'Strictly Fab' - Len Goodman joins MERL for Farmyard Fun

Monday, 19 August 2013

Left to right: Rob Davies, MERL Project Co-ordinator; Mandy Aldwin from ISG; Guy Baxter, University Archivist; Jen Woodhams, MERL Volunteering Assistant; Len Goodman and Stuart McKie, MERL Administration and Operations Assistant

Over 500 visitors enjoying Farmyard Fun at the Museum of English Rural Life on Friday when  Miller's Ark brought their sheep, goats, pigs, geese, ducks (with their own paddling pool) and colourful rare-breed chickens to visit.

Among the visitors to the little farm was Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, who described the Museum as "Strictly Fab"!

Len came along to spring a pleasant surprise on members of the Ichtyhosis Support Group (ISG) who were visiting the museum. The charity, which was started in Reading, has received a National Lottery Award, and the children and adults were being filmed for a BBC programme, to be aired in September.

Guy Baxter, University Archivist said: "It has been our great pleasure to be able to host the group, and we hope that they enjoyed their day out! We can't promise a celebrity on every visit, though ...."

Thanks to all the staff and volunteers at MERL who have made the day such a big success despite the odd shower. To make a donation to the charity please visit www.ichthyosis.org.uk