AROUND THE MUSEUM SITE
The weather has restricted what can be achieved in the past few weeks, having first been very wet and then freezing cold or even on occasion combining the two with a covering of snow. However, one way of beating the cold is to have a fire and this has been a regular activity, together with work to trim back vegetation. The main areas to receive this treatment have been the hedge near the entrance hut, the area round the stores prefab and in front of the café.
Winter gales blew the tops off two of the conifers by the staff car park and these were dragged to the bonfire site using the dumper, cut up and then burnt. Fortunately the parts of tree that fell to ground did so when no cars were on the car park but obviously they are becoming weak and it is hoped to trim the tops of the other trees before the start of the open season.
Work on clearing the railway carriages for new exhibition areas and storage areas has continued. The seating not required by the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway at Toddington has been sold and was removed in late January. This means the new exhibition area is now clear and Malcolm Keeley and Bill Hyatt will be organising bus and railway related exhibitions respectively. From the rest of the carriages, remaining junk was either added to the bonfire or taken to the tip. The area thus released is now used to store a variety of items and two wardrobes have been donated to the museum to store part of our uniform collection.
It is hoped at least some uniforms will be suitable for our crews to wear when driving or conducting on open days but it does appear from the sizes available that we might need to recruit very short, fat staff!
Malcolm Keeley has managed to find enough dry spells to complete the painting of his Bundy clock, positioned at the top of the main drive outside the café and by the telephone kiosk. Another Bundy clock is due to arrive on site in the next few weeks and will be positioned by the bus stop from which museum services depart so there should be no excuse for early or late running!
As I said at the start, the weather has restricted what can be achieved to the site recently. Hopefully this will improve and there are lots of jobs which it would be good to see done either before our Easter opening or during the summer months. Lists of what needs doing are posted on the notice board in the pit area. Many involve preparation and then painting of woodwork, metalwork or railings to protect the fabric of the site. Also there is sweeping car parks and display areas, fighting the war against brambles and more physical activity such as moving kerbstone and bus stop signs. If you can come to the museum to give a hand you will be very welcome.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
