PRESS RELEASE There is great excitement this Bank Holiday weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum! Re-enactment and research group, the Roman Military Research Society are hotfooting it down from Hadrians Wall - where their military display team were recently part of a legion there for the first time in 2000 years - and giving the visitors to Chiltern Open Air Museum a wonderful opportunity to learn about the life of the Roman Soldiers throughout the Roman period. Visitors will be able to see living history brought back to life through a wide range of activities around the site - and even have chance to see a 2000 year old Fashion Show! Museum Education Officer Melissa Maynard is really excited about the weekend: 'This is a great chance for our visitors to get to see this well known military display team, who will present a soldiers encampment and spectacular displays of Roman fighting techniques and displays throughout the weekend.' Adds Melissa: 'Over the three days of the Bank Holiday weekend, visitors will have the chance to meet soldiers and women of the Roman Empire - and we even have a Roman Fashion Show where there is chance to learn all about Roman ladies' clothes and to show off the clothing of the time!' The Roman Military Research Society regularly appears on television in programmes such as 'What the Romans Did' with Adam Hart Davies and the popular 'Time Team'. And an added bonus on Sunday will be a book signing for a brand new book about the Roman Army. Throughout the weekend, in addition to the Roman military displays, all the Museum's extensive buildings and cafe will be open to visitors. The award winning Museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. For further information about the Roman Military Research Society go to http://www.romanarmy.net/ For further information go to www.coam.org.uk |
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PRESS RELEASE Let battle commence! This weekend (August 22-23) at Chiltern Open Air Museum see the English fight the Scots in this wonderful military 'Lace Wars' event demonstrating the rivalries and fighting techniques from the 18th Century. Visitors will have chance to meet the Red Coat Infantry Soldiers, see the British Dragoons on horseback, and witness the attempts of the much beleaguered Jacobites from 18th Century England to overcome the English soldiers. Museum Director Sue Shave is excited about the event: 'Lace Wars is made up of a number of regiments depicting both military and civilian life during the 18th Century. They specialize in the period 1740-1760 and in particular, the Jacobite rebellion. There will be colourful displays of traditional gun fire from the red coat soldiers of King George and occasional skirmishes with the rebellious Jacobites - its going to be action packed and occasionally noisy!' Adds Sue: 'The highlight of the day will be the spectacular displays given by the mounted Dragoons demonstrating their skill with swords and lances on horseback. It will be truly spectacular!'. In addition, all of the Museum's buildings will be open to visitors. The Museum has an exciting season of events across the summer. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. ends For further information go to www.coam.org.uk or contact |
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PRESS RELEASE This weekend (15-16 August) at Chiltern Open Air Museum sees a rather unusual activity - a 17th century trial and a public hanging! The 'Crime and Punishment' events will be happening on the Museums Village Green with the aim of demonstrating that this was public entertainment several centuries ago. The 'Siege Group' return to the Museum to explore how criminals were dealt with in the 17th century with re-enactments of period trials for typical crimes. The trials will demonstrate the range of punishments that were meted out to those who broke the law at this time, including the use of the stocks and public hangings! Scenarios will be based on real incidents from the Assizes trials. Museum Director Sue Shave is pleased that, as well as the demonstrations, there will be opportunities for visitors to join in with the role play. 'It will be so realistic for our visitors to be able to join in the trials to have a better understanding of the justice system in the 17th century' Adds Sue: 'There will also be characters acting as law enforcement which will give even more credibility to the event!'. In addition, all of the Museum's extensive buildings, cafe and shop will be open to visitors. The Museum has an exciting season of events across the summer. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. ends For further information go to www.coam.org.uk or contact Melissa Maynard, Education Officer educationcoam@btconnect.com on 01494 875542 or Jacky Brookes, Marketing and Press Officer, Chiltern Open Air Museum at marketingcoam@btconnect.com on 07970 053883 |
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PRESS RELEASE Celebrating the 500th anniversary of Henry the Eighth’s accession to the throne, visitors to Chiltern Open Air Museum this weekend will have chance to experience life as it was in Tudor times - working, resting and playing! Marking this historical anniversary, the Museum has invited Tudor re-enactment group, Hungerford Household, to demonstrate a country gentleman's household from the sixteenth century. Hungerford Household is a re-enactment group with over fifteen years experience of bringing the Tudor period to life at historic houses and museums throughout the UK. Chiltern Open Air Museum provides a perfect setting for this exciting event for all the family. Museum Education Officer Melissa Maynard is thrilled with the plans for this Henry the Eighth themed weekend. 'Hungerford Household brings living history to Chiltern Open Air Museum this weekend as members of the household, from servants to gentry show what life was like during Henry's reign.' Continues Melissa: 'Costumed re-enactors will demonstrate their skills as they go about the business of preparing food, crafts and entertainments popular in the period. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with the characters and participate in a variety of activities. Do come along and discover the daily household routine for a Tudor family, find out about food preparation, the making of textiles, the teaching of courtly and peasant dance and music and the noble art of defence. It is going to be a fun packed and fascinating weekend!' Adds Melissa: 'On the theme of the Tudors also, the annual action packed Arborfield Adventurers Holiday Club is planned for this summer - from 17th - 20th August at Chiltern Open Air Museum. The Museum and the Friends of the Museum jointly run holiday club sessions for 5 - 12 year old children in August each year based in the Museum's traditional buildings and site. For further information about the Adventurer Holidays go to the Museum website where you can provisionally book places - but hurry! Places are limited and the Holiday Club is always popular!' |
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PRESS RELEASE Fans of TV series Sharpe will have chance to get 'behind the scenes' of this favourite television drama and meet one of the stars. This weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum visitors will have the exciting opportunity to meet 'Rifleman Harris' actor Jason Salkey. Museum Director Sue Shave says: 'We are absolutely thrilled that Jason Salkey is able to join us at our weekend event called 'Meet Sharpes Rifles', and give our visitors an insight into the Napoleonic Wars. He will be bringing along his 'Harris Diaries' plus a large range of his own photos not available from anywhere else! And even more exciting is that he will be signing autographs and is happy to have his photo taken with visitors and their children posing with weapons from Sharpe.' Attending the event will be the Sharpe Appreciation Society and 95th Rifles, who will be holding displays throughout the weekend including Regimental parades, drills and skirmishes. There will also be a living camp open to the public where they will show displays of kit and life on camp. Adds Sue: 'The Sharpe Appreciation Society will be displaying a wide range of Sharpe related merchandise, books, photos etc and a display of weaponry from the films including the famous seven barrelled 'Nock' gun used by 'Harper'. There is also a stand of Sharpe related artwork including two new prints just released.' Continues Sue, 'this is a great chance to learn all about the Napoleonic Wars talking at first hand to the soldiers, and also to find out more about the TV series Sharpe - a real unique opportunity to go 'behind the scenes'. In addition, all the Museum's buildings will be open to visitors. The museum has an exciting season of events across the summer. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494 872163. ends |
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PRESS RELEASE Arborfield Adventurers Holiday Club Calling all families! The annual action packed Arborfield Adventurers Holiday Club is planned for this summer - from 17 - 20 August at Chiltern Open Air Museum. The Museum and the Friends of the Museum jointly run holiday club sessions for 5 - 12 year old children in August each year based in the Museum's traditional buildings and site. The Museums Education Officer and Holiday Club Organiser, Melissa Maynard, is excited with this years plans for the Holiday Club. Says Melissa: 'The name Arborfield Adventurers was chosen by the children themselves and the activities available offer young people a unique chance to experience aspects of life in the past! The club offers half day sessions for younger and older age groups covering a wonderful variety of traditional themes each year.' This years programme covers both age ranges, with 5 to 7 years olds programme being held each day during the mornings (9.30am - 12.00pm) at a cost of £10.50 per child, and 8 - 12 year olds during the afternoons (1.30pm - 5.00pm) at a cost of £12.50 per child. Adds Melissa: 'This years Adventurers Club theme is based on the Tudors. The planned programme is 'The Tudors at Home' (Monday 17 August), 'Tudor Explorers' (Tuesday 18 August), 'Tudor Life' (Wednesday 19 August) and 'The Tudors Have Fun' (Thursday 20 August). For further information about the Adventurer Holidays go to the Museum website: http://www.coam.org.uk/WOArborfield/Arborfield.html where you can provisionally book places - but hurry! Places are limited and the Holiday Club is always popular! |
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PRESS RELEASE Classic Vehicle enthusiasts of all ages will be flocking to Chiltern Open Air Museum this weekend for the fourth annual Classic Vehicles Show. The well loved event with be showcasing a wide range of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, Landrovers and even a fire engine! Museum Director, Sue Shave, is delighted with this popular event. 'We are so pleased with the response from individual owners and members of numerous clubs and societies who are kindly loaning us their vehicles to help make the Show such a success once again.' Continues Sue: 'We have an amazing display in store for our visitors. As well as Vintage cars which will include Morris', Austins, MGs, Morgans and many more, we have a range of vintage motorcycles from the London Motorcycle Museum amongst others. Even veteran bicycles will be on display, including the Museum's own collection of early 20th Century bicycles. Agricultural vehicles will also be represented with Series 2 landrovers, tractors, and traditional horse drawn farming machinery.' The Museum will have many additional fascinating things going on for visitors to the event. There will be the opportunity to meet the 18th Century gate keeper and his family at the Toll House re-enacted by members of the 'Mannered Mob' group. And to top it all, visitors can also find out firsthand about the dangers of travelling in 18th century England as the Museum is besieged by a Highwayman and his gang! And adds Sue: 'We will have the added bonus of being joined this year by British soldiers from the First World War as members of the Great War Society who will be billeted near our farmyard. Find out what life was really like for our brave boys during the war to end all wars.' A truly amazing weekend is in store for visitors. In addition, all the Museum's buildings will be open to visitors. The museum has an exciting season of events covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494 872163. |
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PRESS RELEASE This weekend gives visitors to Chiltern Open Air Museum the unique opportunity to learn about siege warfare from Norman times - and to witness the firing of a spectacular Siege Engine from that era. Early medieval re-enactment group, Conquest, who are dedicated to recreating the Norman, Anglo-Norman and Plantagenet (Angevin Line) period of English history from the Battle of Hastings until the death of Edward I, will have a living history encampment at the Museum and will be demonstrating how Norman soldiers lived during their military campaigns. Museum Director Sue Shave is anticipating an action packed weekend for the Museum: 'We are thrilled that our visitors will have the chance to see demonstrations of weapons, armour and archery skills, and learn about this important era in our countries history.' Over the weekend there are archery displays, talks and demonstration on arms and armour of a medieval knight, foot combat and siege warfare throughout the weekend. In addition, all the Museum's thirty historical buildings will be open to visitors. 'But', continues Sue, 'The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the unique opportunity to see the firing of the siege engine, also known as a Trebuchet, which will fire missiles across the Museum fields to demonstrate the power of this instrument of war!' The museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494 872163. More information on the Norman Re-enactment Group Conquest can be found on www.angevin.org ends For further information go to www.coam.org.uk or contact |
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PRESS RELEASE This years Annual Heavy Horse Show at Chiltern Open Air Museum was its usual huge success. The regular event was made particularly special with the addition to the regular team of horses of a six week old Suffolk foal called Atlantic Storm. She was given this name because she was born in the middle of a terrific storm during an event! Suffolk owner Heather Keeble usually brings at least two of her Suffolk Punches to the show each year and this was a wonderful sight for the visitors as there are so few Suffolks left. The foal took part in the breed parade and Heather also displayed a ladies carriage drawn by one of her Suffolks. The Show was attended by around fifteen horses and owners, including Shires, Clydesdales and even a Cleveland Bay Cross, all members of the Herts Heavy Horse Association. Ken Allison and his team of shires gave demonstrations of hay making throughout the day in the Museum fields using a scissor bar mower, which the visitors found fascinating to watch. The horses, vehicles and owners were beautifully turned out and looked spectacular for the parades and demonstrations in the ring, commentated by John 'Jumbo' Lovatt, well known to the Heavy Horse World. ends For further information contact |
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PRESS RELEASE A major invasion in planned this weekend in the Chilterns! This weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum military Viking Group Valhalla, the largest and oldest Dark Age battle combat orientated re-enactment society in Europe, will be 'invading' the Museum with some rival Saxon warriors. The soldiers, with their wives and children, will live in their encampment on the Museum site over the weekend and will demonstrate all aspects of the soldier's lives. Museum Director Sue Shave is delighted with the plans: 'This is a splendid opportunity for visitors to try on Viking or Saxon armour, try out Viking archery and find out what the soldiers ate each day. It will be a really exciting event to come and experience. It is not often that you get chance to view Vikings and Saxons at such close quarters and talk to them about their lives, their food and their crafts and weapons!' Continues Sue: 'Children will have the unique opportunity to sign with the Viking Warriors to learn Viking fighting techniques, ending in a battle with the soldiers themselves!' The busy weekend programme is a really exciting one - with living history from 10.00 am, Viking and Saxon Combat displays at 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm each day, and a Children's Viking Army at 11.30 am, 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm each day. Age restrictions may apply for the Children's Viking Army - visitors should sign up with the re-enactment group on the day of their visit on a first come, first served basis. In addition, all the Museums buildings will be open to visitors, together with the opportunity to make beeswax candles too. Adds Sue: 'So anyone who has ever wanted to be a Viking Soldier - here is your chance!!' The museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. More information on the Viking Re-enactment Group Valhalla can be found on www.colanhomm.org/Valhalla_Herred. |
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PRESS RELEASE A visit to Chiltern Open Air Museum this weekend (13 - 14 June 2009) will provide a glimpse into the medieval way of life as a small flock of historic interpreters from the 15th Century Living History group, 'Pelican-in-her-Piety,' makes their annual visit to this interesting and lively Museum. Museum Director Sue Shave says: 'We have an exciting weekend planned for our visitors. They will have chance to feel the weight of plate armour, try on a helmet and be amazed and appalled at the savagery of medieval warfare! Men-at-Arms will talk about their armour and put it to the test as they clash in bouts of head-to-head combat at 12.00 and 3.00 p.m.' Adds Sue: 'At the archery target you will see for yourself the amazing power of the English Warbow and hear gruesome details of the English '100 Year War' against the French. A display of 'Archery through the Ages' at 2.00 p.m. will detail the history and development of this powerful medieval weapon of mass destruction. It an action packed weekend ahead!' Meanwhile, back in the camp, cooks will be working over open fires to recreate recipes from the Middle Ages; as the aromas of cooking mingle with the evocative drifts of woodsmoke you will discover delights such as 'Urchins', 'Frumenteye' and 'Perre'. Cream will be churned to butter and you can watch on as the dairymaid strains curds and whey to make cheese. Visit the wood turner's tent to see wood being worked or to learn how rope was created - without a machine in sight! Continues Sue: 'For those interested in beauty products, the unusual display of 15th Century 'cosmetics' will show you the lengths to which a higher status woman would go in order to catch her knight...and to keep him! Come along to Chiltern Open Air Museum and ask questions about costume, cookery, customs and crafts, try on armour and open a window onto life as it was lived 600 years ago!' The museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. Also visit www.pelican-in-her-piety.co.uk ends For further information contact |
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PRESS RELEASE There is great excitement this Bank Holiday weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum! It will be transformed into the new province of 'Britannia' with the visit by 'Vicus', who are an Iron Age and early Roman re-enactment group. Visitors will be able to see living history brought back to life through a wide range of activities around the site, combat demonstration - and even have chance to see a 2000 year old Fashion Show! Sue Shave Museum Director is thrilled to welcome back the group. 'Our visitors love this type of event, where they have chance to see at first hand how the Romans and Britons lived together over 2000 years ago - their weaponry, their clothing and their lifestyle in general.' Over the three days of the Bank Holiday weekend, there will be demonstrations of their craftsmanship, their medicine and other aspects of their life. There will be chance to see the Britons and the Romans getting dressed for battle, preparing their bows, slings and javelins, sharp weaponry displays, and the popular combat display. Continues Sue: 'It will be fascinating to see just how Romano-British civilians, armoured Roman soldiers and native warriors managed to live together here in ‘Britannia’ many many centuries ago. And there will even be a fashion show - to show off the clothing of the time!' The award winning Museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. For more information about Vicus Re-enactment Society go to www.vicus.org.uk Photo:
Roman Soldiers preparing for battle at the Chiltern Open Air Museum this Bank Holiday Weekend. |
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PRESS RELEASE Chiltern Open Air Museum is celebrating its appearance on the popular BBC programme 'The One Show' which was viewed by almost five million viewers. The programme was aired last week with celebrity presenter Germaine Greer investigating the history of laundry from early times to washing machines and Laundromats today. Museum Director Sue Shave is delighted with the huge publicity that this programme has brought to the Museum. 'We were thrilled that the One Show chose to film this particular piece at the Museum because of our wonderful Victorian Toll House scullery and skilled demonstrators - and to have Germaine Greer here on site was also very exciting!' Continues Sue: 'The film clip begins with the early history of laundry as shown in illustrations, after which Germaine Greer and the film crew visit the Toll House to see how laundry was done in the Victorian period. Our demonstrator Pam Linsey was shown using the working copper in the scullery in the Toll House, with a hot fire underneath it, scrubbing the clothes on the dolly board, while Germaine put up her feet and waited for the washing machine to do the washing in far less time!' And to top it all, the Chiltern Open Air Museum name and location was broadcast, which gave viewers the chance to see clearly where the filming had taken place and the opportunity to know where to visit in the future to see this type of activity. The Museum is now gaining a high quality reputation as a film location, with regular enquiries from film and TV companies, and also from companies wishing to use the vast array of buildings for corporate events – much welcomed by the Museum to ensure more visitors for the future and much needed funds! Ends
One Show celebrity presenter Germaine Greer with Chiltern Open Air Museum’s Pam Linsey. |
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A once common but now vanished feature of the Chilterns landscape has been brought back to life at Chiltern Open Air Museum thanks to a generous grant of £8,300 from the Chilterns Conservation Board. Visitors to the Museum have the opportunity to see at first hand the newly constructed historic lambing fold project, already being put into good use with the birth of the new seasons first lambs. The exciting new addition to the Museums extensive range of rescued and reconstructed local buildings will add a fascinating insight into how lambing used to be in the area and demonstrate local lambing practices. Sue Shave, Museum Director says: 'This is part of the Museums new Farm Development Plan to develop the traditional Chilterns character of our Victorian farm and is a fantastic new addition to our agricultural exhibits - all made possible by this very generous project funding from the Chilterns Conservation Board.' The Farm Manager, Conway Rowland, and his team of volunteers, have been hard at work over the winter helping to construct the lambing fold which is made using wattle hurdles mounted with thatch to make the roof and chestnut poles and gate hurdles to create the walls. As well as providing shelter for the ewes and their newborn lambs, the fold also provides shelter and living quarters for the lambing team - the shepherds traditionally used to remain night and day with their flock during lambing time. Continues Sue: 'This project is an excellent example of partnership working, with our hard working team of volunteers, our expert farm team and the generous donation from the Chilterns Conservation Board making this once vanished farming practise available for all our visitors to see at first hand.' And adds Sue, 'even better with its new residents - our newborn spring lambs - to give it their full seal of approval!' The museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends with special 'Join in on the Farm' events on the first weekend of each month throughout the season. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163. For further information on the Chilterns Conservation Board, the environmental body charged with caring for the protected landscape of the Chilterns area, and conserving and enhancing its natural beauty, go to www.chilternsaonb.org ends |
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Photo Chiltern Open Air Museum Board Member and volunteer Verena Clark holding ‘Textbook’ the Lamb, with Chiltern Conservation Board Members Cllr Alan Walters and Julia Wells looking on. |
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PRESS RELEASE Free Beer for Dad's on Fathers Day? Finding a great treat for Dad on Fathers Day this year couldn’t be easier. Just head for Chiltern Open Air Museum with the family on that day and the museum will be giving away free Wychert beer from the Vale Brewery to the first hundred lucky fathers visiting the site at Chalfont St Giles! The dad's visiting on Sunday 21 June have a treat in store for the family as it will be the popular Heavy Horse Show on that weekend, where the Museum plays host to many of the country's majestic shire horses. Before the arrival of the tractor, shire horses and other working horses were a common sight on farmland and across the countryside, and this weekend will give a great opportunity to see them in action. But, dad may be a little more interested in checking out the unique Wychert building, also known as Haddenham Croft Cottage, which is at present under construction at the Museum. It is this special building material (spelt wichert or wychert - there are literally hundreds of spellings of the word!) made of limestone clay earth only found in the Aylesbury Vale that gave the name to this very special local form of construction, and also to the local brew from the Vale Brewery. Originally based in Haddenham, Vale Brewery chose to name the brew after this unique local traditional building form. And it is here at this rescued local earth building that the free Wychert Brew will be served to the first lucky dads! So don't delay, when asked 'Where do you want to go on Fathers Day, Dad?' - kindly offer a trip to Chiltern Open Air Museum - its a win win all round!!! The award winning Museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494 872163. For more information about the The Vale Brewery and its collection of award winning beers visit www.valebrewery.co.uk |
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PRESS RELEASE Visitors to Chiltern Open Air Museum this Bank Holiday weekend - 2- 4 May - could find themselves witnessing a major skirmish between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. The Marquis of Winchesters Regiment of the English Civil War Society will be encamped at the Museum over the three days, and their 'friends' from the Roundhead Army of Oliver Cromwell, will be visiting to ensure there is plenty of excitement on site! The Royalist supporters of King Charles I will be encamped at the Museum, occupying the Village Green Area and Leagrave Cottages. Visitors will have chance to see artillery firing, muskets engaging in volley fire, pikemen in hand to hand combat and drummers beating the call to arms. The Museum Director, Sue Shave says: We are delighted to welcome this exciting re-enactment group to the Museum, and give our visitors the opportunity to see the Regiment practicing drill and taking part in other military exercises. Amongst the exciting activities happening over the three days, visitors will have chance to talk to the 17th century surgeon and find out what it was like to be operated on in those times, speak to officers and soldiers alike to find out what conditions were like in those days. They can even watch the camp followers cook a genuine meal - and see the difference between the fare of officers and ordinary soldiers! Adds Sue: 'And there is a historical 'Knowledge Trail' for the children, with a very special prize of a genuine 17th century replica coin awarded to those that complete all the questions correctly. This is going to be a great bank holiday weekend of fun and education for everyone, young and old!' The museum has an exciting season of events - covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163 ends |
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PRESS RELEASE If you see Vikings and Saxons next weekend around Chiltern Open Air Museum, do not be alarmed! It is the popular re-enactment group The Dark Ages Society 'warriors' and 'villagers' visiting the Museum over the weekend of 25 & 26 April to get in training for the 2009 season. The Society make the whole weekend as authentic as possible, bringing their own Viking tents with them, based on original designs, and erecting them in the Museum fields close to the Iron Age house as their encampment. Sue Shave, Museum Director says: 'The soldiers will spend the weekend training in one to one combat using spears, swords and shields and learning the fighting techniques for group battle scenes. Visitors will be able to watch the soldiers in action at certain times over the two days. The women will be cooking Viking foods over a raised camp fire and making Viking textiles such as tablet weaving or naal binding which is a form of early crochet.' Continues Sue; 'the group are regular visitors to the Museum and love to interpret the daily lives of the Vikings and Saxons - it will be a really exciting event to come and experience. It is not often that you get chance to view Vikings and Saxons at such close quarters and talk to them about their lives, their food and their crafts and weapons!' Further information can be found on www.coam.org.uk or www.darkagessociety.co.uk The museum has an exciting season of events – covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163 |
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PRESS RELEASE Henry the Eight would have felt very at home this Easter Weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum - particularly seeing his 16th century Kings Portrait Painter Holbein in action! To celebrate the world famous monarchs 500th anniversary, the History Re-enactment Workshop are bringing their Holbein Portrait Event to the Museum on Easter Sunday and Monday, giving visitors a rare opportunity to dress in Tudor clothing and strike a traditional portrait pose just like King Henry the Eighth, whilst photographs are taken. But unlike the famous monarch, participants will be able to download their photo from the History Re-enactment Workshop Website a few days later. His Majesty the King may have to have waited longer for his portrait to be finished! Museum Director Sue Shave says 'As well as seeing His Majesty's Portrait Painter Holbein in action, our exciting Easter Family Fun Days will be a full range of family orientated hands on traditional activities which will be available all weekend in addition to other re-enactments for an exciting Easter treat.' Continues Sue: 'Visitors will be able to see how a family lived in the 18th century, the Mannered Mob re-enactment group will be living in Leagrave Cottage from Good Friday onwards over the Easter weekend and for the following week. They will demonstrate how families would have lived in these Cottages, including cooking over the open fire or using the bread oven, spinning using the great wheel and laundry activities.' Visitors can also take part in the very popular Easter Egg Hunt around the Museum to win an Easter Egg and discover all the wide range of activities happening around the Musuems traditional Chiltern buildings. Adds Sue: 'This Easter we have wonderful variety of activities happening. Having a permanent collection of thirty rescued traditional Chilterns buildings covering over 2000 years of history, displayed in 45 acres of parkland with a picturesque woodland walk, there is plenty to keep the family busy over Easter here at the Chiltern Open Air Museum!' And don’t forget, you can have your portrait painted by Holbein – and download the results quicker than King Henry the Eighth himself! ends
Picture: History Re-enactment Workshop in action, where visitors can have their portrait painted at Chiltern Open Air Museum over Easter. |
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PRESS RELEASE Award winning Chiltern Open Air Museum is gearing up for their exciting Easter Bank Holiday Family Fun weekend. The fun packed weekend includes on Sunday and Monday the exciting Fire Eater, 18th century 'Mannered Mob' Re-enactment group, together with the opportunity to have your portrait painted by King Henry the Eighths Portrait Painter Holbein!; And of course, the traditional annual Easter Egg Hunt. Getting ready for the annual Easter Egg Hunt is Museum Director Sue Shave. Says Sue: 'Our Family Fun Days are always a great success, as there is something to interest the whole family throughout the Bank Holiday. We have activities around our 45 acre site and in some of our 30 renovated traditional Chiltern buildings.' Of particular interest to visitors will be the newly opened traditional Lambing Fold, which has taken a great deal of work from staff and volunteers alike over the winter to be prepared for the up and coming lambing season in May. Continues Sue: 'Our animals are always a big hit with the visitors, whether its Billy the Goat or Sovereign the Shirehorse – they all love to welcome visitors and get lots of attention. And Sovereign will be around for some of the weekend to take some lucky visitors on horse and cart rides.' 'But the highlight is the Easter Egg Hunt' adds Sue 'where everyone is a winner!' The museum has an exciting season of events – covering over 30 weekends. Go to the website www.coam.org.uk for the latest updates or telephone the information line on 01494-872163 ends Picture caption:
Museum Director Sue Shave preparing for the Easter Egg Hunt. |
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PRESS RELEASE Chiltern Open Air Museum has held its annual 'Start of the Season' briefing meeting for volunteers and the turnout was excellent, with many 'newcomers' attending to find out more about becoming a Museum volunteer. The Museum Director, Sue Shave and her team presented a lively resume of the work that has gone on over the winter months and the exciting developments which visitors can enjoy over the next season, which starts on 28 March and runs until the 30 October. Says Sue: 'We were thrilled with the turnout, especially as there were quite a few who came along to find out more about the Museum, with a view to becoming a volunteer. We rely very heavily on the kindness of our enthusiastic volunteers who give so freely of their time. They are involved in all areas of the Museum, from the farm to the building renovation, from the ticket office to Museum office and help with our IT. We welcome the full range of skills - all can be put to good use at the Museum.' The attendees were given an up-to-the minute briefing on the Museum and what had been done over the 'closed' winter months and what was planned for the exciting season ahead. Continues Sue: 'The Museum staff and volunteers use the winter months to work on many areas of the site, renovating buildings, cataloguing and cleaning artefacts, thatching hay ricks , etc and we organise training courses for some of the volunteers, so they are well prepared for the season ahead.' The artefacts group of nine volunteers, lead by Museums Assistant Jennie Booth, put in over 200 hours between them over the winter, cleaning, woodworm treating and storing the artefacts, as well as spring cleaning all the buildings ready for the start of the season on 28 March. Volunteers cover all age ranges and skills and anyone who would like to find out more, please call Doug Green, Visitor Services Officer on 01494 871117 or visit the Chiltern Open Air Museum website www.coam.org.uk. Seen here in the picture are some of the volunteers at the 'Start of the Season' briefing meeting. From left to right, Sheila Bates from Hemel Hempstead, Dawn Akerman from Stoke Poges and Len Baker (our longest serving volunteer, since 1976!) is from Chalfont St. Peter. Sheila organises one of the major events, Dawn is a brand new volunteer and Len being the longest serving, has done most things in his time – and regularly goes around to speak at WI meetings etc, to put the word around. His wife Esme is also a volunteer. |
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PRESS RELEASE Sovereign, the resident Shire Horse at the Chiltern Open Air Museum was intrigued by visiting school children at the Museum last Friday sporting red noses & with red hair so decided to join in on the fun with a red nose of his own ~ he is seen here with farm volunteer Verena Clark trying on his own 'shire horse size' red nose. Sovereign looks forward to welcoming visitors to the Museum once again when it re-opens on March 28 with Campaign '44 when re-enactors from British and American Second World War Units will be stationed around the Museum in different locations throughout the weekend to demonstrate the preparations of each unit for the campaigns in 1944. Visit the American soldiers encamped in the farmyard, see the engineers working in the Forge, experience the field hospital set up in Thame Vicarage room to treat the injured troops and learn how the National Fire Service played a crucial role in the war! There is even a 'Great Penny Trail' for the children - and Sovereign will be keeping a watchful eye (or a red nose!) on everyone on the 28 and all through the season! More information can be found on the Museums website www.coam.org.uk or telephone 01494-871117. Ends
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PRESS RELEASE Seen here counting the pennies, the Rutter family from Chalfont St. Giles are getting ready for the Chiltern Open Air Museum to open its doors to the public on Saturday, 28 March. The fun-packed weekend is featuring The Great Penny Trail, an event organised by the Friends of the Museum. Chairman of the Friends, Anne Ratcliffe, is as excited as the children about the event! 'At the end of the last season, Friends were given a small empty flower pot and asked to put some coins in, one penny, two penny and five penny' says Anne. 'They returned their pots at the start of 2009 and we have about £100 in coins so far and hope to raise over £250. Plenty to begin the Great Penny Trail on Saturday! The Friends raise thousands of pounds each year for the Museum through different events, including a Garden Party this year at the home of Lord Carrington on 4 July'. Children are invited to come along and help lay coins in a massive spiral at the Museum's 18th century Skippings Barn, home to the Hawk and Owl Trusts Education Centre, from 2.00 pm on Saturday. Coin laying will take place all day on Sunday also until 4.00 pm. There are lots of other activities going on at the Museum over the weekend, as it is also 'Campaign 44' - re-enactment of the year 1944 during World War Two. Twins Daisy and William (aged 5) who attend Chalfont St Giles Infants School and their brother Toby (aged 11) who attends the junior school, are aiming to lay lots of pennies and get a limited edition certificate from the Chairman of the Friends thanking them for their support. There is also a prize for the family that brings the most coins. Adds Anne: 'It is going to be a funpacked weekend, and not to be missed. Visitors can also meet the British and American troops at 'Campaign 44', the National Fire Service and other Home Front organisations. Re-enactors from British and American Second World War Units will be on hand to meet visitors while the troops undertake training exercises to prepare for the 1944 Campaigns'. Other activities include the Home Front and an evacuation hospital in the Village, meet the British and American Troops training in the field, patrolling the woods and working in the farmyard and chat to the soldiers about their uniforms, equipment and the events of the Second World War. In the meantime, Daisy, William and Toby are collecting as many pennies as possible for the Great Penny Trail weekend! More information about the weekend and other future events can be found on the museums website www.coam.org.uk or telephone 01494 871117. ends
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PRESS RELEASE Chiltern Open Air Museum is one of the first in the country to gain a highly prized quality mark - the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. Awarded by the Government for organisations which sustain high quality learning outside the classroom and meet all the necessary criteria, the museum staff are thrilled to have achieved such coveted status. Museum Director Sue Shave is delighted with this accolade. 'We pride ourselves in the quality of our education programme, and are so thrilled to be recognised in this way'. Welcoming over 250 school visits annually from across London and the Home Counties, the Museum offers an exciting range of over thirty different activity workshops and give schools a wide choice of opportunities to gain valuable 'outside the classroom' experience. Continues Sue: 'this award gives us the important stamp of quality, and hopefully will encourage even more schools to visit us in the future, especially as such officially approved government status means that teachers bringing schools here have much less paperwork to complete - that is a real bonus!' Chiltern Open Air Museum opens its doors to the public on Saturday, 28 March, with a fun-packed weekend entitled 'Campaign 44', where visitors can meet the British and American troops, National Fire Service and other home front organisations. The Friends of the Museum are organising a 'Penny Trail' and many more exciting activities over the weekend. More information can be found on the museums website www.coam.org.uk or telephone 01494 871117. ends For further information contact Melissa Maynard, Education Officer (educationcoam@btconnect.com) or Jacky Brookes, Press Officer (marketingcoam@btconnect.com). Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, HP8 4AB Website: www.coam.org.uk
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and Education Officer Melissa Maynard (right).JPG)