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Posted: Monday 04 August 2008
South East Associates visit a Magic Land
June 11th
A dozen Associates recently gathered to view the magic of Bekonscot Model Village located in Beaconsfield, Bucks. This magic was to control the weather that despite a poor forecast, stayed sunny.
Bekonscot is composed of a series of separate but complete model dioramas all based on a 1930’s look and style, and interlinked by a gauge-one model railway that wends its way past manicured lawns and pristine flower beds.
The village origins can be traced back to the early 1930’s when Roland Callingham bought the plot of land on which the village is now built. Initially it was to be a swimming pool but the concept of a village and railway soon evolved.
He commissioned a friend to plan and construct the railway, the layout being similar to the one we see today.
A model bridge at one end of Alexandra Lake is based on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Local buildings, like the Roman Catholic Church across the road, are not forgotten. 1930’s style shop fronts are visible and the coming and going of numerous trains keep one’s interest.
Entrance fees are for charity and upkeep of the buildings and grounds.
The railway and its rolling stock have to be regularly maintained, as do the village inhabitants. New features are being added on a regular basis.
During its existence many famous persons, including crowned royalty, have visited the village.
Time stops for no-one, not even the people of Bekonscot so, after a visit to the shop located in a converted railway coach at the entrance/exit, it was off to the White Hart to prepare the inner person for the afternoon outing.
Then on to Hughenden Manor
After a good lunch at the White Hart in Beaconsfield the group continued the day twelve miles further on at Hughenden Manor (NT).
This visit provided a unique insight into the life and times of Benjamin Disraeli in the latter part of the 19th century.
A very informative talk by a NT guide provided an interesting introduction to the history of both the house and the life of Disraeli, who was a popular Prime Minister, twice, between 1868 and 1880 during which time Britain became half owner of the Suez Canal. He was also a great friend of Queen Victoria.
The house is now arranged and shown exactly as it was when he lived there and is full of his memorabilia.
Unlike many “museums” it is very much alive and we had a very satisfactory couple of hours wandering around the house and gardens.
Chris Pooley & Colin Wood
(ph 04/08/2008)
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