News Archive

'Spring Spectacular' Comes to Museum of English Rural Life – University of Reading

On Saturday 17 May, the Museum of English Rural Life will be hosting its annual 'Spring Spectacular', with a panoply of full-scale demonstrations, performances, film shows, expert talks and hands-on activities taking place against the backdrop of internationally-renowned collections. Admission to the event, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank plc, will be free to all. The Kennet Morris Men and Aldbrickham Clog & Step Dancers will be performing through the day and a local thatcher will be demonstrating her craft 'up close at ground level'. The Berkshire Spinners and Weavers will be at work in the galleries, and there'll also be demonstrations of willow weaving and rag rug making, with an opportunity to take part in making a giant willow-sculpture. The Day will also see the return of the 'Andreas Ruth 93 Keyless Organ' – one of the world's oldest fairground organs still in existence, which proved so popular with visitors last year. Other highlights include morning and afternoon screenings of rare home-made archival film depicting life in the countryside in the 30s and 40s accompanied by a rich programme of fascinating expert talks, ranging from 'A Shepherd's Tale,' and 'Old Garden Tools' to the 'History of Village Halls.' There'll also be slide and video programmes and a special display giving an update about the present Museum's brand-new Lottery-funded replacement, on which work is due to start shortly at St Andrew's Hall in Redlands Road. The 'Spring Spectacular' is the first in a series of events planned to take place at the Museum during the summer and beyond. These include 'Woodcraft Day' scheduled for Saturday 7 June, which will offer a rare opportunity to watch a range of skilled wood craftsmen at work, including sign-writers, hurdle makers and lathe and bead turners. 'Woodcraft Day' will also feature the grand unveiling of an exciting new family trail -'Worm Hunt' - featuring brand-new interactive displays. 'This year's Spring Spectacular will be our biggest ever event,' says Richard Statham, Audience Development Officer. 'And with the Woodcraft Day and Worm Hunt, we'll be giving a special welcome to new visitors throughout the summer and beyond. The Museum of English Rural Life is one of Reading's hidden treasures, and we're hoping that the new displays and events we've planned will really bring the collections alive'. Events at the 'Spring Spectacular' and 'Woodcraft Day' will run from 10.00am to 4.00pm, with the Museum closing at 4.30pm. On other days, the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 1pm and 2 – 4.30pm. Admission to the Museum, including events, is £1, (OAPs 75p, children and students free). The Museum of English Rural Life is located on Whiteknights Campus at the University of Reading, close to the main University entrance on Shinfield Road (A327). Visit the website on www.ruralhistory.org. For further information, please contact the Museum of English Rural Life on 0118 378 8660, rhc@reading.ac.uk