Wollaston Museum and Heritage Society

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Wollaston Museum, Curiosity Cottage, and Beacon Hill are run by the Wollaston Heritage Society Management Committee. As well as the Committee (currently seven people), we have four Property Trustees who look after the interests of the site. We are a small group of committed volunteers who deal with everything from fundraising to weeding.

We have a number of enquiries (and visitors) from Canada, Australia, America, etc. trying to trace their roots. We do our best but it would be so wonderful to have someone who could research family history for them. Could this be you?

We have visits by history, heritage and community groups who are always very interested and interesting.
We held a Sale Day which was successful and we are grateful to the younger members of the village (i.e. 30-somethings) for their participation and particularly for their communications via Facebook to drum up business. It was a cold wet day so well done to them for sticking with it and rallying support. We are beginning to attract school trips and other groups. If you are part of a group and would like to arrange a visit, please contact us.

We hold periodic talks. A recent one was by Mick Henson who is a local sculptor and deserves to be celebrated. Mick has very kindly loaned two of his sculptures to the Museum garden, where they sit very comfortably. Another talk was given by Jim McKenzie on a very different topic of security; very apt and very interesting. Jim and Jenny are also stewards. Our AGM is held every April and our guest speaker in 2017 was Nicholas Warliker who spoke about Barnwell Manor, the Royals and gardens! These are enjoyable social, fundraising events.

Our major annual event every July which brings in significant numbers of folk to the village, and usually raises well over £1000, is the Open Gardens Day, organised very capably by Jane Legge, Peter and Val Thomas and a small team, and we are very grateful for this as maintenance costs for old buildings are high.

The irony is that after a long struggle we are now fairly financially healthy but really need people to help us run the site, organise events and generally revitalise the Society. Basically, people with time and enthusiasm who could grab the many funding, promotional and development opportunities we are offered. For example, stalls at heritage fairs around the county, attending volunteer fairs, or taking part in training. We realise that everyone is very busy but the Wollaston Museum complex is a wonderful resource. Can YOU spare a few hours to help?

 

Opening times

We are open from April to September, each Sunday and Wednesday, 2.30 – 4.30 pm, and at other times for community groups, by arrangement. Applicants should ring 07804 241430, or contact us via our website or Facebook.

Free entry: Entry to the Museum is free but donations are always welcome.

 

Contact details

Chairman: Susan Woodrow

Tel: 07804 241430

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WollastonMuseum

Website: wollastonheritage.org