Visit of the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. ..... Redbourn In Steam 2008.

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@aol.com

Open: Saturdays 2 - 5 pm, Sundays 2 - 5pm (see below)

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.

The Trustees recently decided to reduce Sunday opening hours at the Museum, which will now be open for 3 hours in the afternoon as on Saturdays. Last admission will be 30 minutes before closing time, at the discretion of the voluntary admissions staff. The new opening hours took effect from 1st November 2008.

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 Peter Hildebrand on 01582 794175 or any of our Trustees. Duties are arranged to fit in with your availability, usually no more than one session every 2 months.

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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

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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 exhibiton 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!

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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 are: Adults £4.75 OAP £2.50 Children (12-16) £2.50 Children (6-11) £2.00 Family membership £9.50

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.

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2009 EVENTS

SUNDAY JUNE 14th 2009 ... REDBOURN IN STEAM Don't miss this annual event, co-ordinated by Sandy Ross, which attracts more visitors (and traction engines) every year!

PAST EVENTS

WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER 2008

A 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 2008

ANNUAL 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 2008

REDBOURN 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".

St Albans Model Engineering Society
Three Counties Radio Treasure Quest	The Thorney Steamer

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.

M1 Archaeology Exhibition In St Marys Trancept 03 March 2008 2pm - 7pm 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 2008

THE 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

The last Redbourn In Steam was 17 June 2007 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 Results

Age 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 2006 Redbourn 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 2006

Greenwich 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:

• Redbourn History, Dolittle Mill, Redbournbury Mill, Footpaths Around Redbourn, Redbourn Common, Houses And Streets, Keepsake Illustrations, Redbourn Prints, The Cock, Bygone Public Houses Of Redbourn Redbourn Battle. Geoff Webbs Collection See also: - http://www.hertsmuseums.org.uk/info/redbourn.htm

Redbourn Museum opening times and details - Silk Mill House. - What Can I see in the museum?. - Friends of Redbourn Museum. - Redbourn Museum Events

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John Ridgwell (John-R@ntlworld.com)

Pauline Ridgwell (Pauline-R@ntlworld.com)