Visit to Marton Museum of Rural Bygones

West Midlands Branch visit to Marton Museum of Rural Bygones
Tuesday 22 October 2024

The museum is a small village museum based around the collection of George Tims. He collected Items from the area and also those items that were being thrown out as ‘modernisation’ swept through the country following the war. Once his house was full he moved to some of the stables belonging to the Rectory and then into some farm buildings. 

When developers wanted to buy the farm, in settlement, they agreed to build a sports pavilion and the museum building. 

Always a good start, food!  David Fry, standing, preparing his presentation

In the best tradition of visits we started with a simple buffet and then a presentation by David Fry.

George died several years ago and the family handed the collection over to a village trust.  The museum is arranged in sections each with a theme.  Understandably most of our group were keen to study the farming related areas.

Advice was offered on the repair of gearing on the grain cleaner and also the repair of chain on the recently donated chain of a Wolsley hand shearer. We think it may have an American standard chain and not a UK standard one!

It was a good turnout of members, with a few from a retired engineers group that I belong to, certainly from the questions and the time visitors were taking around the museum they found it interesting.

Richard Barrowman and his wife at front, Ian Moore looking down and David Fry, looking left

On a personal note, I do have some volunteer involvement with the museum; it is good to see how much people find it interesting. 

I think someone had the idea that if we can get that shearing machine fully functioning we can then shear some sheep. I am hoping that the trustees realize it is the wrong end of the year for sheep shearing and also if they are expecting me to do the shearing, sorry no, I grew out of that many years (decades) ago!   

I might get involved in some of the repair work as I am one of the few volunteers connected with the museum with engineering expertise and knowledge.

It is chastening to realise that I have stooked sheaves of corn and forked loose hay, whereas most visitors have not even seen wheat before it becomes bread.

David Fry speaking about some exhibits

William Waddilove, October 2024