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SPRING 2015 WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Gateway Project receives Heritage Lottery Fund support! Help us raise the rest . . .

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May Day Its 50 years – Events, Farm since the idea Courses dismantling of an open and underway air museum What’s on was born! 2015 P. 2_P. 2- 23/02/2015 09:25 Page 2

WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM SPRING 2015

From the Director As many readers will now be aware, we received the wonderful news in November that the Heritage Lottery Fund 7 (HLF) has awarded the museum a £4 million grant towards the Gateway Project. It has been a long journey, which began over a decade ago Louise Adams Louise as the ‘Access Project’, and the next two years will be extremely busy ones: there is 18 much planning and organisation to do over the coming months. We anticipate that work will begin this spring when the catering buildings centred around the medieval house from Sole Street and the Pallingham Quay wagon shed will be dismantled. This process, and Front cover picture: Whittaker’s Cottages their re-erection elsewhere on the site will be a 33 and buildings behind the market square fascinating process for visitors in itself, so it will be seen from the woodland path in spring. ‘business as usual’ for the 2015 main season: we will continue to operate with as little disruption as possible to our visitors. News...... 3-5,16, 37, 39 Courses...... 21-24 Keeping the museum community and all our keen supporters informed of the latest project developments Historic buildings...... 7, Talks ...... 25 and updates is vital and we will achieve this through a 13-15, 28-29 variety of channels including the new website, via Visits...... 27 Facebook and Twitter, in the magazine of course, and an Comment ...... 9 on-site display for everyone to view. Friends’ news...... 30-31 In addition to the HLF award we are committed to History ...... 10-11 raising over £1 million and I am delighted to report that we are well on our way to achieving this, What’s on ...... 17 Interpretation...... 32-33 due to the hard work and generosity of our many supporters to whom we offer our grateful thanks. Schools services ...18-19 People ...... 35 However, there is much more to do and further information about the Gateway Project Appeal is in the magazine on pages 4/5. There are many exciting activities and projects cur- Food & Folk Festival – 3/4 May rently happening and planned for this year which can be Enjoy the very best of the followed on the new website and in the pages of this South East’s produce, crafts, magazine. We will be working hard to promote Friends books and plants on show at membership following the recent administrative our popular spring event. changes; work has begun on cleaving the timber for the There will be cookery classes Saxon Hall project which will be on-going during the and demonstrations in the year; Joe Thompson is dismantling the barn and stable Southern Cooperative Cookery from the A21 Tonbridge to Pembury bypass route, and Theatre, traditional folk music, we have planned a number of new and favourite events dancing and storytelling, and including a Wood Show and the 30th anniversary of the the Pelican-in-her-Piety Living Rare Breeds Show (see articles throughout the magazine). History Group will let visitors into the secrets of medieval

Finally, it is perhaps appropriate that the Gateway © Tony Briggs Project should be starting during the year of the 50th life. Plus, there will be lots of anniversary of the meeting at which Roy Armstrong tasty samples to try and buy, and a special guest appearance by celebrity cook, writer and broadcaster Antonio Carluccio. Visit the launched his vision of creating the museum (see page 10). website www.wealddown.co.uk/events/food-and-folk for details of Richard Pailthorpe when he will be joining us. Don’t miss it! Museum Director

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An aerial view of how the new Gateway to the museum will look from above the current entrance. The millpond is at the top right. Gateway – to the museum’s future . . .

In November the museum received the thrilling news that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) had awarded a £4 million grant to develop our Gateway Project!

This great venture will point towards What will it be like? across the water, and there will be a our sustainability for the future – pro- The project will transform the way that learning and community space for use viding much-needed upgraded visitor visitors experience the museum from as a classroom and meeting room. facilities including new ticketing facili- the moment they enter the site. The ties, a café and shop, new site interpre- ‘gateway’ comprises two clusters of What will happen to the current tation and orientation, and the ability to buildings by the museum’s millpond buildings on the Gateway site? re-present two of our cherished historic providing an enticing vista as people Two of the museum’s historic buildings buildings as exhibits. First conceived enter the site, with a central courtyard, – the medieval house from Sole Street over 10 years ago, much work has been and designed to meet the needs and and the Pallingham Quay wagon shed, undertaken to seek out the best solu- expectations of our audiences. The which form the current catering facili- tions, including involving and consult- southern cluster will include a new ties – will be dismantled, moved to new ing our stakeholders and visitors. ticketing and retail facility, leading to sites at the museum, and interpreted, The Gateway Project – as it has interpretation galleries. These will providing opportunities for trainees become known – intends to be more enhance visitors’ understanding of and volunteers to be directly involved than just a ‘gateway’ to the museum. It the site, collections and the landscape with the conservation work, sharing will provide new ‘gateways’ to learning, from which our buildings have origi- and developing invaluable heritage participation and activities as well as nated. The northern cluster will house skills. being a ‘gateway’ to the South Downs the new catering facilities which will The house will be re-erected on the ▲ National Park. overlook the millpond with decking out edge of the clump of trees close to the

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▲ current site of the sheepfold. This will reflect not only the building’s original location, but will also help to create an enticing vista beyond the market square, drawing visitors to the western end of the site as they leave the new interpreta- Raising the final tion galleries. The siting of the wagon shed is still to be decided and will be finalised during the course of the project. £1 million+ The third building to be affected is Longport Farmhouse. Currently the ground floor is used as the admissions entrance The Gateway Project is the most ambitious project in and shop, but it will become a temporary exhibition gallery the Weald & Downland Museum’s history. It will and meeting space. transform visitors’ experiences from the moment What about the new site interpretation and they enter the museum’s site. They will be better orientation? able to explore, enjoy, understand and become Updated interpretation throughout the site, along with a involved with the museum. In turn the project will suite of new engagement opportunities will enable visitors to help safeguard our priceless collections and secure explore, enjoy, understand and become involved with the museum in new ways. Hambrook Barn will become a focus the museum’s future for generations to come. The for family engagement and a space that encourages enjoy- Gateway project will provide practical developments ment and informal learning, including hands-on activities alongside a broader appreciation of the beautiful and the provision of explorer satchels to use on site. Themed site and outstanding heritage. trails and walks are to be developed with visitors being encouraged to engage with the museum woodland. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? This ambitious project will cost over £5 million. How will visitors reach the We are thrilled that the Heritage Lottery Fund is support- HIGH Gateway buildings, ing it with a grant of £4 million. The museum must and what about car raise the remaining funds from other sources – the biggest STANDARDS parking? fundraising challenge we have faced. Improved access will The museum has again We are very grateful for the be achieved in a reached the highest standards response to date from individual number of ways, supporters, trusts and local in quality and performance and through a radically has been awarded Accreditation authority bodies which has redesigned parking raised approximately £800,000. from Arts Council England. scheme which will The standard is reviewed include bays and pref- DCMS/Wolfson Fund every five years. erential access for those with limited mobility, new Garfield Weston Foundation cycle and pedestrian facilities, Ernest Kleinwort Charitable safer turning and parking for coaches, and most importantly Trust the separation of the access footway from vehicle movements. PF Charitable Trust The scheme creates approximately 100 new parking bays, Bassil Shippam and Alsford which will help reduce significantly the number of days Charitable Trust in the year when the museum needs to use overflow car Golden Bottle Charitable parking facilities. Trust John Coates Charitable The new galleries and the café will enhance Trust everyone’s visit? Mrs Margaret Rank Yes, and importantly, the scheme creates a safe and comfort- Charitable Trust able environment for people and displays of artefacts, John Murray Charitable enabling the museum to become an all-weather venue for Trust visitors. Sanderson Foundation Anything else? West Sussex County Council The project also involves a number of other strands, in particular reaching out to new communities and audiences. Friends of the Museum These range from an Alternative Careers Fair for young Chichester District Council people to be held later this year to a Women’s Institute Foyle Foundation Centenary Celebration of the Singleton WI which was the Golden Charitable Trust first to meet in England. The current schools curriculum David Benson offer will be broadened. Apprentice and trainee posts are being created to assist with the implementation of the project, and and other personal donors ways of increasing volunteering roles will be introduced.

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THE PROJECT – AT A GLANCE • A better museum New visitor facilities, including an attractive café and an easy-access visitor centre, will make a visit more relaxing and enjoyable. To allow us to start the project later this year the Improved signage, trails and historical balance of over £200,000 must be raised. interpretation across the site will help all The last time we asked the wider community for their our visitors to make the most of what the support was for the Chris Zeuner Memorial Appeal, in museum has to offer. The new learning and connection with the construction of the Downland community centre will extend the provision Gridshell Conservation Building and your response was for our many education and local interest magnificent. For this ‘life changing’ project we are again groups. calling on your support and hope you will help us. • Fresh interpretation HOW TO GIVE The new interpretation within the galleries Every gift of any size will be really appreciated. and throughout the site will bring about a Cheques should be made payable to the Weald & fundamental step-change in people’s Downland Open Air Museum and sent with the tear-off appreciation and understanding of the form in the leaflet enclosed with this magazine to the address below. Alternatively, donations can be made online via the museum and its purpose. A new family museum website (www.wealddown.co.uk/gateway). learning hub will become the focus for family If you would like to find out about other ways to give or dis- activities in Hambrook Barn, with hands-on cuss your donation with a member of staff, please contact Julie activities encouraging intergenerational Aalen on 01243 811016 or [email protected]. Museum activity and learning. Links to the South address: Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU. Downs National Park will help visitors to understand the connection between the underlying geology and landscape and the vernacular buildings from the area re-erected at the museum. • Three new exhibits The new development alongside the millpond will release three important vernacular buildings from their current functional purposes. Sole Street medieval house, Longport farmhouse and Pallingham Quay wagon shed will either be moved or restored in situ, with their architecture and social history fully explored for the first time. In effect, we will have three new striking exhibit buildings ready to be discovered.

What happens next? The museum has submitted its planning application for the Gateway Project, and once permission has been secured the procurement process to contract the construction team will begin, with the aim of starting ground works by late summer this year. The building project will continue through next year and we will strive to have the new facilities completed in readiness for the start of our 2017 season. Obviously, there will be disruption during the transition period, but we aim to minimise this as much as possible to ensure visitors continued enjoyment. Catering forms a major element of the transition and will be transferred to a Visitors enjoying a great time at the museum in the summer. The Gateway Project will enhance days out like these. temporary facility adjoining the Building Crafts Gallery in the market square, close to services and toilets.

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historic buildings Dismantling farm buildings in the East 1 Kent Weald 3 In January the museum embarked on the dismantling of the late 18th century barn and early 19th century stables at May Day Farm, Pembury Road, Tonbridge. The buildings are in the way of the road widening scheme on the Tonbridge-Pembury section of the A21 in Kent.

The work is being led by the museum’s carpenter in residence, Joe Thompson, and the project is being funded through Balfour Beatty, the contractors for the 2 4 road scheme. We had originally hoped to begin work last autumn, but delays meant (1) The barn and stables before dismantling began. a start in the new year. The dismantling (2) The museum’s labels on the original oak weather-boarding of the stable. should be finished in March and the (3) Original carpenter’s assembly mark, number 11, on the stable, made with a race knife. buildings will be conserved and stored at (4) Richard Harris and Hamish Glover-Wilson at the start of dismantling the barn. the museum before re-erection takes place next year. information is uncovered the initial Richard Harris has been diligently Two very different organisations had to interpretation is either developed or drawing up the buildings ‘as found’ and I find a meeting of the ways to enable the revised. have been labelling the components. dismantling of the buildings to take place, The three-bay, oak, threshing barn I Then Steve Turner, John Russell and explains Joe Thompson. On the one hand interpreted as dating from 1780 to 1830, Hamish Glover-Wilson have been assist- was the Weald & Downland Museum the significant features being the ridge ing me in carefully dismantling and (a designated centre of excellence in board and the stud framing utilising a stacking the timbers. historic buildings) and on the other significant amount of re-used timbers As the stables was dismantled, Richard was Balfour Beatty (the UK’s largest and resawn slabwood. The two-bay, oak, confirmed the position on the front construction company). stables I thought was either contem - wall of the original doorway, but also “The good news is that both parties porary or probably slightly later, say 1800 discovered a second contemporary door- wanted the same thing – a safe, well to 1838 (the latter date based on map way, that had at first appeared to be a documented and careful dismantling. evidence), again with ridge board and later alteration. Otherwise the stables Although the going was sometimes re-used and resawn timbers. conformed with and confirmed the frustrating, difficult and challenging, the The world of large construction sites initial interpretation. ultimate destination was shared. can at times appear Kafkaesque to those The barn, in contrast, which we have Negotiations started at the end of August not used to site inductions, tool box talks just started to survey and label, appears to 2014 and the contract was signed on 9 and scaf tags. All are necessary parts of the have more phases than first seen. The January. With high hopes, work started on process that need to take place at the evidence points to it being hipped origi- site on 12 January!” specified time and in the right order and nally before being altered to the current My initial building report precedes the nothing can proceed until then. Having gabled form. So as the dismantling of the building dismantling and this interprets negotiated these and been kitted out in barn starts, and we continue working the standing buildings based on the the six mandatory items (boots, hi-vis harmoniously on site, I expect to be able stylistic and documentary evidence. As trousers and jacket, gloves, safety glasses to add further information to support the dismantling proceeds and further and hard hat) we were ready to begin. these phases of development.”

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That vision not only reinforces our original core aims and objectives around: . . . From the Chairman the conservation of vernacular buildings, to stimulate interest in ancient crafts, and the twin themes of using the collection for A special museum – the future learning and pure enjoyment . . . but it broadens the canvass into the living landscape, the history of those who lived and The news of our way for imagination and insight through the worked in buildings we exhibit and what we success with fusion of history and creativity,” and “. . . it is can learn from them. Moreover, it reflects the our £4 million highly probable that we will see more... explo- opportunities provided by our unique location Heritage Lottery ration and discovery of the natural world” and in the South Downs National Park. The challenge is how to use the skills, knowl- Fund (HLF) attempts “to bridge the time gap to the public of the day by adding more recent buildings.” edge and inspiration of the museum to help application, These thoughts resonate well with those with the issues facing today’s communities, reported earlier promulgated in Diana Zeuner’s final chapter including the challenges to the environment in this issue, of our own 40-year commemorative publica- and to the rural economy, not least farming. means that tion Building History.2 Engaging with other partners where appropri- our Gateway ate to help support programmes to tackle these project will now go ahead once we issues is the world of the modern social have achieved planning permission. “It would be a enterprise. The HLF funding includes a budget It is a good time to reflect on the mistake to believe for an Activities Plan to enable us to trial a implications for the future of the museum range of initiatives under this umbrella. These include, for example, some apprenticeships of what is much more than a building that the completion of and a project to engage with dementia project for new visitor facilities. sufferers. the new Gateway At the same time the museum needs to be The HLF investment is intended to be trans- development, ever more entrepreneurial if we are to generate formational; an opportunity to re-present the the income to sustain our collections, our cura- museum for today, to refresh and broaden fundamental though torial responsibilities and our learning pro- our appeal, and to take our activities and grammes. Providing improved facilities for learning to a new level. that is, will provide weddings, coach parties, touring exhibitions, Any assessment of the direction the general hirings, glamping, open air theatre, museum should take should start with a good all the answers to concerts, and facilities for cyclists, are all under understanding of its history, its core aims and consideration. While refreshing our programme objectives, and the journey thus far. We can securing the future of of events with, maybe, annual themes, devel- learn from elsewhere, and we should under- oping interpretation into more of the ‘living stand our own special role in today’s society. our special museum.” museum’ style, and developing and completing All studies of the role of open air museums farmsteads over three centuries are all in the start with Skansen in Stockholm where it all Both books provide good reminders about planning. began. Skansen has been described as “the the need for constant renewal and to keep in As Diana Zeuner wrote: “All these are archetypal mother of all open air museums, a touch with the latest developments world- objectives of which Roy Armstrong (our perpetual starting point for all discussion.”1 wide. It would be a mistake to believe that the founder) would surely approve – a mixture of It is remarkable to reflect that the first sod completion of the new Gateway develop- history, education, social responsibility and was cut for Skansen in 1888 and that it opened ment, fundamental though that is, will provide economic sustainability.”2 to the public in 1891. In contrast our museum all the answers to securing the future of our Finally, a comment about the balance opened just 44 years ago in 1970. Over the special museum. between the entrepreneurial approach and years Skansen has renewed and refreshed its To quote from Rentzhog: “In most the traditional curatorial role which is an visitor attractions many times, trying out a museums the pendulum swings between interesting and important one to get right. In variety of ideas, ranging from re-enactments times of progress and times of stagnation, this regard Rentzhog talks about the soul of a to sculptured figures and even including zoo sometimes decline,” and “After a brilliant museum. By this he means what makes it animals. Not all have been successful, but creative period the museum may be in- distinctive and sets it apart from the ordinary. throughout the innovations were never creasingly uninteresting both to visitors and If the desire to generate income loses touch allowed to endanger the place as a museum. financiers.” with the core purposes of the museum, then So where next for the Weald & Downland Well, at the Weald & Downland we saw our the museum can lose its identity. museum and why? I can do no better than peak visitor numbers in 1989. These then Trustees are well aware that our museum quote from the first comprehensive history of found a new lower plateau in the first decade has a special ambience, a distinct ethos. It is open air museums worldwide written in 2007 of this century, but have declined again in probably to do with a combination of the set- by Sten Rentzhog.1 recent years following the economic reces- ting and the inspired design and layout of our “Will the 21st century be the era of open air sion and with increasing competition from exhibits by our forebears as well as the nature museums, a time for harvesting the fruits of other attractions for people’s leisure time. and quality of the collection. If that combina- more than one hundred years’ work of devel- We have been well aware that our visitor tion is indeed the museum’s soul, be assured oping these fascinating institutions? Or will facilities have fallen behind the modern stan- that in progressing the new developments, they, like so many of the brainwaves of early dard to be found at many heritage attractions. Gateway and the new vision, Trustees will industrial society, only be a historical paren- But our new investment needs to be made in allow nothing to damage that soul. thesis? Presumably the answer... will depend, the context of a clear vision for the future. to a great extent, on their ability to aim suffi- Paul Rigg That is why a few years ago Trustees signed ciently high, and to see opportunities and Chairman of Trustees up to a new vision: needs rather than obstacles and difficulties.” To become a centre of excellence for the (1) Open Air Museums – The history and future The author continues with a few pointers of a visionary idea: Sten Rentzhog, former to the way forward: “efforts better to adjust . . . enjoyment, learning and understanding of director of Jamtli, a leading open air museum to the needs of the public and make visitors the built environment, landscape, rural life in Sweden. actively participant, the combination of knowl- and communities of South East England (2) Building History (2010): Weald & Downland edge and pleasure, and the opening of the and the South Downs. Open Air Museum – Editor: Diana Zeuner.

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history 50 years ago . . . Its 1965 – and the idea of an open air museum is born Buildings Committee and president of 2015 marks the first half- the Kent Archaeological Society. Another centenary for the Weald & was R T Mason, a pioneer in the study of vernacular architecture, co-founder with Downland Open Air Museum. Roy of the Wealden Buildings Study It is 50 years since Roy Group, who wrote two seminal works, Framed Buildings of the Weald and Framed Armstrong, the museum’s Buildings of England. He and R H Wood founder, first suggested the surveyed the group of buildings to be destroyed for the construction of the idea of an open air museum Bough Beech Reservoir, including for the Weald. Bayleaf farmhouse, Winkhurst (also at the museum and now recognised as a Tudor kitchen) and Little Winkhurst. Another The date was 24 October, 1965 – and was Mr & Mrs H Lacey researched and Roy Armstrong. Roy, a historian and educationalist based published on the timber-framed build- in Storrington, West Sussex, was at a spe- ment of the museum. They included local ings of Steyning. Marjorie Hallam would cial meeting at a conference of the Study members of the Vernacular Architecture go on to become deeply involved in the Group on Timber-framed Buildings of Group (VAG) and the Wealden Buildings development of the museum, sometimes the Weald at Balneath Manor, Chailey, Study Group (of which Roy was a co- being described as ‘deputy founder’. Joan East Sussex. It was held, as Kim Leslie founder), supporters of the Sussex Harding was a specialist in the buildings writes in Building History*, “against an Archaeological Society, and inspectors of Surrey. Also present were Mrs Sylvia alarming background: that so many working for the Royal Commission on Bright, Miss J Duce and Mr J Ludlow. historic buildings, even those listed for Historical Monuments (a forerunner of At the meeting Roy proposed that the protection, were being condemned to English Heritage) as well as students on most suitable ‘style’ of open air museum make way for new development. It was Roy’s Workers Educational Association a sad and distressing story”. (WEA) courses (the adult education of its In Surrey over 350 historic buildings day). All had a deep interest in the tradi- had been destroyed between 1951 and tional buildings (especially timber frames) 1965. The demolition rate in Kent was lived in and used by ordinary people, thought to be as high as three a month. and were appalled at the destruction of Roy himself confirmed what had been medieval town centres and feared for the happening in West Sussex with the con- future of farm buildings left to dereliction struction of Crawley New Town. Within or facing demolition. six months he had seen “three buildings worth preserving . . . two with unique Roy “despaired at the needless features – literally consigned to the destruction of what remained of flames, the buildings being pulled apart medieval Crawley, smashing the town’s with cables and caterpillar tractors . . . the links with its past. What was happening main timbers, although in excellent here was the trigger that set in motion condition, burnt on gigantic bonfires”. Roy’s ambition to create a safe haven Roy suggested creating an ‘Open Air for threatened buildings that eventually Museum of the Weald’ (there was no led to the creation of the museum”. ‘Downland’ in the title then) on a site Kim Leslie somewhere central to the Weald, possibly the Ashdown Forest. It was at this meet- Among them was Kenneth Gravett, a ing that the first reference was made to a highly respected enthusiast for historic specific building in danger which was buildings, with a special interest in Kent, later to be saved – Bayleaf farmhouse, a author of Timber and Brick Buildings in 15th century hall house typical of the Kent and the Kent Historic Buildings Index, Weald at Chiddingstone in Kent. The a founder member of the Kent Historic minutes state: “Bayleaf. . . could well become available for removal to a Bayleaf farmhouse – concerns about its museum. It is threatened with submer- future were first raised publicly in 1965. It gence in a reservoir within the next two was eventually dismantled and re-erected years”. at the museum where it is regarded as one Among those present at the meeting of the region’s iconic Wealden hall houses. were people who played important roles Pictured are, from top, Bayleaf on its in the surveying and rescue of important original site; its re-erection at the museum, vernacular buildings and in the develop- and as it appears today.

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history for the Weald would be the approach adopted at Arnhem in Holland, with a Educated at Dulwich College and Oxford, where he graduated with a history degree in village nucleus surrounded by open 1925, Roy took up various teaching appointments before focusing on adult education. countryside and farmland suitable for His particular interests were social issues and extending educational opportunities into isolated farmsteads, cottages and farm rural communities, as well as town and country planning and the despoilation of the buildings. Appropriate settings for the re- countryside. He was one of the first to suggest that Sussex should be scheduled as a erected buildings would be important National Park “free from the horrors of industrialism”. After the war Roy was for many enabling the introduction of farming years senior lecturer in social history and local studies at Southampton University – it was activities related to them. this shift towards local studies which was the “prelude” as Kim Leslie calls it, to Roy The concept at this early stage was for Armstrong the local historian who later founded the museum. Roy’s A History of Sussex a large site of perhaps 80-100 acres and a (1961) was published in four editions. Later, after the foundation of the museum, Roy target of between 60 and 100 buildings. also wrote Traditional Buildings – Accessible to the Public (1979). As the museum devel- (Practicalities, notably the acquisition of a oped Roy was deeply involved as the much-respected founder and, formally, the smaller site, and concerns about visitor Honorary Research Director until his death at the age of 91 in 1993. fatigue, found Roy happy to revise this by the time he wrote The Open Air Museum: bers likely to be interested and its general was convening the first meeting of the Idea and Reality in 1972.) Acquiring the educational impact. The re-erection of Committee for the Promotion of an site as a gift from a sympathetic one, or at the most two, buildings per year Open Air Museum for the Weald and landowner was discussed, and reference would be quite a reasonably ambitious Downland. The groundwork of establish- was made to a supportive letter from programme.” (Interestingly, under the ing the museum was set in motion – Robin McDowall, senior investigator directorship of Chris Zeuner, this rate of finding a site, rescuing the first buildings, with the Royal Commission on development was achieved.) publicity and fundraising, and setting up a Historical Monuments – this was impor- There were concerns about the cost of charitable trust. The search for a Wealden tant backing and Mr McDowall later such a project, and discussion about site in the Ashdown Forest was not pur- became a trustee at the museum. which organisations and individuals sued, but the inclusion of the region’s “The rapid development of the South might help, but the meeting concluded ‘Downland’ reflected the wider search for East during the next two or three decades that the “scheme for an Open Air a suitable location that might have been is likely to accelerate this destruction (of Museum of the Weald . . . should be on the chalk downland north of historic buildings),” the minutes state, “as pursued in the immediate future”, and it Brighton, but eventually settled in 1967 well as making such a museum project was resolved to form a steering group to on the West Dean Estate through the more desirable from other points of view further the proposal. support of landowner, Edward James. – such as the steady increase in the num- Within a year, in September 1966, Roy He was establishing a college dedicated to the arts and crafts in his family home and supported Roy Armstrong’s plan enthusiastically. A site was offered on a 99-year lease for a peppercorn rent. For his tenacity and endeavour in estab- lishing the museum Roy was awarded the MBE in 1972, and in 1992 when he was 90, an honorary doctorate was conferred on him by the University of Sussex at a ceremony at the museum. His oration before the vice chancellor touched on his life’s work with what he called “informed organisations”, such as the WEA and the Vernacular Architecture Group (he was a founder member in 1952) as well as local societies. “Informed organisations, discus- sion and consensus rather than confronta- tion and destruction – these were essential elements behind Roy’s teachings and the operating principles by which he worked to achieve his goals,” writes Kim Leslie. “Roy declared he was ‘someone fortunate enough to be provided with a platform and the means of bringing individuals together who share similar aims’. His ability to do this with such success was Roy’s supreme achievement.”

*Find out more about the history and Roy’s memorial was the re-erection in 1998 of Poplar Cottage (pictured bottom), a 16th development of the museum in century smoke-bay house originally the home of a landless labourer, with which Roy was Building History, published in 2010 closely associated through his detailed research project into the buildings of the Wiston to mark the 40th anniversary of the Estate. Situated on the edge of the scarp slope of the Downs at Washington Common the museum’s public opening. Copies can derelict structure (top left) was donated by the Goring family and dismantled in 1982. It’s be obtained from the museum shop re-erection (top right) enabled the museum to contrast its construction and social status (01243 811020) at £4.95. with that of Bayleaf farmhouse, a much more substantial dwelling.

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12 Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 P. 13-15_P. 3- 20/02/2015 15:12 Page 13

historic buildings Interior design in an early 17th century town house: the house extension from Reigate By Danae Tankard

The museum’s building collection includes an early 17th century rear extension from a house in Reigate re-erected in 1987 containing a basement, a ground-floor room, a first-floor room and an attic. The extension is attached to the back of the 15th century Crawley Hall and sits alongside the modern Building Crafts Gallery. The two living rooms contain fine moulded stone fireplaces with traces of original painted decoration on the stonework and overmantels. The upper room contains remnants of an elaborate floral painted scheme that originally covered the entire surface of the walls and ceiling along with a partial modern recreation of it completed by Figure 1. The rear extension of the house from Reigate as reconstructed at the museum. historic paint specialists, Wilm make way for redevelopment. The above the fireplaces of both rooms. The and Joy Huning in 2000. Department of the Environment drew fragments and the fireplaces were care- the museum’s attention to the signifi- fully removed to the museum for conser- cance of No. 43A; it was surveyed by the vation. The mouldings on the stone We are unable to open these rooms to then Research Director, Richard Harris, fireplaces suggest that the extension was visitors daily but do on particular occa- and subsequently offered to the museum built around 1620 and it is likely that the sions such as the Colour in Historic Homes by the developers. painted walls were executed at about the day held last September. However, it will No. 43 High Street dated from the same time. be possible to visit them on some days early 20th century but fragments of Evidence from property deeds suggests this year (see box on page 15). The interiors earlier timbers suggested that its medieval that the ground floor of the house facing offer the visitor an insight into a sophis- predecessor had a rear staircase tower to onto the High Street included a hall, ticated 17th century urban material which the extension was attached. The parlour, kitchen and two ‘inner’ butteries culture which is otherwise unrepresented ground floor or lower room of the exten- or service rooms. Upstairs were a hall and at the museum. The purpose of this article sion was partitioned with oak panelling a parlour chamber and a ‘corn chamber’ is to describe that material culture via a to form a small closet or lobby enclosing or store room over the butteries. Possibly re-examination of the early history of the an external doorway, possibly providing the 17th century extension replaced an building and its 17th century occupants. access to the back garden. The first-floor earlier rear wing: a deed in 1587 or upper room also contained a closet describes an ‘upper house’ with a cellar No. 43A High Street, Reigate under the stairs leading up to the attic. and two chambers ‘over the same’. At the time it was dismantled in 1981 the This was divided from the main room by However, the precise configuration of the extension (No. 43A) was attached to the a timber-framed partition. During the house at this or subsequent dates is rear of No. 43 High Street in Reigate. dismantling fragments of painted decora- unknown. To the rear of the house was a The buildings, along with those adjoin- tion were discovered on the plaster and sizeable plot containing a brew house, ▲ ing them, were due for demolition to timber of the upper room and on and mill house, barn, stables, well house,

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historic buildings embroidery patterns. On the fireplace overmantel there was a depiction of St George and the Dragon set against a townscape featuring houses and a wind- mill. Possibly this scheme was inspired by the house’s proximity to The George Inn. Paint analysis suggested that the stone fireplace had been painted a light reddish-brown colour. This was overlain with a black line decoration, still partially visible, which was clearly intended to imitate ornamental stone carving. Although there was less evidence of painted decoration in the lower room, the fireplace overmantel also featured a townscape scene and it is likely that the walls too were decorated with a pattern which had long since disappeared. Analysis of a sample from the oak pan- Figure 2. Detail of the original wall paintings. elling showed that this was originally ▲ garden, orchard and pond. An excavation street (i.e. facing onto the High Street) painted to look like another hardwood, carried out by the Holmesdale wherein she usually lodges’ and free use although the type of timber it was Archaeological Group in 1981 (published of Cade’s linen, bedding, pewter and supposed to represent is unknown. The in Surrey Archaeological Collections in 1984) ‘other necessaries’. The subsequent prop- colours in the various schemes would located the remains of a malting kiln of a erty transmission is too complicated to have been achieved using mineral pig- pre-18th century date; we know that the describe here. The various beneficiaries ments such as lamp black, red and yellow occupants were growing hops since a of Cade’s will sold their shares either to ochre and blue and green verditer. deed of 1629 mentions a hop garden. each other or to others; none ever seems So who was responsible for commis- This was evidently a commercial to have been resident in the house. In the sioning these schemes? It has previously brewery, probably supplying the inn 1650s the entire property was being been suggested that it was one of Walter called The George which adjoined the leased by another brewer, Walsingham Cade’s heirs since that is consistent with property to the east. Heathfield; he may have lived in the their proposed date of 1620. Intriguingly, house but his will of 1671 indicates that a London painter-stainer called John The occupants of No. 43 High Street he also owned properties elsewhere. Vaughan is named as one of two apprais- An almost continuous series of property ers (or valuers) in a document dated 19 deeds survive for the building, held at The Reigate wall paintings January 1621 in which Simon Cade the Surrey History Centre in Woking. The walls and ceiling of the upper room transferred his share of the brewing Nevertheless, determining who lived in it were covered with what Richard Harris equipment to his brother, Andrew Cade. (as opposed to who owned or leased it) is described as a ‘vigorous’ painted decora- However, both men are described as problematic. In 1587 a London haber- tion: some areas had curvilinear black- living in London and there is nothing to dasher called Walter Cade leased part of on-white designs, whilst others had suggest that they ever lived in the house. the building and the brewery from brightly coloured foliage. As is typical The other appraiser was the brewer, Robert Thompson for a period of seven with wall paintings of this period, the Samuel Wilde, who by then was leasing years. At this date Cade’s residence was pattern extended over the timbers with- the entire building. Could he have described as being in the parish of St out interruption. In design they bear commissioned them? The most likely Martin Orgar in London; presumably the some resemblance to contemporary commissioner is Walter Cade himself. lease of the Reigate property was We know that he was living in the house acquired as an investment. At some point at the time of his death and although we subsequently Cade bought the entire do not know exactly when he bought it building and at the time of his death in the fact that he was able to lease the 1620 he was living there: in his will he brewery to Wilde in 1614 suggests that describes himself as ‘Walter Cade, citizen he owned it by then. Cade was a wealthy and haberdasher of London, now London merchant who not only would dwelling within the borough of Reigate’. have had the resources to build the In 1614 he had granted a lease of the extension and commission the paintings brewery to a local brewer, Samuel Wilde. but would also have been used to a This meant that at the time of his death high standard of interior design. His both men were legally ‘occupying’ the will is dated 30 December 1620; his premises although only one of them executors were granted probate on 4 (presumably Cade) was living there. January 1621. Perhaps John Vaughan was The property was left to Cade’s two already working on the scheme at the surviving sons, Simon and Andrew, to his time of Cade’s death. We will never daughter and son-in-law, Mary and know. Edward Hopegood and to his grandson, Walter Cade. His other daughter, Seventeenth-century domestic Elizabeth Souche or Sowche, was given Figure 3. View of the fireplace in the upper decoration an annuity of £10 as well as the ‘use and chamber (note: the overmantel has not The effect of the paintings when they occupation of the chamber next to the been replaced). were first executed would have been to

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historic buildings bedstead with its curtains and valance of would have enhanced the visual impact green and yellow say. In 1620 of the room in which they were located. Bermondsey widow Judith Rither Rither had ‘a needlework fine pin bequeathed a ‘tapestry coverlet’, ‘a pair of cushion’ (to keep the pins used to fasten needlework valances with bells’ and her clothes), ‘a pair of bellows wrought ‘another pair of needlework valances with alabaster and gilt’, ‘a great looking with red fringe’. And in 1656 Giles glass gilt’ and ‘mine own picture in a table Moore bought a set of striped curtains with children standing by’ (i.e. a panel and valance together with a ‘fine large painting of herself and her children). coverlet with birds and bucks’ from an Pickaies had a ‘fair plate of iron to stand ‘upholder’ or upholsterer in Chichester. in a chimney’ and a brass candlestick ‘that Upholstered chairs and stools, cushions, will hold nine candles’. furniture carpets and window curtains all A modern visitor to the upper room Figure 4. Detail of wall paintings recreated provided further opportunities for the from Reigate circa 1620 might find the by Wilm and Joy Huning. display of colourful and patterned tex- combination of colour, pattern and turn the upper room into a brightly tiles. Ann Pickaies bequeathed two ‘low’ texture overwhelming. But Walter Cade painted floral box. This is something that embroidered stools and a pair of chairs or whoever commissioned the wall any visitor to the room as it has been covered with green cloth; Judith Rither paintings would have found the room’s recreated at the museum can appreciate. bequeathed a ‘pair of embroidered appearance entirely in keeping not only However, without any contemporary cushions for stools’, ‘two needlework- with his own taste but with that of his furnishings the overall impact of the bordered green cupboard cloths’ and ‘five social peers. The room offered the occu- room as it would have been circa 1620 is pairs of curtains of red and green mock- pants a high level of domestic comfort lost. Colour, texture and pattern were all but as importantly it provided them with key elements of 17th century domestic an opportunity for social display. design and whilst there is limited infor- Opening the painted There is a considerable difference in mation in Walter Cade’s will about his room the type of material culture that would domestic furnishings and no probate have been on display in a house like this inventory, we can look at other sources to Following Danae Tankard’s new one from Reigate and that in an early suggest what they may have been. research on the house extension from 17th century rural house like Pendean. As an upper chamber the room prob- Reigate the museum is to open the Some of this can be attributed to wealth ably functioned both as a bedroom and as rooms to the public for the first time – Walter Cade was considerably wealthier a withdrawing room. Much of the furni- on certain days during the summer. than Richard Clare. But it can also be ture would have been decorated with The building – and the adjoining hall attributed to environment. As a small, carvings and it may also have been from Crawley – are usually for private modestly prosperous market town painted. Paints and stains could be use, so it’s difficult to be precise Reigate was not especially significant but applied across the wood or could be used about when they can be opened. But it was only about 23 miles from London to accent areas of carved work with the when we can this will be well sign- and therefore would have benefited from rest of the piece left uncoloured. They posted, and on those occasions visi- metropolitan trade connections. As well were also used to achieve imitative tors will be able to view the wall as enabling its wealthier inhabitants to finishes like wood graining (as we know paintings and discover more about participate in luxury consumption was done with the oak panelling in the the building. You can find it at the of London-manufactured or imported lower room) or marquetry. We tend to back of the medieval shop from goods this proximity also encouraged overlook the use of paint on 17th cen- Horsham behind the market square. social emulation. “In country solitude tury furniture because so little original there is little emulation,” wrote Nicholas paintwork survives. Moreover, whilst ado’ (a velvet-like fabric). In 1656 Giles Barbon in 1678. Whilst this might not be probate inventories list items of furniture Moore bought 3¾ yards of scarlet serge entirely true, the social mix of people they rarely provide any detail about their to make a ‘carpet’ for his livery cupboard, found in towns, including many who appearance. There are odd references to using what was left over to make himself derived their income from trade com- painted furniture in contemporary a new waistcoat. bined with more shopping opportunities, sources, however. For example, the The wills of Ann Pickaies and Judith inevitably meant that urban material household account book of Giles Moore, Rither attest to the richness and variety culture was more sophisticated than that rector of Horsted Keynes from 1656 to of smaller decorative objects, all of which of the countryside. 1679, records the purchase of three pieces of red and black furniture from a joiner in Lindfield in the 1650s: a trundle bed, a chest and a livery cupboard. A lot of the colour and pattern in the room would have been achieved through the use of textiles. The largest piece of furniture in the room would have been the bed, with four posts and a wooden canopy or ‘tester’. This would have been furnished with colourful and perhaps highly decorated curtains, valance and coverlet. In her will of 1608 Guildford widow Ann Pickaies bequeathed (amongst other things) ‘an old coverlet of Figure 5. The overmantel featuring the now highly-fragmented scene of St George and the black and yellow’ and a complete Dragon.

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news Museum Friends’ vital contribution

is vital in supplementing revenue income The Friends of the Museum from visitor admissions, the shop, catering makes a significant financial and training courses. The Friends’ funding comes in two contribution to the museum’s ways. A substantial grant is made towards day-to-day operation and a the costs of essential activities at the museum. This grant, for £170,000 in variety of projects and 2014, was paid in five instalments to assist activities. Last year’s grants the museum with core activities, including exhibit improvements, historic gardens amounted to £234,600, and development and maintenance, marketing because the Friends are now and publicity, horses and livestock, site maintenance, schools service, staff and vol- being run ‘in house’ by the unteer training and support for curatorial and collections activities. The second museum itself, an additional Friends’ grants have contributed towards tranche supports a variety of individual the cost of furnishing the museum’s £64,000 will be handed over projects and last year totalled £64,606. It buildings – this is at Tindalls Cottage. to be used on development comprises: projects. Rare Breeds Show £10,000 Patching of thatch £2,500 sponsorship Wattle and daub £5,412 Since its establishment in 1970 the Friends Interpretation £6,000 Bayleaf farmhouse painted £5,751 has grant-aided the museum to the tune of Historic Clothing Project £3,500 cloth some £2.75 million. It remains one of the Cottage furnishings £2,000 New telephone system £8,866 largest museum Friends groups in the Repairs and maintenance £1,750 Greg Wallace dinner event £17,572 country, with some 4,350 members, repre- Titchfield market hall full survey £1,255 profit senting more than 9,500 individuals. Independent charitable museums like the Weald & Downland receive no direct See page 30 for more information about ities are available on the museum website, and Government funding and the Friends’ help the Friends. Full details of the Friends’ activ- to join the Friends contact 01243 811893. Historic Clothing IN BRIEF Day – 27 OUR VISITOR ATTENDANCES Until the Christmas Market in mid- November, our attendances had shown a September modest increase on last year of just over The museum is holding a Historic 4,000 visitors. Attendance was good at this very popular event but it was Clothing Day on 27 September – a day affected by adverse weather and of talks exploring aspects of clothing numbers were reduced. As a result our history from c 1500 to c 1900. This is the figures for the season were identical with fourth in our annual series of study 2013, at 120,000. Attendance at events days. Subjects covered during the day remains fairly constant, but our half term include Henry VIII’s wardrobe; fashion in and Wonderful Wednesday activities face late 17th century Sussex; 18th and early increased competition from the many 19th century dress and accessories from organisations who have in recent years the Olive Matthews Collection, Chertsey followed our lead. Changes in the Museum; the dress of the 19th century National Schools Curriculum are having poor, and our own Historic Clothing an effect and there has been a drop in Friends’ visits. However, on the positive Project. Our specialist speakers are side we have seen a small increase in our Professor Maria Hayward from the ‘core’ day visits which is an area we have University of Southampton; the museum’s social historian, Dr Danae Tankard; Grace Evans, been working hard to improve on. We keeper of costume at Chertsey Museum; Dr Vivienne Richmond from Goldsmiths, University anticipate that over the next two years of London; and historic clothing designer, Barbara Painter. There will be time during lunch the construction of the Gateway Project and at the end of the day to explore displays and demonstrations around the site. The work will affect attendances, but we will be of the museum’s Historic Clothing Project will be on display together with a series of new maintaining a ‘business as usual contemporary art works that it has inspired, created by three artists from the Department approach’ and encourage our visitors to of Fine Art at the University of Chichester. The series of talks is pre-ticketed: £50 for adults take an active interest in the project’s and £40 for museum Friends. Contact 01243 811464 or email courses@ wealddown.co.uk. development – it’s going to be very Pictured is replica clothing c. 1630 made by the Historic Clothing Project. exciting!

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WHAT’S ON 2015

vehicles didn’t start at the turn of a key! This MARCH wonderful event will showcase a huge selection of 15 MOTHERING SUNDAY (reduced classic, vintage and steam vehicles. With vintage entry – £5) music, themed tea tent, local crafts, traditional The perfect way to celebrate this special day, which demonstrations and continuous arena displays also marks the start of our season. Enjoy the spring throughout the weekend. weather with discounted entry for all, plus a 27-31 WOODYARD AND CHARCOAL complimentary traditional posy for mothers and WEEKEND grandmothers! For five days the traditional early 20th century earth 15-20 HISTORIC CLOTHING clamp will be built, tended and then dismantled on EXHIBITION Bank Holiday Monday. Woodland management An exhibition of authentic traditional clothes created demonstrations will also be held throughout the as part of our Historic Clothing Project. event. APRIL SEPTEMBER 3-6 THE MUSEUM AT EASTER 5-6 BREWING & HARVESTING Join us to celebrate Easter as our rural forebears did. WEEKEND See some of the houses prepared for Easter and join An introduction to traditional brewing skills – in the bonnet making and parade on Easter Monday. transforming barley and hops into ale and beer – and 3-17 EASTER HOLIDAYS using other produce harvested in our traditional fields and gardens. A lovely time to visit the Museum and enjoy our carpets of flowers, new-born lambs, horses at work 8 WOMEN’S INSTITUTE CENTENARY and other spring treats. EVENT 11-12 SHEPHERDING & SHEPHERDS’ Singleton and East Dean Women’s Institute (WI) HUTS was the first Women’s Institute formed in England. The Museum will host their celebrations with This event focuses on shepherds’ huts and their demonstrations of the Women’s Institute’s work agricultural applications, also encompassing the skills, over the century. traditions and culture of the downland shepherds. The character and charm of these huts has made them 21-27 NARRATIVE CLOTH EXHIBITION incredibly popular as modern, moveable spaces and Original artwork inspired by the replica clothing made inspirational new builds will be on display. by the Museum’s Historic Clothing Project and our academic research on 17th century rural clothing. MAY 3-4 FOOD & FOLK FESTIVAL OCTOBER The very best of the South East’s produce, crafts, 10-11 AUTUMN COUNTRYSIDE SHOW books and plants will be showcased at our spring Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the event. Cookery classes both days, demonstrations, countryside at harvest time. Take a step back in time tasty samples to try and buy, traditional folk music, and see heavy horses ploughing the fields, vintage dancing and storytelling. tractors at work and steam-powered threshing 15-16 MUSEUM AT NIGHT (ticketed) demonstrations. Watch woodland and rural craft Join us from 8.30pm for a guided walk around the demonstrations, as well as thatching and traditional Museum and find out what the hours of dusk and competitions through the weekend. There is also a darkness meant to country folk in the past. chance to browse and buy gifts with a countryside theme at the many craft and trade stands. 25-29 SPRING HALF-TERM FAMILY ACTIVITIES 26-30 AUTUMN HALF-TERM FAMILY Make the most of long days and fine May weather ACTIVITIES with a huge range of arts, crafts, games and activities Wonderful seasonal activities and fun for families. based in and around the countryside. Suitable for all Play conkers, make a mini Guy Fawkes and much more. ages. Under cover if wet. NOVEMBER JUNE 14-15 CHRISTMAS MARKET (reduced 19 THE ENGLISH OAK CONFERENCE entry) This conference celebrates the oak – the most noble Reduced entry for all and free admission to Museum of English trees – exploring the taxonomy and range Friends. Browse over 130 stands selling local arts, of oak species, growing oak, the conservation of crafts, food and unusual Christmas gifts. Festive music structural oak, its use in architecture (both past and and plenty of seasonal food including hot chestnuts, present), plus the myths surrounding the oak tree. hog roast and other tasty treats. 20-21 WOOD SHOW 19 RARE & TRADITIONAL BREEDS SHOW Since the 1980s a wood theme has formed part of This year the Museum celebrates the 30th anniversary DECEMBER many different shows at the Museum. Due to popular since the first Rare Breeds Show was held on 21 July 6 TREE DRESSING demand a two-day event will be held to celebrate the 1985. The event boasts some magnificent rare breed A magical occasion for all the family celebrating the many traditional uses of wood. The weekend will animals together with old time farm favourites importance of trees in our lives. Join in traditional include a range of wood craft demonstrations, a including pygmy goats and friendly-faced alpacas. With songs and dances. Bring a jam jar and turn it into working wood yard, teams of heavy horses carrying prizes at stake and classes for young handlers, it’s one a lantern, then join the procession illuminated by out forestry tasks, exhibitors and displays. From the of the biggest shows of its kind in the South East. hundreds of lanterns and dress the trees as darkness Museum’s own timber-framed buildings to crafted falls. bowls, furniture, tools, toys and wooden products AUGUST there will be plenty to see, do and purchase. 26-28 MUSEUM AT CHRISTMAS 2 WILLIAM COBBETT WALK (ticketed) Traditionally decorated houses reflect the spirit of This four-mile walk follows the route taken by farmer Christmas throughout the ages – from Medieval JULY and radical journalist William Cobbett on his Rural to Edwardian times. Period music, historical 3-5 HISTORIC GARDENS WEEKEND Ride through East Dean to Singleton, 202 years ago demonstrations, traditional food and drink, plus Through guided tours, talks and demonstrations in our today. Tea and short talk afterwards. Tickets £15 each. crackling open log fires will bring history to life so six period gardens, discover the herbs, vegetables and 5,12,19,26 WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS visitors can discover how our rural ancestors flowers that rural households would have grown and Join us for a day of hands-on countryside skills, crafts, celebrated Christmas. used from Tudor times right up to the Victorian era. activities and games. Suitable for all ages. Under cover 29 December-1 January 2016 SPECIAL 10-12 FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY if wet. OPENING WEEKEND 15-16 VINTAGE & STEAM The Museum is open until New Year’s Day. Enjoy a As part of the British Festival of Archaeology, the The Vintage & Steam event at the Weald & Downland stroll around our 40-acre site and see the buildings Museum will be displaying an exhibition on local Open Air Museum will appeal to anyone who wants to decorated in traditional greenery – the perfect way to archaeology. experience a taste of life 80 years ago when some walk off any festive indulgences!

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schools services

History Gang members arriving for the summer camp. Our new youth group, the History Gang, has completed its first year. The members, History Gang – year 1! aged 8-11, met for the first time in January 2014 and have enjoyed a huge range of activities. These include games and getting to know each other; trying their hand at you and the team for all your time and effort in blacksmithing and milling; having a go at running such interesting and enjoyable History wattle and daub; creating lino print Easter Gang sessions . . . My son has thoroughly enjoyed cards; meeting the Tudor Group; making each and every session this year, especially the diver- bread and butter (and eating it); inter- sity of the activities in such a lovely location, as well viewing the Museum Director: learning as the chance to sleep over in the summer! He is historic dances; getting to grips with really looking forward to starting up again in the woodland skills; understanding, caring for new year.” Parent of History Gang member and enjoying the museum; helping out at We held a competition and the winning the stables, and making willow Christmas entries are from Hannah (poem), Harry decorations. In the summer holidays we (photo of Harry the cat) and Ollie (poem). had a weekend camp, packed with activi- Well done! ties and having fun as a group! For more information please contact us “Working as a volunteer with the History on 01243 811459 or email education@ Gang is great fun! We help to organise a wide wealddown.co.uk range of activities including cooking, dancing, exploring the museum exhibits, working with the *Harry’s photo of the cat. . . He’s on this horses and generally enjoying the site.” Katrina page somewhere (see if you can find him!) The History Gang meets the Tudor Group. “I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank

Arts Awards Development Examining the evidence – a new workshop for Hub KS2, KS3 or KS4 Regular readers of this magazine will have seen many articles outlining the research which underpins our understanding and interpretation of our historic buildings. One of our new workshops enables pupils to act as historians by sorting information, analysing real sources and ranking their relative importance. We discuss the different The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum possible interpretations of the information – and of course part of the time is spent has been working in partnership with other in the historic building that we’ve been discussing. local cultural organisations to support and develop Arts Awards in our area. They are Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Festival Bread and butter! production, such as what is available from Theatre, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Pallant the hedgerows and the resource of the House Gallery and The Novium. As a group Pupils who visit the museum are told that woodlands, and explore our homes we’ve been undertaking training and sharing a large part of the diet of someone who through the ages to understand how information about what each organisation can lived in our homes would have been people lived. Of course a visit to our bread, with some sort of thick soup (‘briw’ best offer, as the skills covered in the awards working watermill is another key element in the Anglo-Saxon period, ‘pottage’ in the mean ‘arts’ in a very wide context – including, to the story and our millers are always Tudor period). But rather than just thinking happy to explain their work! for example, the heritage crafts and traditional about bread – we learn more and have skills we promote here at the museum. Various more fun by making, and then eating it! programmes which involve Arts Awards are One of our new sessions, introduced in already underway including Shakespeare Week response to the new National Curriculum, (run with Chichester Festival Theatre) in takes a look at food through the ages and March. The venture one element includes making bread and is supported by cooking it over an open fire on a griddle. At Artswork (South the museum we can show the process East Bridge). Any- from field to plate. At any time of year we one interested in finding out more can email go out to see what we can find happening us at [email protected] in the fields and explore other links to food Cooking bread on a griddle over an open fire.

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schools services Building Blocks workshop Teachers are invited to bring up to two Would you like to work guests. Pre-booking is essential – please contact us on 01243 811459 or email in heritage, crafts, trades [email protected] or countryside skills? Join us at the Weald & Shakespeare Week Downland Careers Forum on (16-21 March) Friday 16 October Following the suc- cess of our involve- ment in the first national Shakespeare Week, led by the Shakespeare Inside the new model of Poplar Cottage. Birthplace Trust in 2014, we are one of their national partners this year. From There’s a new addition to our established 16-19 March we’re running activities at Building Blocks workshop, in the form the museum for KS2 and KS3 groups in of a beautiful model of Poplar Cottage. partnership with Chichester Festival Explore work and career options in an Bob Broth erhood, one of the museum’s informal environment, focusing on four Theatre, and on 21 March we will have ‘Tuesday Gang’, agreed to take up the some simple drop-in Shakespeare themed fields: traditional trades, historic crafts, challenge to make a scale model of a skills used in countryside management activities for families. You can find out more building that we could use as a learning through the schools news page on our and working in the heritage sector. resource. In time there will be a modern Whether you are investigating training website or contact us on 01243 811459, equivalent alongside it. We hope you’ll email [email protected] or study options, looking for your first agree that it looks really good! job, thinking about changing careers, or investigating on behalf of your child or partner, there will be lots to interest Teacher preview day – School Friends you. There will not be a formal Saturday 21 March Stop Press! In 2015 we are programme of presentations but the introducing a new membership museum team will help facilitate Come and find out what we offer schools discussion, and representatives of and college groups on Saturday 21 for schools – for details of all the various organisations and individuals March. On this informal day there is a benefits check our website at with interesting experiences will be chance for you to explore the museum, http://www.wealddown.co.uk/ there to share their knowledge. talk to members of our learning team learn/schools/, contact us on Confirmed organisations attending about a potential visit, find out more 01243 811459 or email so far include: about our range of museum-led work- [email protected] Arts Council The Heritage shops and enjoy some homemade cake! England Alliance Arts Works (Arts The Institute of Awards) Conservation Dementia-friendly museum walks with afternoon tea Association of The Masons Guilds of Weavers, Company As part of the Chichester District Living with Dementia Festival running for Spinners & Dyers Charitable Trust eight weeks from mid-April to mid-June 2015 we are offering a series of short Building Crafts The Society for the walks with afternoon tea. College Protection of Thursday 16 April – Guided tour of the Downland Gridshell building, our Chichester College Ancient Buildings conservation workshop, and the artefact store (Brinsbury Transition Campus) Wednesday 30 April – Guided tour of selected buildings around the market square. Chichester Churches Short walking distance, outdoor clothing necessary. The Green Oak Conservation Trust Carpentry Thursday 7 May – Tudor apothecary: learn about the use of herbs, the role of the E A Chiverton Ltd Company apothecary and how people had access to medicine in Tudor England. Museums Volunteer now! Tuesday 19 May – Guided tour of the Downland Gridshell building, our conservation Association (part of Voluntary workshop, and the artefact store. National Heritage Action Arun and Saturday 30 May – Tour of Tudor Training Group Chichester) buildings at the museum. Fairly short walking National Trust Worshipful distance, outdoor clothing necessary. SE Museum Company of Development Plumbers’ All start at 2.30pm and last for 45-60 Programme Plumbing Museum minutes. Tea/coffee and cake are served South Downs Worshipful at the end of the session. Cost £3. National Park Company of Pre-booking essential. Please contact Authority Marketors [email protected] or phone 01243 For more information and to book your 811021 place check out our website from April. The festival is being coordinated by Chichester If you are interested in bringing a Festival Theatre, with support from Chichester group please get in touch by email: District Council. At the time of going to print [email protected] full festival details had not yet been published.

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 19 W&D Spring 2015 ad pages_W&D Spring 2012 ad pages 20/02/2015 15:21 Page 20

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courses 30th anniversary Museum’s award-winning course Rare Breeds programme for 2015 Show – 19 July! Historic building Conference 2015 – The conservation courses British Oak The 2015 programme has been very well The museum’s conference for 2015 is The received and numerous courses are selling British Oak which will be a stimulating day well. There are some exciting new offerings! for anyone with an interest in this magnificent The Architecture series encompasses tree. The day will be chaired by Archie Miles, building types that were developed in the author of The British Oak published in Gloriana of the Victorian era and focuses October 2013, who will introduce all the on buildings for methods of Transport, contributing experts. The full programme is buildings to support the Justice system, on the museum’s website. It will take place buildings at the Seaside and those to do on 19 June, the day before the Wood with Entertainment and Public Services. Show (20/21 June) which makes its return There will also be a day on Icehouses and to the museum after a break of several It’s 30 years since the museum first the technologies they used. A course which years. staged its ever-popular Rare Breeds joins the Energy conservation day school is Show. This delightful and intimate Damp and historic buildings which will explore the significance of moisture and its Traditional rural trades agricultural show hosts one of the implications on the future of the fabric of South’s biggest gatherings of farm and crafts buildings. The Brooking Collection will feature animals. Visitors can get up close to in a two-day course Understanding and As well as repeats of many of our perennial hundreds of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats repairing the small 18th century house. days and longer courses there are plenty of and poultry – traditional breeds shown new ones to interest people who want to Early woodworking specialist Damian have a go at something fresh. To in a wide range of classes and Goodburn is coming back with two add to the Rush hat and the culminating in a grand parade. There’s day schools looking at very early Gift Rush bag courses we now the opportunity to chat to their owners, technologies from the have Make a rush mat for as well as visit craft and trade stands Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze vouchers – those who like working with on countryside themes. The show is and Iron Ages through to the this material. Some new end of Roman Britain. Buy them for family and supported once again by the Friends of textile days are on offer, Damian has contributed to friends towards course the Museum. including Medieval the research and planning for fees. Call 01243 811021 appliqué, Making Dorset our forthcoming reconstructed or email courses@ buttons, Nålbinding, a Saxon Hall and the second of wealddown.co.uk technique of knotting used by his days, Saxon treewrights the Vikings to make socks and IN BRIEF and the buildings they built will mittens, and another variation on show how archaeological evidence was Stumpwork. used for the project. Other people, perhaps grandparents who OPEN AIR PERFORMANCES FOR On the aesthetic side there are two new THE NEW SEASON! want to get ahead for Christmas and who linked days providing an Introduction to enjoy handicrafts, might like to join the Former museum volunteer Zoe Hinks’ woodgraining and Introduction to Wooden toy-making days or Making both theory and practice will be Sabotage Theatre, which travels with a marbling – countryside dolls. To join the experience in covered. gypsy caravan pulled by a draught the Southwater Forge, Irons in the fire, we are now offering a where horse, will bring Owlers to the museum Mill experience participants will spend a morning learning all on 31 May. A new play exploring the about our 400-year-old mill from Lurgashall Church of England's involvement with and have a go at milling a bag of flour to take Free Trade following the demise of the home. notorious Aldington Gang, and inspired by real historical events and local Bursaries folklore, this is a tale of rebellion, The Midhurst Society committee is to make smuggling and the sea. Then, in the a grant to the museum to provide bursaries summer, open air theatre company to assist people who live and/or work in Heartbreak Productions will bring two Midhurst and its environs to undertake practical training ‘in a conservation-related very different plays to the museum subject directed to the repair or restoration of within one week. Shakespeare’s Love’s heritage property’. Details will be published Labour’s Lost will take place in the Jowl posts workshop. on the museum’s website in February. early evening on 27 August followed by David Walliams’ Mr Stink on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August, COURSE ENQUIRIES a real treat for all the family before All course enquiries should be made to the Lifelong Learning Department. Tel: 01243 811021. Email: [email protected]. Website: school starts again! Book at www.wealddown.co.uk. Leaflets can be posted or emailed on request www.wealddown.co.uk/whats-on and bookings can be made over the phone by credit or debit card.

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 21 P. 22-24_P. 3- 20/02/2015 15:15 Page 22

courses 2015

Historic Building Conservation Courses 2015

Historic timber framing: modern Timber decay & its treatment Tool sharpening: the cutting Repair of traditionally constructed engineering solutions 9.30am–5pm edge brickwork 9.30am–5pm Leader: Brian Ridout 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Leaders: David Yeomans & Jim Blackburn Wednesday 10 June £110 Leader: Philip Hodge Leader: Gerard Lynch Monday 9 March £110 Saturday–Sunday 29–30 August Tuesday 29 September–Thursday An introduction to strawbale 1 October £350 Recording vernacular buildings for building £210 conservation 9.30am–5pm Practical architectural Home owners’ days Day one: imposing a grid. Leader: Barbara Jones ceramics Home owners’ day one Thursday 12 March £100 Saturday 13 June 400 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Day two: observing and sketching. £75 Leader: Amy Frankie Leader: Kevin Stubbs years – Saturday 3 October £80 Thursday 19 March £100 Smith An introduction to Monday 7 Home owners’ day two Day three: studio techniques. timber repairs The age of Lurgashall September £110 9.30am–5pm Thursday 26 March £100 9.30am–5pm Mill where you Leader: Kevin Stubbs Leader: Richard Harris. All three days Leader: Joe can learn about Leaded light Saturday 31 October £80 9.30am–5pm Thompson stained glass Book both days for a discounted price (£240 if all three days are booked Monday–Wednesday milling for a restoration of £130. together) 15–17 June £325 morning 10am–4pm Practical thatching Oak timber framing: jowl posts Leader: David Lilly History of wall-coverings 9.30am–5pm 9am–5pm Wednesday 9 September Leader: Chris Tomkins Leader: Joe Thompson 9.30am–5pm Leader: Treve Rosoman £110 Thursday 8 October £150 Monday–Friday 16–20 March £520 Tuesday 16 June £110 Lime mortars for traditional Flint walling FULL brickwork 9.30am–5pm Conference: The British Oak Monday–Friday 21–25 September 9.30am–5pm Leaders: Mark Middleton & Chris Rosier 9.30am-4.45pm £520 Leader: Gerard Lynch The day will be chaired by Archie Tuesday–Wednesday 17–18 Oak timber framing: wall framing Miles, author of The British Oak Monday 28 September £110 November £270 9am–5pm published in October 2013, who will Leader: Joe Thompson introduce all the contributing experts. Architecture series: transport, justice, seaside, Monday–Friday 13–17 April £520 Full programme on the website. Monday–Friday 23–27 November Friday 19 June £85 (£60 for students) entertainment and public service £520 Historic lime plasters & renders Good architecture can be defined as being “beautiful, durable and useful”. Oak timber framing: roof framing 9.30am–5pm The Victorian and Edwardian surveyors, engineers and architects managed to 9am–5pm Leaders: Jeff Orton & Tim Ratcliffe achieve this successfully on a wide range of building types, using new and Leader: Joe Thompson traditional construction materials for an increasingly larger, better educated and Tuesday–Wednesday 23–24 June £230 Monday–Friday 11–15 May £520 wealthier population. Many of their magnificent designs are still with us today, Monday–Friday 18–22 January 2016 Lime plastering some still fulfilling their original function, others successfully converted to new £520 9.30am–5pm uses. These days will be led by experts who have a passion for these specific Leader: George Terry buildings that they want to share. £100 each day, all five £350. Repair of timber framed buildings Thursday 25 June £110 9.30am–5pm Day one: Leaders: Richard Harris & Joe Thompson Fire & historic buildings Transport Tuesday 24 March £110 9.30am–5pm This day will follow Leaders: Steve Emery, Marjorie chronologically the Introduction to dating timber- Sanders & Roger Angold development of framed buildings in the South-East 9.30am–5pm Thursday 25 June £110 buildings in Leader: Joe Thompson response to A practical introduction to sign changing modes of Friday 24 April £110 writing transport; canals, 9.30am–5pm Understanding & repairing the railways and roads. Leader: Wayne Osborne small 18th century house 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Tuesday 30 June £110 Leaders: Alan Leaders: Stephen Bull & Charles Limewash, distemper & linseed- Johnson & John Brooking based paints: a practical workshop Minnis The filling station at Benson, Oxon. Wednesday–Thursday 29–30 April 9.30am–5pm Wednesday £210 Leader: Sibylle Heil 20 May Energy conservation in traditional Thursday 2 July £110 buildings Day two: Justice The justice system in this country has always felt that The roofing square the buildings in which justice is carried out should reflect the importance of 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm the jobs in hand. 9.30am–5pm Leader: Richard Oxley Leader: Joe Thompson Leaders: Susie Barson & Allan Brodie Wednesday 6 May £110 Wednesday 8 July £110 Friday 5 June Damp and historic buildings An introduction to woodgraining 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Day three: Seaside The British seaside is an iconic image in many Leader: Duncan Philips Leader: Paul Bailey people’s minds and conjures up all sorts of thoughts, but how did the special Tuesday 19 May £110 Monday 13 July £80 features of the architecture of this genre develop. 9.30am–5pm English brickwork: Tudor to Leader: Geoffrey Mead Edwardian An introduction to marbling Thursday 11 June 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Leader: Gerard Lynch Leader: Paul Bailey Day four: Entertainment This day will cover the vast number of Monday 1 June £110 Tuesday 14 July £80 theatres and music halls built in Victorian and Edwardian eras and the buildings designed to accommodate a new medium – the cinema. 9.30am–5pm Jointing, pointing & re-pointing Building technology before the saw Leaders: Richard Gray & Tim Healey historic brickwork & the ruler 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Thursday 18 June Leader: Gerard Lynch Leader: Damian Goodburn Day five: Public Service A huge variety of buildings house facilities Friday 7 August £80 Tuesday–Wednesday 2–3 June which serve the needs of the public: this day will try to enlighten the £230 Saxon treewrights & the buildings participants on some of these; gasholder, fire stations, pumping stations Icehouses they built and civic halls. 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–5pm Leaders: Malcolm Tucker, Bill Reading, David Eve & Ed Fagan Leader: Tim Buxbaum Leader: Damian Goodburn Tuesday 23 June Thursday 4 June £110 Friday 21 August £80

Details of the full programme of courses for 2015 are available on the museum’s website, www.wealddown.co.uk. Alternatively, if you would like a brochure by post please ring 01243 811021.

22 Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 P. 22-24_P. 3- 20/02/2015 15:15 Page 23

courses 2015

Traditional Rural Trade & Craft Courses 2015

Traditional English longbow Medieval appliqué NEW Mill experience NEW Historic quilting day 9.30am–5pm 10am–4.30pm 9.30am–12.30pm 10am–5pm Leader: John Rhyder Leader: Tanya Bentham Leaders: Museum Millers Leader: Norma McCrory Friday–Sunday 6–8 March £260 Saturday 18 April £75 Monday 27 April £45 Sunday 17 May £55 FULL A walk through the woods Monday 11 May £45 Herbs, humours and astrology NEW Friday–Sunday 2–4 October £260 Starts at 2pm and finishes with tea Monday 18 May £45 9.30am–4.30pm and cake. Leader: Christina Stapley Spinning: preparation and the drop Leader: Jonathan Roberts Bark basketry Friday 22 May £60 spindle 9.30am–4pm 10am–4pm Saturday 18 April £15 Charcoal burning using a Leader: John Rhyder Leader: Steve Kennett traditional earth kiln Woven tapestry weekend Friday 1 May £65 FULL Monday 9 March £55 10am–4pm 9.30am–1.30pm (Saturday) Saturday 24 October £55 Leader: Hilary Charlesworth Leader: Jonathan Roberts Animal tracking and trailing Saturday–Sunday 18–19 April £95 Saturday 23 May £50 9am–4pm Spinning: an introduction to the Woodland herbs NEW Exploring early medieval Leader: John Rhyder wheel 9.30am–4.30pm embroidery and art: needle worked 10am–4pm Saturday 2 May £75 Leader: Christina Stapley Leader: Steve Kennett medieval beasties NEW Saturday 23 May £60 FULL Tuesday 10 March £55 10am–4.30pm Driving heavy horses Sunday 25 October £55 Leader: Tanya Bentham 10am–3.30pm Medieval tile making Sunday 19 April £75 Leader: Mark Buxton 9.30am–5pm Learn to crochet Leader: Karen Slade Care, management and harnessing Thursday 7 May £90 9.30am–4.30pm Sunday 24 May £125 of heavy horses Sunday 24 May £90 Leader: Rose Savage 10am–3.30pm Thursday 11 June £90 Tudor fyshe cookery Saturday 21 March £55 Leader: Mark Buxton Sunday 28 June £90 10am–4pm Leader: Lesley Parker Leaded-light stained glass Sunday 19 April £90 Sunday 24 May £60 9am–5pm Willow garden supports Rag-rugging workshop Leader: David Lilly 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–4pm Stone carving: Celtic knot Saturday 21 March £110 Leader: Ganesh Bruce Kings or Elaine Leader: Linda Chivers 9.30am–5pm Sunday 22 March £110 Kings Friday 8 May £55 Leader: Will Spankie Sunday 19 April £110 Friday 24 July £55 Saturday 30 May £80 Horse logging 10am–3.30pm Letter cutting in stone 9.30am–5pm Leaders: Robert Sampson & Courses Re-visited exhibition – 14/15 March Leader: Will Spankie Mark Buxton Sunday 31 May £80 Sunday 22 March £90 On 14/15 March we are holding an exhibition celebrating Flax to linen Sussex trug making workshop the courses that we run and how they have inspired 10am–4pm 9.30am–4.30pm people. We will feature work from course tutors and past Leader: Cathy Flower-Bond Leaders: Robin Tuppen & Sunday 31 May £55 Chris Tuppen participants — which is where we need your help! We Woodcut printing: historic Saturday–Sunday 28–29 March would like you to enter something that you have made on buildings £140 FULL 9.30am–4.30pm Saturday–Sunday 1–2 August £140 a course or been inspired to make after attending one. It Leader: Will Dyke can be anything – wood, textiles, ironwork, paintings or Saturday 6 June £65 Hand smocked sampler Countryside dolls NEW 10.30am– 4.30pm even photographs of a course in progress. For more 10.30am–4.30pm Wendy Tuppen information and an entry form please call 01243 811021 Leader: Wendy Tuppen Sunday 29 March £55 FULL or email [email protected]. Saturday 6 June £50 Victorian cleaning Using and setting up your new 10am–4pm table loom 10am–4pm Leader: Ruth Goodman Introduction to pole lathe turning Introduction to traditional dairying Leader: Val Conway Date to be confirmed £60 9.30am–4.30pm 10am–4pm~ Leader: Mark Allery Leader: Cathy Flower-bond Saturday–Sunday 6–7 June £95 Historic cheese making Saturday 25 April £60 FULL Saturday 9 May £60 Make a traditional hand-sewn book 10am–4pm 9.30am–4.30pm Leader: Ruth Goodman Sunday 26 April £60 Museums at Night Leader: Gaynor Williams Date to be confirmed £60 FULL Friday 4 September £60 Saturday 5 September £60 8.45pm–11pm Sunday 7 June £60 Leaders: Museum staff Stumpwork embroidery: dragonfly Beekeeping for beginners Pole lathe turning workshop: 10.30am–4.30pm Friday 15 May £15 9.30am–4pm improve your green woodworking Saturday 16 May £15 Leader: Caroline Vincent Leaders: Christine Stevens & skills Sunday 7 June £55 Emma O’Driscoll 9.30am–4.30pm Saturday 11 April £50 Hand shearing The medieval medicine chest Leader: Mark Allery 10am–4pm Sunday 6 September £60 10am–4pm Nålbinding or single needle knitting Leader: Phil Hart Leader: Cathy Flower-Bond 10am–4pm Tudor farmhouse day in Bayleaf Saturday 16 May £60 Saturday 13 June £60 Leader: Judith Ressler 10am–4pm Patchwork for busy people Learn to mow using a scythe Sunday 12 April £55 Leader: Lesley Parker 9.30am–4pm 9.30am–4.30pm Saturday 25 April £60 Leader: Linda Chivers Irons in the fire Leader: Mark Allery Saturday 13 June £55 9am–5pm Deer preparation and butchery Saturday 16 May £60 Leader: Martin Fox 9.30am–4pm Saturday 11 July £60 Meet the Rose family – form, Friday 17 April £90 FULL Leader: Dominic Strutt fragrance and flavour NEW Saturday 18 April £90 FULL Sunday 26 April £75 FULL Willow workshop: weave and wale 9.30am–4.30pm Leader: Christina Stapley Friday 22 May £90 FULL Sunday 8 November £75 FULL a basket Thursday 18 June £60 Saturday 23 May £90 FULL 9am–5pm Dowsing day Leader: Deborah Albon Herbs in the stillroom Friday 24 July £90 FULL 10am–4pm Saturday 16 May £70 9.30am–4.30pm Saturday 19 September £90 FULL Leader: Pete Redman Saturday 11 July £70 Leader: Christina Stapley Sunday 26 April £50 FULL Make a Pyecombe style crook Friday 19 June £60 9am–5pm Make a shave horse NEW Skep making Natural dyeing Leader: Martin Fox 9.30am–4.30pm 10am–4pm 10am–4pm Saturday 25 July £90 Leader: Mark Allery Leader: Derek Slee Leader: Lesley Parker Friday 18 September £90 Monday 27 April £80 FULL Saturday–Sunday 16–17 May £90 Wednesday 24 June £55 FULL ▲

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 23 P. 22-24_P. 3- 20/02/2015 15:15 Page 24

courses 2015 Traditional Rural Trade & Craft Courses 2015

▲ Carve a wooden bowl Deciphering old documents NEW Weave a rush mat NEW Tudor brewing and baking 9am–5pm 10am–4pm 9.30am–5pm 10am–4pm. Leaders: Jess Jay & John Vardon Leader: Caroline Adams Leader: Rachel Frost Leader: Lesley Parker Saturday 27 June £65 Friday 24 July £80 Tuesday 18 August £60 Saturday 3 October £60 Make a felt hat Stumpwork: needlelace and wire Bronze age metalwork Traditional wooden rake making 10am–4pm techniques NEW 9am–6pm 9.30am–4.30pm Leader: Hilary Charlesworth 9.30am–4pm Leader: Will Lord Leader: Mark Allery Saturday 27 June £55 Leader: Caroline Vincent Saturday–Sunday 22–23 August Saturday 3 October £60 Sunday 26 July £55 £250 FULL Natural navigation walk Inkle loom weaving Starts at 2pm and finishes with tea Prehistoric tool making workshop Coracle making 10am–4pm and cake. 9.30am–5pm 9.30am–4.30pm Leader: Steve Kennett Leader: Tristan Gooley Leaders: John & Val Lord Leaders: Kevin & Ellen Grimley Saturday–Sunday 3–4 October £95 Saturday 27 June £20 Saturday–Sunday 1–2 August £100 Saturday–Sunday 22–23 August Botanical illustration: the autumn £250 FULL garden Peg loom weaving Mowing with an English scythe NEW 10am–4pm 10am–4pm Mediterranean herbs – legacy of 9.30am–4.30pm Leader: Leigh Ann Gale Leaders: Hilary Charlesworth & Leader: Mark Allery the Roman occupation NEW 9.30am–4.30pm Sunday 18 October £60 Sam St Clair-Ford Sunday 2 August £60 Sunday 5 July £55 Leader: Christina Stapley Weekend wood carving course William Cobbett walk Friday 28 August £60 9am–5pm Birds of prey experience Starting at 2pm, finishing with tea Bat walk Leader: Jess Jay & John Vardon 10am–4pm and cake. Starts at 7.15pm, finishes with hot drinks. Saturday–Sunday 24–25 October £130 Leader: Ray Prior Leaders: Museum Director Richard Leader: Sue Harris Tuesday 7 July £75 Pailthorpe & other staff members Introduction to chair making Friday 28 August £10 Tuesday 4 August £75 Sunday 2 August £15 9.30am–4.30pm Herbs in healthcare – a focus on Leader: Mervyn Mewis herbal antibiotics Saturday 31 October £75 FULL 9.30am–4.30pm Ploughing with heavy horses Leader: Christina Stapley 10am–3.30pm Saturday 29 August £60 Leaders: John McDermott, Robert Tool sharpening: the cutting edge Sampson & Mark Buxton 9.30am–5pm Saturday 31 October £90 Leader: Philip Hodge Sunday 1 November £90 Saturday–Sunday 29–30 August £210 Sunday 22 November £90 A history of knitting from the Tudor Small game preparation and butchery period onwards 9.30am–4pm 10am–4pm Leader: Dominic Strutt Leader: Ruth Goodman Sunday 1 November £75 FULL Date to be confirmed £60 FULL Introduction to coppice Georgian farmhouse day in Tindalls management cottage 9.30am–4pm 10am–4pm Leaders: Jonathan Roberts & Vic Smith Leader: Lesley Parker Saturday 7 November £50 Tuesday 1 September £60 Make a hazel stool with a woven Shooting the traditional longbow willow seat Bronze Age metal work. 10am–5pm 9am–5pm Leader: Jonathan Davies Leader: John Waller Saturday 5 September £50 Saturday 7 November £70 Textile jewellery Prehistoric pottery Sunday 6 September £50 9.30am–4pm Leader: Alison Sandeman Tudor bakehouse: pies and pastries Corn dolly workshop 10am–4pm Leader: Linda Chivers Sunday 2 August 10am–5pm Leader: Lesley Parker Friday 10 July £55 Pot making Leader: Verna Bailey Saturday 7 November £60 Botanical illustration: the cottage (9.30am–5pm) Sunday 6 September £50 Print your own woodcut Christmas garden Saturday 8 August Learn knife skills and carve a cards 10am–4pm Firing day wooden spoon 9.30am–4.30pm Leader: Leigh Ann Gale (9am–6pm) 9am–5pm Leader: Will Dyke Saturday 11 July £60 Sunday 9 August Leader: Owen Thomas Saturday 7 November £65 Pit opening Sunday 6 September £50 Sunday 8 November £65 Herbs of the New World settlers (9am–11am) £120 NEW Wild food: hedgerow gourmet Candlelit walk 9.30am–4.30pm Dorset buttons NEW 9am–4pm Starting at 5pm, finishing with mulled Leader: Christina Stapley 10am–4pm Leader: John Rhyder wine and mince pies. Sunday 12 July £60 Leader: Jen Best Sunday 6 September £75 FULL Leader: Jonathan Roberts Saturday 8 August £55 Friday 27 November £15 Yeoman family fare Stone carving: green man 9.30am–5pm 10am–4pm Bronze age copper smelting Christmas stained glass decorations Leader: Will Spankie Leader: Lesley Parker 10am–4pm 9am–5pm Sunday 12 July £60 Leader: Fergus Milton Saturday–Sunday 19–20 September Leader: David Lilly Sunday 9 August £80 £160 Sunday 29 November £100 Wooden toy making NEW Tapestry workshop: weave a Tudor Christmas food 9.30am–5pm Weave a rush hat landscape 10am–4pm Leader: Piers Young 9.30am–5pm 10am–4pm Leader: Lesley Parker Leader: Rachel Frost Sunday 12 July £65 Leader: Hilary Charlesworth Sunday 6 December £60 Saturday 17 October £65 Friday 14 August £60 Sunday 20 September £55 The joy of carols: Victorian and Bobbin lace making for beginners Weave a rush bag Hedgerow preserves Edwardian 10am–4pm 9.30am–5pm 10am–4pm 10am–12pm Leaders: Eva Falconer & Gay McCart Leader: Rachel Frost Leader: Lesley Parker Leader: Malcolm Brinson Saturday 18 July £55 Monday 17 August £60 Saturday 26 September £60 Friday 18 December £15

Details of the full programme of courses for 2015 are available on the museum’s website, www.wealddown.co.uk. Alternatively, if you would like a brochure by post please ring 01243 811021.

24 Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 P. 25_P. 3- 23/02/2015 09:16 Page 25

talks 2015

Tales of the downs and beyond… A series of fascinating evening talks at the museum, beginning at 6.30pm with tea/coffee and cake served from 6.00pm. The ticket allows entrance to the museum site from 4.00pm on the day of the talk. All talks cost £12 per person, £10 for Friends of the Museum, £5 for volunteers. Pre-booking is required – call 01243 811021, email [email protected]

William Shakespeare Marc Meltonville, Royal Palace Food Agincourt – exploding Katherine Slay has worked at West Historian has worked on displays of Sussex Record Office since 2003, where Thursday 16 April historic cookery and the reconstruction the myth she has catalogued a range of material, Following the release of Bill, which was of kitchens at many of the six Royal Wednesday 24 June including from parishes and private filmed on location at the museum, this Palaces and countless museums and This year is the 600th anniversary of schools. While cataloguing the records talk seeks to understand the real life of stately homes. the Battle of Agincourt. Discover the of Graylingwell Hospital (established as William Shakespeare and some of the The Staffordshire Hoard truth about the battle, the most famous the West Sussex County Asylum in 1897 influences on his work. English victory in the Hundred Years’ and which closed in 2001), she became Dr Duncan Salkeld is Professor of in context War, from University of Southampton fascinated by the lack of material about Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature Wednesday 3 June military historian Anne Curry. the asylum’s period as one of the at the University of Chichester and country’s Great War hospitals. On-going The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest Prof. Anne Curry is currently Dean author of Madness and Drama in the of the Faculty of Humanities at the research has resulted in the publication Age of Shakespeare and Shakespeare assemblage of items made of gold and of a booklet about the war hospital, and precious materials found in Britain. University of Southampton but is still Among the Courtesans: Prostitution, very involved in historical research and a chapter on treatment of the sick and Literature and Drama 1500-1650 as well Steve Pollington will investigate what wounded in the recently published Great the hoard contained, how it came to be external activities. She was President of as numerous articles on Shakespeare the Historical Association (2008-11) War Britain: West Sussex. and Renaissance drama. buried and what the items found can tell us about Anglo-Saxon society. and a Vice President of the Royal From pop to opera: Historical Society (2006-9). She wrote Elizabeth I in Midhurst Steve Pollington has been writing anecdotes of a and Chichester about the Old English language and Agincourt: a new history and also chairs the Anglo-Saxons for more than 20 the Agincourt 600 Committee in professional singer Wednesday 22 April years. He has collaborated on conjunction with the Royal Armouries. Tuesday 21 July This talk relates the story of Elizabeth I’s numerous radio and television projects, only visit to West Sussex in 1591, and Chelsea Physic Garden – An evening of amusing and interesting most recently providing the voice of tales from Glenys Groves’ career. looks at the route that the royal party the ‘chronicle’ for Michael Wood’s London’s oldest outdoor took. Was it true that she ate her Glenys Groves joined the D’Oyly Carte BBC series King Alfred and the classroom Opera Company aged 18 and has hosts out of house and home and Anglo-Saxons. bankrupted the neighbourhood? The Tuesday 30 June since enjoyed a varied career as a talk explores the way in which the Tucked away beside the Thames, professional singer. This has Historical fiction: from encompassed West End shows, Queen was able to travel around the inspiration to publication Chelsea Physic Garden is a celebration of county with relative ease. the beauty and importance of plants. This recordings, films and television and she Dr Caroline Adams is a fully qualified Tuesday 9 June walled garden was founded in 1673 by even toured as backing vocalist for Kate Bush! Although recently retired and registered archivist, and is a Since winning the Weald & Downland the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries from the Royal Opera after 25 years, member of the Archives and Records Museum’s Historical Fiction Short Story for its apprentices to study the medicinal she still takes part in stage productions Association. Her PhD from the Competition in 2012, Katherine qualities of plants and it became one of at Covent Garden – most recently La University of Chichester focused on Clements has gone on to secure a the most important centres of botany Boheme. Glenys lives in West Sussex. Elizabeth I’s visit to West Sussex. She is publishing deal and now works as a and plant exchange in the world. now a freelance archivist and historian full-time writer. She returns to the Michael Holland has been working at Murder, mystery & intrigue after retiring as Senior Archivist at West museum to talk about her path to Chelsea Physic Garden for 20 years and Sussex Record Office. publication and how the past continues is their Head of Education – overseeing Thursday 23 July to inspire and influence her writing. adult, family, community and school This talk will explore the advent of the cosy Lasers, ledgers and leafs – visits both on and off-site. With a crime genre and how D S Nelson came discovering the hidden background in ecology, he is a keen to be a writer of murder mysteries. wildlife gardener and photographer and D S Nelson is a writer of murder, mystery history of the wooded is constantly amazed at the creative and intrigue. She lives in a quixotic downs educational opportunities the natural village in the South Downs, surrounded Monday 27 April world can offer to all. by plenty of inspiration for her novels. The Secrets of the High Woods project is Leechbooks and lays: the an exciting new aerial research project Richard III: the man exploring the archaeology, local history, and myth medicine of the Anglo- landscape and the heritage of the Tuesday 7 July Saxons ‘wooded estates’ landscape of West Richard III has always been an Thursday 6 August Sussex and Hampshire. The aim is to Katherine Clements. enigmatic, charismatic and controversial Anglo-Saxon medicine reflected the inspire people to value the South Downs. character, and furious debate still rages melting-pot of cultures of that time. Secrets of the High Woods project in regard to whether or not he ordered As well as practical medicine-making, team. The talk will be given by a Katherine Clements writes historical the murder of the Princes in the Tower. some of which we know would have member of the team made up of novels set in the 17th century. Her The recent discovery of his remains has worked, there are remedies bound up Project Manager Rebecca Bennett, critically acclaimed debut, The Crimson prompted huge public interest. Alison with rituals. Pagan and Christian Lidar and Heritage Mapping Officer Ribbon, was published in 2014. Her Weir has studied many historical elements rub shoulders in the same Alice Thorne and Kimberly Briscoe, the second novel, The Silvered Heart, will sources and her presentation shows medieval manuscripts. Community Engagement Officer. be published in May 2015. Until recently she worked for a national that the truth is stranger – and far more Julie Wakefield is a medical historian The King’s chocolate examination board, where she led the complex – than the fiction. and freelance educator, lecturing to kitchen at Hampton Court development and launch of the UK’s Alison Weir is the top-selling female students and giving talks and workshops first A level in creative writing. historian in the United Kingdom, and for the general public and children. She Tuesday 12 May has sold over 2.7 million books specialises in folk medicine. Julie also It is lovely to have a good chocolate To be a pilgrim? Walking worldwide. She has published 16 works at the Old Operating Theatre, shop in your town; imagine having one history books, including The Princes in Museum & Herb Garret in London, built into your house! The rebuild of the 500 mile pilgrimage to the Tower. Alison has also published where she gives Sunday afternoon Hampton Court in the 1690s included Santiago de Compostela four historical novels. Her latest talks on aspects of historic herbalism. a King’s Chocolate Kitchen. Research at Wednesday 17 June biography is Elizabeth of York (2013), Historic Royal Palaces has uncovered and her fifth novel, The Marriage Game, The best way to keep the true position of this fascinating Mike Abbott’s retirement present to was published in June 2014. She is a happy healthy chickens himself was to walk the famous medieval room and given us insight into the Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Monday 10 August making of Royal chocolate. pilgrimage route from St. Jean Pied de Sciences and an Honorary Life Patron Port in France, over the Pyrenees to of Historic Royal Palaces. Poultry expert David Bland will give you Santiago de Compostela. The 500-mile the basics on keeping happy healthy walk took him 33 days. Mike will give an Graylingwell War Hospital chickens at home along with the do’s illustrated talk about medieval pilgrimage and don’ts. His talk will cover health, and about his own journey. Tuesday 14 July hygiene and housing. Mike Abbott’s career was principally Graylingwell War Hospital in Chichester David Bland assisted his father with a as a senior manager in local was open from May 1915 to April breeding flock while still at school and government. He is a reader at the 1919. During this time, more than started his official poultry training in church of St Mary Magdalene and St 29,000 patients were treated there for 1951. He went on to become the Denys in Midhurst which he has both surgical and medical conditions. youngest poultry manager of the largest attended for 36 years. He has an MA Some stayed for days and others for egg producing unit in the South of in Theology. As you might suppose he months. No official records survive, but England at the age of 21 and formed is a keen long distance walker: he has this illustrated talk demonstrates how his own poultry company six years later. The King’s Chocolate Kitchen also walked the Pilgrim’s Way from it has been possible to research its Since then he has professionally advised at Hampton Court. Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury history from other sources including producers of all sizes up and down the Cathedral. postcards. country as well as overseas.

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visits

Diana Rowsell, Head of Learning, also organises specialist group visits at the museum, from university and college study tours to company staff events and weddings Museum visits with added value!

The museum works hard to vintage car groups etc. Open air theatre companies bring their latest produc- attract as many visitors as tions, usually aimed at a family audience, possible to enjoy and learn where publicity, box-office, stewarding from our Designated and and income are shared; in August we will be welcoming Heartbreak Productions award-winning collection of with two early evening plays. historic buildings and rural life The museum has been registered for the solemnisation of marriages for the last artefacts. We are especially 15 years and each year around 950 people keen to ensure our ‘ordinary’, attend weddings, mostly in the upper non-event, days are busy with hall from Crawley and some in the Jerwood Gridshell Space. As well as being extra interest and special a useful extra income stream, weddings demonstrations, and last year are a good vehicle for audience develop- ment as many guests have never visited Specialist visits by universities, companies, saw an uplift of 5,000 visitors the museum before and they see enough groups, private parties and for leisure use to want to come again. The same goes for on these core days. are part of the ecology of the museum’s children’s birthday parties, which are activities – here the museum has been often attended by families who have not But the museum can be enjoyed in other hired for the start and finish of a bike race. ways by groups and individuals on value- visited before; 160 people attended added visits – each year these bring in Other value-added visits are made by birthday parties in 2014. between 12,000 and 15,000 people colleges, universities and special Another welcome income stream making use of our beautiful site and interest groups such as U3As who may comes from filming. The museum is a exhibits in a different way, totalling some request tours, talks, demonstrations and a sought-after location for filming histori- 10% of our total visitors. space for which they pay an extra fee for cal drama, mostly Tudor or earlier. The museum is an educational charit - venue hire, valuable extra income. Fees Being willing to host a wide variety of able trust and it is essential to our aims to vary, as some bookings are by organisations activities is a very positive thing for the provide lifelong learning opportunities. which share our aims and objectives and museum at many levels – it is done sensi- These include school parties for whom some are purely corporate. Events catered tively without damaging the guiding we deliver museum-led workshops on a for include meetings, conferences, mission of the museum, and in many variety of themes keyed into the National receptions, wakes, product launches cases can enhance it. Curriculum. They also include the adult and exhibitions; we respond positively learning programmes, including the to all requests if we have space. Good Figures – a talks series, where people book places in Art exhibitions are welcomed, not advance on courses for specialist value- only for generating revenue but for the unique exhibition by added visits to learn specific things from unexpected extra enjoyment visitors get specialist tutors, paying a premium for a from coming across such displays. We also contemporary women special experience. (See the courses and hire out our fields for horse shows, as artists talks programmes on pages 22–25) start and finish for bike races, dog shows, Good Figures is an art exhibition selling the work of 30 of Britain’s Specialist group visits in 2014 included – most eminent and interesting female artists aged from 22 to 82. UCL (University College London) with their MA Museum Studies students; This ambitious exhibition is curated Brighton University’s Built Environment students; the Building Crafts College with by art historian Candida Stevens 45 carpentry students: West Sussex Guides for a sleep-over in the Jerwood of TINT-ART, a contemporary art Gridshell Space, making wooden camping chairs and helping out by cleaning all forum based in West Sussex. The the museum’s site signs; ‘awayday’ meetings by the World Wildlife Fund and a exhibition was launched in The housing association; the Southern Counties Costume Society AGM; several classic Mall Gallery in central London in and vintage car groups; Montezuma Chocolate of Chichester’s staff party in the February and comes to the Gridshell, and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People with whom we have a reciprocal Jerwood Gridshell Space from arrangement, they providing training for our volunteers on the challenges facing 25 April-3 May: a local architect deaf people, and the museum hosting their sponsored walk attended by 60 will design a bespoke hanging people accompanied by 25 dogs. Many of the walkers stayed for lunch and several system for the exhibition in the joined the Friends – now they know that dogs are welcome visitors here! museum’s remarkable building.

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historic buildings Preparing the timber for the Saxon Hall By Julian Bell, Curator

Swan Barn in Haslemere. Then, we Work has begun on preparing concentrated on the conversion of oak the timber for the museum’s although the principles are equally applicable to chestnut. replica Saxon hall, to be Cleaving a butt of wood involves care- constructed this year in the ful inspection to determine the best line woodlands, south of Tindalls on which to split the material, taking into account features which can be exploited The proposed Saxon Hall to be built at the Cottage. As described in our such as existing shakes or splits and others museum this year. article in the autumn issue which may hamper a clean break, such as knots or twists to the grain. Having axe. We have selectively employed this magazine, the structure will determined a line on which to cleave, an method when dealing with the smaller be based on archaeological initial split is started using iron wedges diameter chestnut butts in order to yield which are then replaced with wooden as much useable product from the raw evidence from an excavation wedges as the split widens. A large num- material as possible. Chestnut has the of a 10th century site in ber of wedges are driven into the wood advantage of cleaving in a fairly pre- Steyning, West Sussex. along the desired line of cleaving and dictable and straight manner, so we have although the wood may decide to veer generally been successful. However, occa- away from the preferred course, splits can sionally the material has tended to split in The Collections team has been very busy to a certain extent be steered by applying a spiral fashion which makes subsequent during the autumn and winter processing pressure to one or another side of the hewing extremely difficult when aiming the substantial quantities of timber, which split. The key is to work the split slowly to produce a straight post or beam. was kindly donated for the project by and carefully, paying close attention to To hew a butt of wood the desired Jonathan West, furniture maker and the way in which the wood is behaving dimensions must first be marked on each woodturner from East Dean, who and trying to foresee any problems or end, taking into account any curves or donated chestnut and the National Trust deviations from the desired cleft line shakes in the material which may affect (Swan Barn, Haslemere), which donated (Figs 2-5). the end product. Once the butt is secured oak. The benefits of cleaving a butt of in place on a pair of trestles or other butts The first timbers to be converted were wood is that more than one piece can of wood, a plumb line and square is over 20 vertical posts which form the then be further processed using axes to employed to ensure that the cross-section main body of the structure and which hew it into shape; hewing alone can only outline at each end match up. Two will be sunk directly into the ground, produce one piece of finished timber matching top corners of these outlines infilled between with wattle and daub. from the starting material. This is cer- are then joined together using a chalk We are using chestnut for these, partly tainly beneficial when dealing with large line which gives a vertical face back to due to availability but also because chest- diameter sections of oak which can be which to cut. Firstly, a felling axe is used nut has a high rot resistance when earth- cleft a number of times, giving many with the hewer either standing on top of fast which is why it is used so commonly rough pieces which can then be refined the butt or directly in front and cutting as a durable fencing material (Fig 1). into more exact dimensions using the notches back to the chalk line at regular

1 2 3

Using archaeological evidence, we have approached the conversion of the chestnut butts in as similar a manner as possible to our Saxon ancestors, using a combination of cleaving (splitting) and hewing (shaping with axes). We benefit- ted from Richard Darragh’s experience in the summer when he ran a cleaving course for museum staff and also for 4 5 colleagues from the National Trust’s

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historic buildings

7

6

9 Curator Julian Bell hewing timber at the Autumn Countryside Show last year.

8

11

13

now begun work on the much longer wall plates. The processing of the wood is likely to take until April when the initial stages of construction will begin. 10 12 IN BRIEF intervals along the log length. The ‘lands’ doors with which we are familiar, are in between these notches are then pivoted at the top and bottom of these FIND OUT MORE THROUGH THE removed with the same tool to leave boards. The remainder of the door boards MUSEUM’S LIBRARY quite a flat but rough surface. To produce are attached to the harr boards as with The Armstrong Library at the museum a smooth finish which a carpenter can other door construction. continues to grow. In particular, several then further process, a side axe is used to Although the cleaving and hewing books on brickwork and wood carving cut down the face, removing finer have gone well up to now, we have have been added recently. The catalogue amounts of material. Once completed, become aware that we are probably summary on www.wdoam.co.uk is now the butt is turned onto this first face and approaching things in a fundamentally also accessible from the museum’s new the process repeated, and again until all different way than our Saxon counter- website, www.wealddown.co.uk under four faces (or eight in the case of an parts. We have a specific cutting list based ‘Explore/Collections’. Visitors to the octagonal beam) are cut (Figs 6-12). on the archaeological evidence from the library in the market square (Monday The archaeological evidence for the Steyning excavation, and a finite quantity mornings or by arrangement – 01243 structure from Steyning shows quite a of timber which we have been given. We 811027) and requests for help with variety of cross-section shapes for the are thus attempting to produce these research are always welcome. One or upright posts. None are square, most are quite specific posts and beams from the two more volunteers willing to join the rectangular, whilst a smaller number are timber we have. The Saxons are much library team would also be a bonus. The D shaped or octagonal. During the more likely to have been reactionary, library is one of the leading archives in autumn we also produced three harr studying their available timber and the country on vernacular architecture, boards from a quantity of the oak cleft cutting whatever sized post or beam building conservation and rural crafts during Richard Darragh’s course. Harr that each butt of wood was capable of and skills. Tel: Danae Tankard: boards are the initial, tapered section of a yielding (Fig 13). 01243 811037 harr-hung door, which unlike hinged With the vertical posts cut we have

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friends’ news Museum fundraising co-ordinator, Julie Aalen, provides an update about future plans for the Friends of the Museum. The administration of the Friends of the Museum moved smoothly to the museum at the end of 2014, as explained by the Friends’ former chairman, Sarah Casdagli, in the Winter 2014 issue. Friends’ membership privileges remain unaltered and you will continue to benefit from: • Free entry – including special events – such as the Food & Folk Festival; the Rare & Traditional Breeds Show, this year celebrating its 30th anniversary, and new for the Mike Shiels summer – the Wood Show. Messines Cemetery. Advance notice of museum events and news by email. • work of the Army Veterinary Corps and The opportunity to attend special ‘Friends only’ events and outings. • Army Service Corps supply units whose 10% discount on purchases made in the shop. • vital contribution is often overlooked Twice-yearly magazine keeping you up-to-date with all the museum news, and • when visiting the battlefields. events and courses dates. During the tour Andy will discuss the use of animals for essential war work How the Friends help Based in the delightful town of alongside the vital supply lines keeping the museum Dixsmuide the tour includes: the fighting front active. Any personal • Morning pick up from the museum (there visits possible in the area could be The Friends is a support organisa- is plenty of free parking) arranged provided Battle Tours have the tion for the museum, which runs • Executive coach travel throughout with an on-board toilet details well in advance. fund-raising events and social activ- • Return ferry crossings To enable everyone to explore the area ities for its members. It is one of the • Two nights’ stay in a twin room, at the in detail and for each tour to be a per- largest museum Friends groups in the Hotel De Vrede Dixsmuide, a three-star sonal experience, numbers are limited to country, with some 4,350 member- family run hotel 20 and we are able to offer the choice of ships representing about 9,500 indi- • Breakfast on both mornings and group either 22-24 May 2015 or 18-22 vidual members. Since its inception evening meal in Dixsmuide on the first September 2015 (a minimum of 20 is it has raised a total of £2.75 million night needed for each tour to run). • Andrew Robertshaw as guide throughout for the museum, making a major • Group participation in the Last Post The price for this unique opportu- contribution to the museum’s work. Ceremony at the Menin Gate. nity is £425.00 per person (£60 single Day One – Morning pick up from the supplement), an element of which museum and onward transfer to Ypres. You will go to support the work of the Two exciting new events will stop at Lijssenthoek Cemetery to set the museum. To book visit the Battle Tours for 2015 scene of the tour and study the work of the Ltd website at http://www.battle- Commonwealth War Graves Commission. honours.eu/booking-forms/BHL- Western Front Battle Tour 2015 – The tour continues to Ypres with visits to: Group-Booking-Form.pdf (include • Gheluvelt Plateau (movement and the the reference no. 15/27 at the top Tour dates 22-24 May 2015 or war in 1914) 18-22 September 2015 • Vancouver Corner (technology and the right corner of the application form). Or phone Katie Jardine at the The Western Front Battlefield Tour war in 1915) • Hill 60 (stalemate and the war in 1916) museum on 01243 811363 and she will 2015 led by military historian, • Group meal at the hotel and talk/ send the forms to you and provide Andrew Robertshaw is unique and presentation from Andy Robertshaw. more details. has been devised by Battle Honours Day Two – A full day study of the Great War Ltd specifically for members of the including: Mid-summer Treasure Hunt – Friends of the Weald & Downland • Yorkshire Trench (Life of a Tommy) organised by the Friends, open to Open Air Museum. • Tynecot Cemetery & Visitors Centre Andy Robertshaw, • Polygon Wood (Tanks, Artillery & Supply) everyone! Saturday 4 July at 6pm who is also a writer • Hooge (tactics and the war in 1917) Our second treat is the rare oppor- and broadcaster, • Hellfire Corner (backs to the wall and the tunity to enjoy a summer evening at war in 1918) was a specialist • Free time for an evening meal in Ypres the museum and to experience our adviser to Steven and group participation in the Last Post out-of-hours magic. Plus there’s the Spielberg’s Ceremony at the Menin Gate. chance to win a fabulous local prize! compelling film, Day Three – A morning’s study of the Our mid-summer fund-raising Warhorse. Dur ing Messines Ridge/Ploegsteert area: Treasure Hunt will take place on his career Andy has • The Irish Peace Tower and the New Saturday 4 July at 6pm. The hunt will worked as Curator/ Zealand Memorial. lead you around all the most interesting Manager of The Royal Logistic Corps • Ploegsteert Wood and Memorial parts of the museum, with challenges and Museum in Deepcut and prior to that • Return to the UK and museum. refreshments along the way. All you need was Head of Education at The National to do is bring along a picnic, come as a Army Museum in London. He regularly tour will focus on the Ypres Salient and team of two and up to six eager com- lectures to international audiences on in particular the role of animals in the petitors (friends or family) and work many aspects of British military history Great War alongside the men who cared together to claim an exciting prize gen- and is an expert in the field. for them. On the tour you will discover erously donated by The White Horse at Andy worked in collaboration with the stories of the men from the Weald Chilgrove, near Chichester, West Sussex the museum on our 2014 Horses at War and Downland region who fought and (terms and conditions will apply). The event and so it is fitting that this unique fell in the conflict as well as studying the hunt will take between two and two and

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friends’ news a half hours and Rare & Traditional to round off the Breeds Show – this year evening you can sit by the lake and we celebrate 30 years! enjoy your picnic in the beautiful Want to be part of our special celebration? surroundings of In this our special anniversary year why not the museum. sponsor a class at our Rare & Traditional Adults can join Breeds Show which takes place on in the fun for Sunday 19 July 2015? £15 per person and children Or treat that special person who aged 8+ for has everything? £7.50 per child. To book your team, telephone Katie Jardine on 01243 811363. Don’t forget to have your team name ready, a card to pay – and book early as places are limited! The Museum has supported smallholders across the south east for an incredible 30 years! These dedicated Honorary memberships breeders help secure the future of the rarest of farm animals, and we are especially proud to showcase them Honorary memberships have been bestowed on some of the key in the anniversary year of our delightful agricultural long-standing members of the Friends committee, to mark their show. Whatever your farmyard favourites, help us tireless dedication to the museum, and who have now retired as continue our support by sponsoring an animal class the museum takes on the Friends administration ‘in house’. They are chairman Sarah Casdagli, who has also served as honorary this year. secretary; honorary secretary Adrian Baker; honorary treasurer Sponsorship costs £40 per class Richard Wilde; and committee members Mary Tomlinson, Cynthia Rivett, Jean Symons, Penny Spence and Jennifer (£75 for cattle) Neeland. Some have been committee members since 1998. You will be providing valuable support for the event, Among their many duties have been Friends recruitment, and will receive two free tickets to the Show, fundraising support, erecting the Friends’ tent and catering at Friends’ events. Museum Director Richard Pailthorpe said: (a family ticket for a cow class) and a credit in the “Having worked with the Friends for many years during my first Show Programme! And by declaring your support by spell at the museum and again over the last few years, I would like Gift Aid will mean that we can reclaim the tax paid and to express both my own and the museum’s grateful thanks for the save 25p in the £. Thank you so much! considerable contribution they and their predecessors have made ✂ to the museum’s success.” (You can read an article about the Rare & Traditional Breeds Show – history of the Friends in the Autumn 2014 issue of the magazine.) Sunday 19th July 2015

I wish to support the event by donating the sum of £ ...... Contacting the Friends to sponsor a sheep / pig / goat / cattle class (delete as appropriate) The Friends’ membership secretary is Lisa Neville who will be pleased to help you with any queries you have about membership. If you have a favourite breed you would like to sponsor, please indicate The office is manned part-time, normally on a Wednesday and below and we will try to match your request to a class. Thursday morning. Friends of the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU. Tel: 01243 ...... Breed requested 811893. Email: [email protected]. Please treat this sponsorship as a Gift Aid donation (delete if not appropriate) Membership matters Class sponsored in the name of ...... Gift Aid – The museum is helped enormously by tax we are able to claim back each year from Gift Aid: last year this was £47,000. Name of sponsor...... Address ...... If you are a UK taxpayer and have not signed up for Gift Aid, please complete the box on your membership renewal request. Direct ...... Post code...... Debit – It helps us greatly to reduce administration if members pay their subscription by Direct Debit: please watch out for the Direct Card no...... Exp...... Security code...... Debit invitation on your membership renewal form. E-news – Members who have provided their email addresses can receive a Cheques should be payable to the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum special e-news with information about special events and other museum activities. If you are not already receiving this and would Signature ...... Date ...... like to do so please let us know your email address by contacting Please return to Julie Aalen, Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, [email protected]. Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU

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interpretation Follow the seasons with our special demonstrations and preserving the produce in different All the rural and domestic life ways in our Tudor kitchen. demonstrations that take Over the August bank holiday week- end we will be running our Edwardian place at the museum follow charcoal camp as it would have been at the seasons, so that on any the turn of the 20th century, and produc- ing charcoal for use here on site during day visitors are likely to see the year. Other ‘specials’ will include our practices taking place that Historic Gardens Weekend, with walks and demonstrations highlighting the would have been traditional importance of the gardens to the occu- for the time of year. Pimp making by the Charcoal Camp – this pants of our houses, and the uses of the year you can see charcoal burning in plants for medicinal and culinary pur- action on 27-31 August. poses. The subject of our archaeology In the spring we will be dairying in the weekend this year will be building Winkhurst Tudor Kitchen, and in the historic clothing will spend two days archaeology; and of course our Easter and summer we will be demonstrating flax harvesting our hops at Tindalls Cottage, Christmas weekends will demonstrate processing, not only in Cowfold Barn but as well as our orchard and hedgerow some of the traditions of these important also on fine days in the yard at Tindalls produce. We will be brewing ale and beer, festivals of spring and winter. Cottage, where we are planting a larger area of flax this spring, to be pulled in the autumn. In the late summer we will be gathering produce ready to preserve WI Centenary event – 8 September for the winter months. In the winter it is The museum is to be the venue likely that visitors will see hurdle fencing for a special event for the Women’s being created around the period gardens Institute on 8 September. 2015 is and grazing areas, which is a traditional the 100th anniversary of the found- winter job. ing of the first Women’s Institute in There will be plenty of other seasonal England, and that first WI was our activities – some will be the subject of own local Singleton & East Dean particular weekends, such as our Brewing WI, whose inaugural meeting was & Harvesting Weekend in September, held in the back room of The Fox when several volunteers and staff wearing pub at Charlton, now known as The Fox Goes Free. It has run continu- ously ever since, now meeting at Singleton or East Dean village hall each month. Singleton & East Dean WI are hosting the event at the An early Singleton & East Dean WI outing. museum – 100 Not Out! – and have invited representatives from Women’s Institutes from all over West Sussex. They will be holding their own display of crafts and the history of the WI in the Downland Gridshell and elsewhere on site, and the museum will be putting on many of our traditional demonstrations which will be of interest to our very special visitors. Singleton & East Dean WI will stage a display of old photographs and written accounts dating from the early days of the local group. We are proud to be part of this unique occasion and very much welcome Singleton & East Dean WI and their guests.

The first WI in England – was based in Charlton, the village between Hat making in the medieval shop from Singleton and Horsham in the market square. Rachel East Dean, Hoeing up potatoes on Lamb Down, Singleton (to Frost, who is also a course tutor, is West Sussex the east of Town Lane, with Levin Down in the pictured providing one of our traditional background) during the First World War. craft demonstrations in August last year.

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interpretation Top training for our volunteers Opening Gonville Cottage Gonville Cottage is the only building on the site in its original position, having been built as the West Dean shepherd’s cottage in 1848. We hope to open Gonville Cottage more often during the afternoons in the Museum Gardener Carlotta Holt, centre, with volunteers at one of the gardens training sessions. summer months this year. Our The museum has developed a very accuracy in the information conveyed. replica historic clothing, which is comprehensive training programme for The sessions, many of which form the stored here, is on display and our volunteers, equipping everyone to be basis of our outside talks and presentations, can be viewed, handled and even able to talk knowledgeably and confidently are available free of charge to all registered tried on. with visitors, and to convey accurate volunteers, as well as staff and trustees, and information. they provide an excellent opportunity for Karen Searle Barrett The two-hour training sessions cover all learning, discussion and generally meeting aspects of the interpretation of our build- other members of the museum community. Head of Interpretation ings and site. This includes ‘active’ training including how to light a fire with a tinder box; how to spin on a drop spindle, and learning to use a scythe – all of which enables people to put these tasks into prac- The Wood Show – 20/21 June tice. Or it may be more ‘academic’, such as Wood – that favourite and learning about a certain building; the tech- versatile product which can be nicalities of building it; its social history and found in such abundance at the our latest research. museum! Since the 1980s a We also hold sessions focusing on one wood theme has formed part of particular aspect of the social history of the many different museum events occupants of our buildings, such as how too, and due to popular they managed lighting and candles, or the management of woodland in Tudor times. demand a two-day event will This provides really interesting and useful be held this year to celebrate extra information about aspects of life in the many traditional uses of the past which are just the sort of thing our wood. The weekend will visitors are keen to find out about. include a range of wood craft The training programme is currently demonstrations, teams of heavy undertaken voluntarily, but we are looking horses carrying out forestry tasks, exhibitors and displays, and the museum’s own at the practicalities of requiring our volun- woodyard will be fully working. From the museum’s own timber-framed buildings to teers to undertake at least a certain number crafted bowls, furniture, tools, toys and wooden products there will be plenty to see, of these sessions before they can steward the do and buy. A must for the summer! buildings – this will ensure consistency and Antique Buildings Ltd Dunsfold, Godalming Surrey GU8 4NP J. & J.W. Longbottom Ltd 01483 200477 Iron Founders We have Immense Stocks of: ANCIENT OAK BEAMS for WIDE OAK FLOORBOARDS CAST IRON RAINWATER GOODS HAND MADE BRICKS (Gutters, Pipes, Air Bricks, Ornamental Heads, Grates) ROOF TILES FLOOR TILES BARN FRAMES Bridge Foundry, Holmfirth, Huddersfield Please see: www.antiquebuildings.com Tel. 01484 682141

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people Welcome contribution to the work of the museum essential restoration work, and was awarded during his term of office, 1989-1997. Derek an MBE in 2014 for his services to the Jenny Rudd came to West Sussex from West Yorkshire cathedral and contributions to the arts. (pictured) has in 1969 and moved into the pensions Bob Green joined the museum consultancy world after a period in the (pictured), who has as Marketing Merchant Navy. He was managing director died aged 67, was a Manager. “I’m really of MPA/Mercer for 12 years and then familiar figure at the thrilled to have chairman, until his retirement in 1989, and museum. Many joined the museum in 1976 he was the founding president of people will at such an exciting the ground-breaking Pensions Management remember seeing time in its Institute. Derek continued his love of the him, usually with development, sea aboard his yacht, berthed in Chichester his wife Michelle, and to be working with such a friendly, Marina, and was rear commodore of demonstrating knowledgeable and hardworking team of Chichester Yacht Club. An energetic man handspinning on a staff and volunteers,” she says. Jenny has with a great zest for life and a liking of wooden hand worked in marketing for over 14 years – in people, he supported Chichester Festival spindle and wearing his trademark ‘sheepy industries as diverse as online recruitment, Theatre and Pallant House Art Gallery as jacket’. He could be seen most weekends software and publishing. But architecture, well as the museum. He was a governor of and must have taught hundreds of children social history and charitable work are close Chichester College, and enjoyed concerts in (and not a few adults) the basics of to her heart, and she says she’s proud to the cathedral, as well as cricket, rugby – spinning. He was also present at events, be promoting the museum because she’s and racing. He ran his only horse ‘Ernmoor’ such as the Rare Breeds Show and Tree very passionate about its work. “The in a partnership known as ‘If Only’, and was Dressing, where his kindness, readiness to museum is a truly unique collection of a keen member at Goodwood. A hands-on help and obvious interest in people won buildings in a breathtakingly beautiful family man, he has left a huge gap in the him many friends. Bob was associated with landscape, and I will be using my skills and lives of those who knew him. the museum for over 25 years, beginning experience to help the museum achieve its Leslie Weller MBE, DL, FSA who died last in the 1980s just after he and his family objective of growing visitor numbers in a year, was a trustee of the museum from moved to Singleton. In the 1990s he sustainable way, and in ensuring its long 1990-1995. Born in the Sussex village of assisted with the removal and re-erection of term popularity and success”. Outside work Itchingfield and living latterly in West Longport House from its original location at Jenny’s hobbies include reading about Grinstead, Leslie Weller was born into a the mouth of the Channel Tunnel, using social history, walking her two dogs (both farming family, with his rural upbringing skills from his ‘day job’ as a quantity Great Danes) and volunteering for the instilling in him a love of the Sussex surveyor – although he admitted he was Great Dane Adoption Society. She’s also countryside and country pursuits. He surprised at having to quote prices for such recently started a collection of gin. developed great interests in antiques and commodities as ox hair! Bob was diagnosed Jez Smith (pictured) has joined the fine arts and Sussex history and antiquities, with stomach cancer in 2012, and despite museum’s Interpretation Department as which led him to qualify as a chartered an initially successful operation at Guildford our new Site Interpreter. Jez will be known surveyor and to enjoy a long and illustrious Hospital, was told that the condition was to many in the museum community career in fine art auctioneering. He created terminal in late 2013. He died peacefully at already, as he has the first regional centre of expertise outside home on 17 October 2014. been coming here London for Sotheby’s and was chairman of Di Allison was one of our devoted in a freelance Sotheby’s in Sussex and a director of the specialist Bayleaf Farmhouse volunteers; capacity as an early firm. He also held the posts of president of she sadly passed away in November. musician on many the Sussex Archaeological Society and Master Denzil Burgess, who died in September occasions over the of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. aged 82, was one of the original past few years. He He was a keen horseman and an active demonstrators working in lead for the worked here for member of the Horsham and Crawley Hunt. Plumbing Museum & Workshop Trust when a while as a As the first chairman of Chichester Cathedral the Worshipful Company of Plumbers’ volunteer, helping to deliver school Restoration Trust, he played an important collection was opened in Court Barn at the workshops, and it was this early experience part in raising more than £10 million for museum in 1980. which decided him to pursue a career in museums. He has a degree in Archaeology and a MA in Museum Studies and experience in interpretation both at Brewing & Cowdray and Guildford Museum, working in the education and interpretation departments. He has been much involved Harvesting in creating new interpretive demonstrations and working with volunteers, both in his Weekend – previous jobs and in a freelance capacity at other heritage sites. We look forward to Jez bringing his skills and knowledge to our 5/6 September department and welcome him to the The museum held its first Brewing museum. & Harvesting Weekend last autumn. Head of interpretation, Obituaries Karen Searle-Barrett says: “We We are sad to report the loss of a focused on picking the hops which now grow at Tindalls Cottage, and brewed beer in number of people connected with the the brewhouse of the building. We also brewed ale in Winkhurst Tudor Kitchen (made museum, many of them volunteers for without hops) and offered tasters of both. Interpreters in historic clothing spent the a large number of years. weekend harvesting our hedgerow and orchard produce to be preserved at Winkhurst Derek Bandey, a former trustee and for the winter”. The weekend will be repeated on 5/6 September this year. Pictured is honorary treasurer to the museum, has Jo Shorter preparing produce at Hangleton Cottage. died aged 89. He made a considerable

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news Historic gardens enhancing our buildings The winter months are a key time for Carlotta Holt and her garden team as there is much work to be done in readiness for the next season. Many of the plants are left to go to seed to provide further supplies of the heritage varieties we grow; these are harvested, sorted, and stored ready for sowing the following year. The team has also been constructing the hurdle fencing around Bayleaf Farmhouse orchard, providing an excellent traditional demonstration for our visitors during the winter. The beds are manured and well prepared, and the planting plans for the year decided – we pray for good weather! Don’t forget the Historic Gardens Weekend on 4-6 July when we showcase the culinary, medicinal and other uses of the plants which would have been grown in our various period gardens. In this photograph by Louise Adams, history and gardening come together in the garden of Bayleaf Farmhouse.

Museum IN BRIEF launches new SOUTH DOWNS PROJECT WILL ‘SEE’ BENEATH THE FOREST website CANOPY The museum’s new website The South Downs National Park (www.wealddown.co.uk) was Authority is hosting an exciting new launched before Christmas with a Heritage Lottery Fund-supported fresh new look and we hope that project called The Secrets of the High Woods. It aims to investigate the you are finding it enjoyable to history and heritage of the wooded use. You’ll notice that it features downs, and will use cutting edge lidar lots of photographs of the technology to ‘see’ beneath the forest museum, with the aim of canopy to map the landscape hidden attracting a broad range of beneath. The models are so detailed visitors. The new website also that many features relating to past includes a blog, which will be human activity in the area can be regularly updated with articles identified. A huge range of features about the museum’s exhibit such as settlements, burial mounds, buildings, collections and projects. field systems and WWI/WWII features which have previously been hidden from view will be detected by the survey. The identification of these Best Tweets! features is just the start – over the next two years the project team and volunteers will undertake “At last a sunny day! @WealddownMuseum here we come. . . ” fieldwork and archival research to explore and explain the secrets “@WealddownMuseum . . . and what a brilliant place it is! So much to of this special landscape. If you’d inform and inspire all in such a glorious landscape too. Fabulous!” like to find out more contact [email protected] “Step back in time @WealddownMuseum something for everyone: lambs Website: food history music gardens. . .” www.southdowns.gov.uk/highwoods

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015 37 W&D Spring 2015 ad pages_W&D Spring 2012 ad pages 20/02/2015 15:22 Page 38

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news Traffic jam – IN BRIEF MORE SHAKESPEARE FILMED Weald & Downland AT THE MUSEUM Visitors and volunteers were greeted Museum-style! with all the sights, smells and noise of a full-scale battle taking place in the The museum’s working Shire and tip cart market square when they visited the and volunteer staff meet Pete Betsworth on museum at the beginning of January, the Ferguson tractor with trailer in the market complete with fog! Shakespeare square. Both are busy on maintenance duties Productions Ltd were with us for a keeping the museum spick and span for second time to film scenes for the next visitors. BBC Hollow Crown series. It is due to be screened in 2016: keep watching the listings for a broadcast date. FARM CROPS AND SITE Shepherding & MAINTENANCE Our winter wheat was sown slightly later than Shepherds’ Huts we hoped, towards the end of November, as a result of wet weather, writes Richard Pailthorpe. Unfortunately, rooks did some – 11/12 April damage to the newly planted crop and with cold soil and wet conditions the plants have This event early in the season is being taken longer to emerge. Some bird damage repeated after its successful introduction is inevitable (pheasants and pigeons also last year. The two days will focus on enjoy it!), so we cater for this by using a shepherds’ huts and their use in agriculture slightly higher seed rate than needed when and the skills, traditions and culture of the sowing. We are grateful to Lady Elizabeth downland shepherds – such an important Benson and David Penny for the loan of their part of our regional landscape. The bird scaring gas gun to deter them during this period. Once the seed has germinated they character and charm of these huts has made leave it alone as the grain is no longer them incredibly popular as moveable spaces available to dig out and eat. In the spring we in modern times too, and inspirational new will also plant spring wheat and grass for our builds will also be on display. winter feed and bedding. The local and historic Chidham wheat has again been planted at Tindalls Cottage thanks to volunteers Murray James, Gerry Dowsett, Tim Magilton and Alan Wood, who prepared and Follow us on Facebook! sowed the grain. The rooks have also been a nuisance this year on our thatched roofs, The museum’s social media traffic continues to grow – following us pulling out the straw to get at the greenbottle on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn is a great way to stay flies who hibernate in the thatch through the up-to-date with the latest news. winter months. Chris Tomkins, the museum’s thatcher, has been busy repairing the “Last time there was a teacher’s strike I asked my daughter where she damage. Due to the wet conditions at the would like to spend the day. I told her we would go anywhere she liked. time of the Autumn Countryside Show and “Weald and Downland Mummy!” was the first thing she said.” the Christmas Market, we will have to “I really have a passion for Tudor buildings and lovely gardens, and also water, so this undertake repairs to the grass fields, notably the entrance into Greenways, which has place has it in abundance! Along with very polite and knowledgable staff and suffered badly and is always a problem at volunteers, so if you love old buildings and open grass fields this is certainly this time of year. Leading up to spring, a the place to come for a walk around, and also have a cup of tea or coffee!” number of annual tasks have been undertaken, from path maintenance and hedging and fencing to limewashing and painting, and we are grateful to staff and Vintage & Steam volunteers who undertake all these, and many more, essential tasks. – 15/16 August PLUMBERS’ MASTER’S DAY The Worshipful Company of Plumbers, The Vintage & Steam event at the whose museum collection is exhibited Weald & Downland Open Air Museum in Court Barn, celebrates its 450th will appeal to anyone who wants to anniversary this year. We will be experience a taste of life 80 years ago welcoming members of the Worshipful when some vehicles didn’t start at the Company to their Master’s Day taking turn of a key! This wonderful event place at the museum on 14 June. will showcase a huge selection of classic, vintage and steam vehicles, with vintage They will enjoy lunch in the upper hall music, a themed tea tent, local crafts, traditional demonstrations and continuous arena from Crawley and a full day of demonstrations around the site. displays throughout the weekend.

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Enjoy Spring at the Museum!

The season begins with Mothering Sunday on 15 March with our traditional complimentary posy for mothers and grandmothers. Then on 15-20 March discover the museum’s unique period clothing project with our Historic Clothing Exhibition. The Easter Weekend and Holiday, 3-17 April, is a perfect time to visit the museum, with longer days, warmer weather, spring flowers and new-born lambs. On 11/12 April we are repeating a weekend dedicated to the skills, traditions and culture of the downland shepherds, Shepherding & Shepherds’ Huts. On 3/4 May don’t miss our Food & Folk Festival, when the very best of the South East’s produce and crafts will be on show, plus demonstrations and tastings and folk music, dancing and storytelling. See the museum in a different light during the evenings of 15/16 May for Museum at Night (pre-booking required), and the season ends with Spring half-term family activities based on rural arts, crafts and games from the countryside. We look forward to seeing you!

WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM Singleton, Chichester, W Sussex PO18 0EU Telephone 01243 811348 www.wealddown.co.uk Directions By car: Just off A286 The Museum is open throughout the year Chichester to Midhurst From 3 Jan-27 Feb open Wed, Sat and Sun only with the exception of road at Singleton village. half-term week, 16-20 Feb, when the Museum is open daily. By bus: No. 60 from From 28 Feb open daily until 22 Dec and daily from 26 Dec-1 Jan. Chichester or Midhurst. Don’t miss the ‘Museum at Christmas’ from 26-28 Dec. Opening times: 10.30am-6.00pm during British Summer Time and 20% entry discount on 10.30am-4.00pm for the rest of the year. presentation of Stagecoach Coastline bus ticket, valid Admission 2015: Ticket prices include Gift Aid (standard charges in brackets). Adults £12.50 (£11.00); children 4-15 years £7.00 (£6.00); on day of purchase only. 65+ £11.00 (£10.00); family £35.00 (£31.00); under 4s free. By rail: Chichester 7 Call 01243 811363 for details of group rates and disabled access. miles, Haslemere 15 miles. Free car and coach parking. Dogs on leads welcome. Café, picnic areas, Post Office, book and gift shop.

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Museum Director: Richard Pailthorpe Typeset by Dorchester Typesetting Group Ltd, Dorchester, Dorset Singleton, Chichester Magazine Editor: Diana Zeuner Printed by Pensord (www.Pensord.co.uk) West Sussex PO18 0EU Advertising: Katie Jardine Museum office Tel: 01243 811016 Tel: 01243 811363 Registered as a charity No. 306338 Fax: 01243 811475 ISSN 0953 6051 Information line: 01243 811348 Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Magazine Email: [email protected] is printed on Edixion Offset, uncoated paper with Website: www.wealddown.co.uk ISO 14001 environmental certification and covered by the European EMAS standard, Friends membership Tel: 01243 811893 produced from sustainable forests.

40 Weald & Downland Open Air Museum SPRING 2015