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Posted: Saturday 16th August 2008
London Associates visit Amberley working museum.
The outlook was dire.
The risk averse Met Office had issued severe weather warnings - both heavy rain and gales - prospects did not look good for our trip to the working museum at Amberley in Sussex.
Morning dawned - a blue sky and no wind as 45 Associates and guests set off - what was going on? Well, the rain did come by the time we reached Amberley, but a few showers, not torrential downpours, and there were plenty of exhibition halls to shelter in so we were able to keep dry. There was wind, but with the museum in a deep chalk pit, we were sheltered from the worst effects.
On arrival we were served tea or coffee and biscuits before setting off to explore the extensive site.
The Limeburners Restaurant.
We were served Tea or Coffee and biscuits when we arrived.
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The museum consists of over 40 displays celebrating our industrial heritage in buildings spread throughout the 36 acre site. Some of the larger buildings had been funded by grants from different bodies (e.g. the Heritage Lottery Fund) and others were supported by commercial organisations (for example EDF) who also provided many of the exhibits. Smaller exhibits had been assembled by local enthusiasts and craftsmen. The whole enterprise was manned largely by volunteers. Over time, they had set up many of the exhibits, with detailed explanations of the displays; elsewhere craftsmen demonstrated their skills and in some cases offered artwork for sale.
Geoff with our photographer, Derek, talking to the woodturner.
Young enthusiasts watch the potter.
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A wicker worker.
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 Shocking treatment makes her hair stand on end. |
A vintage open top bus ran a shuttle service around the site and there was also a narrow gauge railway.
Shall we book a trip? No! better catch the bus....
The exhibits with their emphasis of how things had evolved were a bit too reminiscent for comfort. "Oh, I remember going on one of those after the war..."....or "Do you remember we had one of those when we first set up house.."
Do you remember?
Amberley is a living and growing museum with new exhibits being added all the time. There were firm pathways around the site for easy mobility scooter access.
Do you still have a key?
The restaurant offered a full range of meals for lunch time. Before leaving we all returned to the restaurant for tea and a cake .
Exchanging thoughts over a cup of tea. Click on any of the pictures for a larger image.
Everyone said they had enjoyed the day despite the weather. It was something different, and brought back memories of how things used to be for all of us.
We nearly left the photographer behind....
There are more pictures on the London Region pages. To see them, click here.
Text: Tony Hill, Photos: Derek Germaney and Tony Hill.
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