tallantire,
Jack Terzza,
Max Terzza.
Age Group 5 - 11 years
Joint 1st Prizes: Beth Machell & Amy Wybrow,
2nd Prize: Thomas Tallantire,
Highly Commended: Mark Booth,
Jessica Burgess,
Daniel Gurton.
Age Group 12 - 14 years
1st Prize: Daniel Boot,
2nd Prize: Steven Wilkins,
3rd Prize: Suna Arman,
Highly Commended: Sara Ngonga,
Tori Bracey,
Jack Geraghty,
Alex Parr,
Collen Quigley,
Roxanne Terry,
Kassey West.
RESIDENTS FIRST WEEKEND - 28th – 29th January 2006
The Redbourn Village Museum was open free of charge to residents of St. Albans District and many local families took the opportunity to visit the Museum. For some it was a "first", whilst others came back to see the new displays, such as the "Story of the Bottle" and further details about the making of the Millennium wallhanging.
AGM AND VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATION - 31st March 2006
Friends and volunteers came to a celebration of the first 5 years of the Redbourn Village Museum, following the Annual General Meeting on March 31st. Refreshments were served in St. Mary’s Transept, followed by a short presentation from Julie Massey, our Museum advisor. We discussed future plans and ideas for developing the Museum and the Trustees would welcome your suggestions as they are anxious to develop this local attraction still further, with the help of the Parish Council. If you have any comments to make, please call in at the museum and put them in our suggestions box or e-mail RedbournMuseum@aol.com.
REDBOURN IN STEAM – June 18th 2006Redbourn In Steam
Once again we had fantastic weather on FATHERS’ DAY for everyone to drool over a collection of Traction Engines and Road Rollers, owned by local enthusiasts, who keep them in fantastic condition and were pleased to tell us everything we ever wanted to know (and more!).
There was also a new and very interesting exhibition of models built by members of the St. Albans Model Engineering Society.
COACH OUTING - June 22nd 2006Greenwich Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Park
47 of us went on our summer outing, travelling by coach to central London and then by boat down the Thames to Greenwich. We even managed to arrange for Tower Bridge to open for us!
There were infinite possibilities for how to spend our day and ample free time to visit some of the other attractions, including The Queen’s House, fascinating Fan Museum, Wernher collection, Royal Park and the Georgian Town Centre of Greenwich itself. Many of us visited Cutty Sark before it is closed for restoration later this year.
We departed from Redbourn at 9.15 am and left Greenwich at 6 pm, arriving back in Redbourn at 7.15 pm.
REDBOURN IN STITCHES – July 1st - 2nd 2006
It was the hottest weekend of the year for our exhibition of work by local members of the ‘Redbourn in Stitches’ group, who crafted the wallhanging that is on show in the Anne Skillman room, where a new display tells the story of the wall hanging which was made to celebrate the Millennium.
There were embroidery demonstrations in all the Museum rooms, and original items for sale in the garden during this special weekend.
The marquee in the garden first lost its front curtain in an effort to keep everyone cool, then the side curtains went - then half of the back curtain! Still we roasted, although those in the Museum were kept slightly cooler by numerous electric fans which were brought in for the weekend. The main problem was that the company which installed the secondary double glazing had left the existing window locks 'locked' and we had no way to reach them!
Pauline was pleased that she had bought a fan from the fan museum in Greenwich!
Main raffle prizes were awarded as follows:
1st Betty Davies - Hand crafted evening bag.
2nd Mrs I. Cooper - Hamper
3rd Linden Andrews - Orchid
4th Julie Welch - Meat voucher
We are grateful to the following who kindly donated prizes:
Abbey National, Country Styles, Cricketers Public House, Crown Pharmacy, Marjorie Hulance, Jones & Hall, Edna Lindfield, Marsh & Sons, Peaches & Cream, Stan & Maureen Pierpoint, Redbourn Village Museum, Regency Bouquets, Dorothy Ridgwell, John & Pauline Ridgwell, Terry & Rosie Wybrow.
NATIONAL HERITAGE OPEN DAYS - 9th September - 10th September 2006
The Museum is open during normal opening hours and is taking part in 'National Heritage Open Days' when admission is free to all - not just local residents as during 'Residents First Weekend'.
Although admission is free - naturally, all donations to the Museum's funds will be very gratefully received!
Any suggestions for events for 2007 would be warmly welcomed - please click on 'John Ridgwell' or 'Pauline Ridgwell' at the foot of this page for contact details.RECENT EVENTS
The 2005 programme of events arranged by the Events Committee included:
The History of Beekeeping – A talk by Peter Tomkins
Peter was well-qualified to give this talk as he has almost 60 years beekeeping experience and for forty of those he worked at Rothamsted, progressing from Apiary Assistant to research assistant to Dr Colin Butler, which involved him in pioneering work on identifying “Queen Substance”.
For all those who knew nothing of beekeeping and the production of good real honey, Peter’s talk was truly fascinating.
ANNUAL COACH OUTING – BLETCHLEY PARK
A superb time was had on a day outing to Bletchley Park, the former decoding centre, which was of such vital importance in World War 2. The full 49 seater coach left Redbourn for the short trip up the M1 motorway for a full day which included:
Admission to Bletchley Park Museum and Grounds
Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival
Exclusive guided tour of the wartime buildings
Use of the ballroom for the day, for lunch etc.
Viewing of the Private Churchill Collection
2 hour tour of the Museum including the New Exhibition Centre
POTTERY SALE AND CLAY MODELLING EXHIBITION
Local potter, Michael Hardy, demonstrated clay modelling at the museum and there was an exhibition of pottery for sale, including terracotta items for the garden. The exhibition was open during normal museum opening hours for two weekends. Normal entrance fees applied and included the permanent museum exhibits.
Redbourn In Steam
Once again, Sandy Ross brought his friends and their traction engines to Redbourn Village Museum on Fathers’ Day. Engines arrived around 11 am and were in steam until 3 pm.
There was also a display of models belonging to members of the St. Albans Model Engineering Society.
Entrance to the grounds was for the normal entrance fee of £1 for adults and 50p for children which included the museum too. What a bargain day out for Dad!
RESIDENTS FIRST WEEKEND
Entrance to the Museum was free of charge for residents of St. Albans District during this special weekend. Over 100 visitors took this opportunity to visit the museum, our new display, "The Story of the Glass Bottle" and sales room.
The 2004 programme of events arranged by the Events Committee included:
ART EXHIBITION - WILDLIFE OF THE VER VALLEY
A collection of new paintings by local artist Ernest Leahy was exhibited at the Museum over three weekends in late Summer during normal museum opening hours. A number of
Ernest's paintings were sold and the numbers of visitors to the Museum indicated that this was a popular new venture. The Museum may offer it's facilities to other artists and craftsmen in the future.
FILM SHOW in Redbourn Village Hall
This was a popular event as usual and our Museum Curator and "occasional projectionist", Alan Featherstone, presented a selection of local cine films made from the 1940's onwards. Most of these films, showing Redbourn and it's villagers, were made between 1947 and 1953 by Mr John Heather, who used to slip them in between performances at regular film shows in the Village Hall, much to the delight of the audience.
Annual Coach Outing - The Wilton Experience
Our 2004 excursion was a coach trip to Wilton House, near Salisbury in May. From 9th Century nunnery to the home of the 18th Earl of Pembroke, Wilton House provided a fascinating and relaxing day out. The house is set in beautiful landscaped parkland, bordered by the river Nadder. For children there is a wonderful adventure playground that will keep them amused for hours.
Also included in the Wilton Experience was a guided tour of the Wilton carpet factory, which is a direct descendant of a weaving industry that began in Wilton more than 300 years ago. For those with money to spend, there was also a shopping village and garden centre adjacent to Wilton House. And if you had time and the inclination to walk the short distance into Wilton itself, you will have seen the unique and beautiful Italianate church built in the Lombardic style by the Russian Countess of Pembroke in 1845.
Redbourn In Steam
Once again, local steam enthusiast Sandy Ross, invited owners of traction engines and steam rollers to put their prized machines on display outside the museum on Fathers' Day. This was a chance to have a really close look at these impressive engines which are always presented in immaculate condition. This year there was also a fascinating display of model steam engines courtesy of the St. Albans Model Engineering Society.
Don't forget you can always visit the museum any Saturday or Sunday afternoon throughout the year. There are several new book titles available for sale and copies of our own video about "The Battle of Redbourn" edited by Alan Lindfield which would make an ideal present for just £10.
The 2003 programme of events arranged by the Events Committee included:
FILM SHOW in Redbourn Village Hall
This was a popular event as usual and our Museum Curator and "occasional projectionist", Alan Featherstone, presented a selection of local cine films made from the 1940's onwards. Most of these films, showing Redbourn and it's villagers, were made between 1947 and 1953 by Mr John Heather, who used to slip them in between performances at regular film shows in the Village Hall, much to the delight of the audience.
Annual Coach Outing - The Wilton Experience
Our 2004 excursion was a coach trip to Wilton House, near Salisbury in May. From 9th Century nunnery to the home of the 18th Earl of Pembroke, Wilton House provided a fascinating and relaxing day out. The house is set in beautiful landscaped parkland, bordered by the river Nadder. For children there is a wonderful adventure playground that will keep them amused for hours.
Also included in the Wilton Experience was a guided tour of the Wilton carpet factory, which is a direct descendant of a weaving industry that began in Wilton more than 300 years ago. For those with money to spend, there was also a shopping village and garden centre adjacent to Wilton House. And if you had time and the inclination to walk the short distance into Wilton itself, you will have seen the unique and beautiful Italianate church built in the Lombardic style by the Russian Countess of Pembroke in 1845.
Redbourn In Steam
Once again, local steam enthusiast Sandy Ross, invited owners of traction engines and steam rollers to put their prized machines on display outside the museum on Fathers' Day. This was a chance to have a really close look at these impressive engines which are always presented in immaculate condition. This year there was also a fascinating display of model steam engines courtesy of the St. Albans Model Engineering Society.
Don't forget you can always visit the museum any Saturday or Sunday afternoon throughout the year. There are several new book titles available for sale and copies of our own video about "The Battle of Redbourn" edited by Alan Lindfield which would make an ideal present for just £10.
The 2003 programme of events arranged by the Events Committee included:
Film Show in Redbourn Village Hall
This popular event held in March, showcased some of Mr Heather's films. John Heather made a series of 16mm black and white cine films between 1947 and 1953 showing Redbourn village scenes, events and local people. A favourite at the village hall shows in recent years has been the Sunday School trip to Southend-on-Sea which was filmed in 1949. The content of the actual show is always a closely guarded secret of our projectionist Mr Alan Featherstone. Will he show Southend? Will he show the more recent film of the construction of the Redbourn bypass? You had to be there to find out!
For anyone new to the village, we strongly recommend that you watch out for the next film show, because it will give you a unique insight into the recent history of the village.
Redbourn In Steam
Many local children brought their Dads for a Father's Day treat!
There were visiting traction engines and road rollers in steam throughout the day and the weather was very kind to us. Over 100 people visited the museum after admiring the steam engines. This has become a regular event for the museum and we are grateful to Sandy Ross and his friends for their continued support.
Annual Coach Outing
We went to Warwick to visit the castle and other attractions, such as the Lord Leycester Hospital (Mediaeval Hospital) with it's marvellous gardens, just a short distance away. Again the weather was glorious and the rose gardens at the castle were undoubtedly at their very best. The only problem now is to think of something better for next year!
From STRAW to HAT via PLAIT
An illustrated talk about straw plaiting with a workshop included, by Sandra Barker - Yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers. The venue was, appropriately, Redbourn Village Hall which used to be a hat factory not so many years ago. It was amazing to see the assortment of straw "favours" that were created from 5 pieces of straw by the game participants!
Redbourn Combined Charities Fair
Sale of local history books, videos, pictures etc at the fair in Redbourn Village Hall.
See also:
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