Ryedale Folk Museum

Member of staff Emma Colclough took these great pictures of the snow at the Museum. It hasn't showed any signs of melting yet so sadly we have had to cancel the Christmas Weekend Event. These pics are great though and it does look like a real winter wonderland.

We are very sorry to announce that due to the severe weather and road conditions we have cancelled this years Christmas Weekend Event.  We will make up for it with more fantastic events in the new year though!  Wishing all a Merry Christmas from Ryedale Folk Museum!

Hey everyone!!! It has been a cold few days!!! Talk about a lot of snow. Good for having a snowball fight or even making a snowman. At the museum we are getting ready for our Christmas Weekend. And get this -IT IS FREE to everyone for the whole weekend! We have got so much happening, come up. There will be something suitable for everyone as well as seeing the museum itself you can have a lot of fun at the same time. See everyone later. Little em.

On Friday 19th November the model village at Ryedale Folk Museum was officially declared complete and open!  The volunteers have worked on restoring the village since its arrival in 2008.  For more history of the project see volunteer John Nicoll's previous blog post - http://ryedalefolkmuseum.blogspot.com/2009/06/john-nicoll-workshop-volunteer.html   The official unveiling of the plaque was performed by Anne Mcintosh MP.  See the video below: C.G

Hey everyone! This week I have been celebrating because on Tuesday 9th November that marked my one year anniversary at the museum!!! Seriously, how fast as this year gone?! I can't believe how much I have done in one year. I have done Front of House, delivered sessions to school groups, been to a few conferences and certainly lots more. I would like to thank all the members of staff and the volunteers who work at the museum. They have gave me a lot of support over the past 12 months. So I am in my final year but I don't need to go to college because that is all completed now. I only need to gather evidence for my portfolio. I will soon need to think about what I would like to do after my Apprenticeship because last year went really fast and I have a sneaky feeling that this year will go just as fast. Thank you all again. Little em

From Shared Horizons Mike Benson, Director of Ryedale Folk Museum will be on BBC Radio Tees reviewing the papers on Saturday 13th November 2010 at 0930ish. Please tune in and listen, it's bound to be entertaining... http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/programmes Jonathan S

From Shared Horizons Mike Benson, Director of Ryedale Folk Museum will be on BBC Radio Tees reviewing the papers on Saturday 13th November 2010 at 0930ish. Please tune in and listen, it's bound to be entertaining... http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/programmes Jonathan S

McCains have donated the Potato Story bus to the Museum.  It Arrived on site on Saturday 23rd October and can be seen and visited in the orchard on site.  The Museum is very excited and grateful to have the routemaster double decker and it has huge potential for future use.

This week sees many potato based activities, cooking and craft on site as well as the arty 'Big Draw' activities in the Manor House. Saturday the 30th will see the annual Halloween Party take place at the Museum. Spooky goings on, weird and wonderful outfits, Ghoulish ghost walks etc etc. Fun for the whole family. Tickets can be bought on the door for £3.00 CG

Hey everyone!!! Its October! Nearly Halloween!!! We are in for a spooky night at the museum. Make sure you get yourself up because its going to be a great night. Certainly a great opportunity to get dressed up. I am really looking forward to it. I can't believe my interview was on Halloween last year. I feel as though I have been at the museum for a lifetime. Next week Rolf from college is coming to do an observation and he will also be talking to Marky Mark and Little Richard. That should be good because Rolf says that I need an observation with me doing a session with a school and funnily enough there is a school on Tuesday so that is the perfect opportunity for an observation. See you all later. Little Em

BBC Radio York made a 5 pt short documentary about Ryedale Folk Museum which was broadcast on the week of 27th September 2010. This is part 1 of the broadcasts put to photographs from the Museum. CG

On 15th - 17th October we are hosting yet another popular wartime event, with the help of a re-enactment group from the North East called Yesterday Heroes. They wear authentic uniforms from the era, U.S, British and German  forces. Their website can be found here:  http://www.yesterdaysheroes.org.uk/   .

The Manor House is currently housing a display of court dress worn by the Earl of Feversham (1906 - 1963).  The Earl served as Lord in Waiting at the courts of King George V and Edward VIII between the years 1934-1936 until Edward's abdication. The Display has been put together by volunteers from the costume department at the Museum. C.G

Here are some photos from the Fleece to Jumper Day we held last weekend: HD

On 19th September we are having a demonstration on making a woolly jumper, please ring us for exact times.                                                 Before After http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1/1035329-Woolly_Jumper-Paris.jpg http://www.organicpurewool.co.uk/fleece.html Jonathan S

Hey Everyone! Last week Mike and I travelled down to Birmingham for an Apprenticeship Conference. Before Mike came to collect me I was sat watching the Jeremy Kyle Show. (BEST DAY TIME TV!!!) It was about 10.30am so I turned the TV off and I got myself ready. I then looked out of the window and I saw a red car outside. I was like... nice Birmingham here we come!!! When we were sat in the car Mike said 'Don't say: Are we there yet?' We had been travelling for about one hour and a half so we stopped off somewhere for something to eat as we felt rather hungry. We went to Burger King. After we had eaten we had to get some petrol, but we had forgot to get some when we came out and Mike only realised when we were driving on the motorway. We didn't have enough petrol to get us to the next services place so we had to go back to the place where we had just eaten. At this point Mike called himself a muppet!!! After we had got the petrol we were on our way again. We were driving p...

In North Yorkshire it was traditional for taties to picked in autumn, generally in October. Half-term in October was traditionally known as Tatie Picking Holiday, as children often helped, lured by extra cash and free spuds to take home. It helped me buy my first computer back in 1986. The video in this post shows how it was done in the 1950's, we are having a Potato Week in October 25th-October 29th with things to do and see for all the family. Jonathan Severs

Twenty-four varieties of potato grown at the Museum in 2010. Potato Week October 25 - 29 J.L.

The 5th of September was Harvest Day at the museum.  A 1940s Massey Harris Sunshine Binder was in use in the cornfield.  Take a look at the pictures and video below: CG (pics by Pete Gough)

Take a look at the video and slideshow below to see some of the re-enactors in action.  The group represented Roman, Viking and Saxon ages.  Authentic cooking, wood turning, spinning, weaving and flint napping were all on display. C.G

On Wednesday 1st September staff and volunteers hooped 3 wheels using traditional methods, following a successful wheel hoop earlier in the year.  The vintage binder (circa 1870) can now be fully restored.  There are two videos below of the days events.  The event was also attended by a master wheelwright Phillip Gregson and his two apprentices Charlotte and John.  Phillip had seen the previous wheel hoop video on youtube and came a long way to see the rest done!  Thanks to all who took part and spectated. C.G

Hey everyone!!! Its the last week of the summer holidays. Where has it gone?! Considering the cold Bank Holiday we had quite a good couple of days. This was when Rosa Mundi - Medieval Re enactors, came to the Museum. It was great fun working when they were here. As mentioned the weather was terrible!!! Also it is great to have the two new apprentices starting. Always good to have a couple pairs of extra hands. I know that they are both going to be fantastic. Autumn is nearly upon us. Sunday 5th September is our Harvest day. So come on up for a memorable day. See you all sometime. Little Em

Rosa Mundi set up in the orchard on site at the museum this bank holiday weekend.  Have a look at the pictures and video below to see some of the action. C.G

Hey everyone!!! Half way through summer. Can you believe it!!! For me this has been one of my greatest summers and I would like to thank everyone who volunteers here and all the members of staff who work here too! I have done quite a lot recently. For example: I have been rag rugging in the cottages, I have been in the warm seating area and I have also been helping Wendy Simms with her craft activity. (WHAT A BUSY SUMMER!!!) Cottage Cooking week is also on next week. I said that I would do some cooking in Stang End. Hope it doesn't end in disaster!!! Well I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer and I will see you all a bit later. Emma

As well as the museum's special events there are also loads of activities happening on site daily.  Below is a rough guide to upcoming displays and activities.  Don't forget the new Andy Black Exhibition in the Gallery too! Wed 18th – Spinning in the Manor House, Cooking in White Cottage, Bug Making in the Study centre Thurs 19th – Weaving in the Manor House, Bug Making in Study Centre, Ros Mckenzie book signing in Fat Bettys Fri 20th – Yorkshire Daisies in WW2 Hut, Local Myths and Legends in the Roundhouse (10.30-12.30 & 1.30-3.30) Sat 21st – Local Myths and Legends in the Roundhouse (10.30-12.30 & 1.30-3.30), Cooking in White Cottage Sun 22nd – Weaving in Crofters Cottage, Cooking on site. Mon 23rd – Rope Making, Medieval Cooking in Stang End, Local Myths and Legends in the Roundhouse (1.30-3.30) Tues 24th – Spinning in the Manor House, Local Myths and Legends in the Roundhouse (1.30-3.30) Weds 25th – Local Myths and Legends in the Roundhouse (10.30-12.30 & 1.30-...

Nature Week 2nd-6th - Lots of activities on site including Mini Beast Hunts, Nature talks and trails and much more. Contact museum for details. Churches Trust Weekend 07th-08th Artist Week 9th-15th - Arty activities on site all week, Come discover your creative side. Contact the museum for further details. Morgan Classic Car Rally 14th-15th - Classic Cars On site Cottage Cooking Week 21st-27th - This annual event returns so visitors can experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of our cottages as our volunteers bring them to life. Rosa Mundi 29th-30th - This brilliant group of re-enactors take over the museum once more to give visitors an insight into medieval life.

California based band 'There Be Pirates' put on a stirring performance at the museum on Sunday. Visitors packed out the Manor House to see and hear the pirates' music performed, and to take part themselves, children of visitors were encouraged to provide backing music as drums and maracas were distributed among the audience. Below is a video of some of the show (sound quality is not great but it gives an idea of the fun) as well as some photographs of the Pirate band. Carrie Gough (photos by Pete)

New volunteer and saddler Kieran has been at the museum this week giving demonstrations of his work and making various leather items. Many belts were made for eager staff and visitors as well as stirrup leathers and other items. The video below shows Kieran at work in the saddlery, busy making a beautiful leather belt. C.Gough

What is a Bal Musette? Bal-musette is a style of French music and dance that first emerged in Paris in the 1880s and was hugely popular through the Thirties, Forties and Fifties, but lost out to the Rock and Pop invasion (originating in Britain and America) in the Sixties. It is now enjoying a revival as people rediscover this uniquely French culture. Industrial Paris was the melting-pot: there were large numbers of migrants from the Auvergne (the middle of France), and also many Italian workers. The Auvergnats brought a type of bagpipe called a musette, and a dance called La Bourrée. The Italians came with their own styles and with their accordions. As the music developed in complexity, the accordion became the chief instrument, accompanied by banjo or guitar, bass, saxophone and drums. Musette was enriched by swing and jazz influences during and after the Second World War. Some of the dance establishments were very seedy! The musicians, for their own protection, climbed into a gall...

Below is a video, filmed by volunteers of the return of the tractors to the museum on tractor and engine day 2010. Don't forget to look at the Archive & Collection Blog for over 80 photographs of this event  http://ryedalefolkmuseumarchive.blogspot.com/2010/07/ryedale-folk-museum-tractor-engine-day.html C.G

Hey everyone! Summer is finally here. I am taking my weeks holiday next week. Can't wait!!! Of course I am going to miss working at the museum but I shall be back before you know it. I have had another busy week. On Monday my tutor from college came. That went really well because we managed to get lots of things completed. On Tuesday David and myself went to college for the last time before summer. This was also good because we completed all the work needed and we just had lots of fun. We thought as it was our last time at college, we decided to go to the cinema. On Wednesday I was on front of house for a bit and I was also helping Emma and Wendy with a summer craft which will be taking place over the holidays. (Believe me its going to be fantastic!!!) Thursday I was in Fat Betty's for a while again helping with the summer craft. I also started to do the signs for the Pirate event. Today Emma and I have been to Kirbymoorside school for most of the day and there we di...

After a long night Edd awoke to a wonderful smell in the air. "What is this" he thought to himself. Adam had got up early to start making fresh bread. Adam was a superb chef and had considered going into the restaurant business. After a good breakfast of bread and ale Edd was ready to start his morning business. Unfortunately Edd had been round to Mike's the night before and had eaten some dodgy chicken pie and so the morning business took longer than usual. After hearing Edd shouting Adam decides to make him something that will cheer him up. Adam decides a hat would be the best thing to cheer Edd up so he set to making the perfect hat. to do this Adam needed to use the loom and spinning machines.After a traumatic ordeal Edd finally arrived back at the house. he was very surprised to see a new hat waiting for him. He loved the style of the hat although there was a little problem, it didn't fit over his Afro. Never the less the morning chores had to be done. Adam heade...

Day One, Monday 12th July  Arriving at the museum we did not know what too expect however we were greeted very warmly by everyone here at the centre. Too start things off Helen gave us a quick whistle stop tour of all the exhibits and showed us her knowledge of each historical subject. Edd especially liked seeing all the animals around the museum. After this we were shown how to catalogue all of the items that entered the museum, this process took time to accurately log the information required in the system. The information needed for each item included; identification, production, physical characteristics, inscriptions and markings, reproduction, condition, acquisition, ownership and last but not least location. After having a go ourselves, Helen then showed us both where items not currently on display were stored, we couldn't believe how many items the museum had that were stored. A lady then came to the museum interested in borrowing some iron age artifacts....

Today the museum hosted yet another highly popular Tractor and Engine Day. Many machines were on display, but what I found most interesting were the traps; man traps, gin traps, badger traps. All now illegal to use, but a reminder of how things were done years ago before the advent of the electronic burglar alarm. Featured in the tractor run in (pole position) was our Museum Manager Kevin Sims on his beloved Fordson Dexta, and on the tandem were 2 museum volunteers, Peter and Jim. Results as follows: Best Engine- Richard Nesver showing a Lister stationary engine.                       Best Tractor- Alan and Pam Nesfield with an International Harvester                              Most Original Tractor - Chris Stevenson with a Field Marshall. Plea...

A short video narrated by John L, of Carrie and Jake using the rope making device from the museum's collection.  Rope making is going to be one of many added activities taking place throughout the summer and visitors are encouraged to have a go at making their own rope to take home.  Training up of rope makers is currently being carried out so if any volunteers want to learn, contact the museum. C.G

Wow, I haven't done a blog in ages.  Recently I have been fairly busy, well... busy enough not to do a blog! We have just received good news. And that is that we have got our new placements for another two apprentice's and they will have such a great time here. :)  I on the other hand... I have been delivering some schools. And doing other duties. such as college work and keeping the houses tidy, and doing errands. I am also helping to create a list of all the activities going on, in the summer Holidays. So look out for that!! We had the 'Trike Rally' in today (3 - 4th July 2010) and yesterday, and they were such nice people. I was a little scared of talking to them, you know... their SKULL BANDANNAS and their LEATHER JACKETS and all their TATTOO'S and all that jazz, but when I got talking to some of them they had some really interesting stories to tell. And there bikes... well i should say trikes really hahaha , their TRIKES are amazing I couldn't imagine someo...

Queen Victoria was Britain's longest reigning monarch, here Meriel is showing us a nice handkerchief that was a souvenir of Victoria's Golden Jubilee. The handkerchief shows Queen Victoria's sons and daughters and also the Prime Ministers during her reign. Jonathan S

Tony visits Ryedale Folk Museum to see some photographs from the collection and recalls his memories of time spent at the Yorkshire Children's Orthopaedic Hospital in Kirkbymoorside. His memories were aided by the book 'Adela Shaw and the Yorkshire Children's Orthopaedic Hospital - Kirkbymoorside' written and compiled by Kirkbymoorside History Group 2010. C.G

Hey Folks, Can you believe it another week gone! Well you can get lots done in a week. There doesn't feel to be enough hours in a day sometimes. Summer is finally here!!! (About time too) We are in for a great summer here at the museum. This is because we have got lots of events happening and we are looking for volunteers to come up to the museum or if you have any ideas for what activities we can do let the museum know. Whatever you are doing everyone, have a fantastic summer!!! Emma

Come and see Napoleonic re-enactors and find out what life was like as a foot soldier this weekend. Did you know that one of Napoleon's jailers came from Ryedale, follow this link http://www.ryedale.co.uk/ryedale/misc/ryedalehistory/grimes.html Jonathan Severs

After 14 days of WW2 events today peace broke out, and the men returned to the village to be greeted by their sweethearts. (Thanks to Malton School)  John L.

We are having a Napoleonic weekend next weekend including a talk about Napoleon's Jailer who came from Ryedale. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this You Tube video featuring Naploeonic re-enactors. Jonathan Severs

85 year old Margaret has been kind enough to share some of her memories of being in the Women's Land Army.  Click the picture below to hear her memories of wartime Britain, and how the Land Army was not always as glamorous as the recruitment posters liked to show. Carrie Gough

Hey everyone!!! Hope you are all feeling great!!! Well, fantastic news. We have got funding for two more apprentices!!! How great is that?! We have got the Napoleonic Weekend on the 26th and 27th of June. We have re - enactors on site so we should be in for a great weekend. Feel free to come along. David and I have got college next week. Always very interesting. Talk to you all later. Emma (Apprentice)

Susan

  Susan

I have been the blacksmith here at the Ryedale Folk Museum for 45 years,in all that time, I have met people for all walks of life from Royalty to fellow blacksmiths. This is view is of the Anvil,Bellows & Fire.   This is view of a Celtic Broach made for our reenactors Robin W Butler.

Another fantastic weekend at the museum. Land Army Girls Dorothy and Joyce, (last photo) will be at the museum every day untill June 18th John L

The Blackbird Family John L.

World War 2 Weekend is here again. Tomorrow and Sunday.Re-enactors being British and American Paratroops, Home Guard and real Land Army girls will be here. There will be plenty to see and do all weekend including air raids and real weapons and vehicles from the era. Jonathan Severs

Hey everyone!!! It feels like summer is here. We have had an amazing couple of weekends. The Folk Festival and the Car Rally was fantastic! It has been great fun and I have enjoyed every minute of it. And yes it is great when the sun comes out. Keeps everyone happy. We have got the World War 2 weekend this weekend. That is going to be great. Also after that we have got the World War 2 fortnight. Lots of stuff happening so everyone get to the Museum and join in with the fun!!! See you all later Emma

Monday 31st May is the last day of our fantastic music festival Come along and listen to some world class music as you look around the musuem John L

Hey everyone, Hope you are all ok . June is nearly upon us. (Hope we get better weather!!!) We have got the WW II fortnight. That will be amazing! We have also got the May / June half term. If anyone is available to help out, come on up. (Organisation is really important!!!) I have been to college. Showing presentations in front of the other people at college. It was pretty awesome. These are some of the main things I have been working on. See you all later. Emma

Sunday 23rd May 2010 saw a huge variety of classic cars gather at the museum.  The cars looked at their best in the glorious sunshine! Have a look at the video below to see some footage of the day. C.G

Artist Corrinne Lapierre currently has an exhibition on in the Manor House at the Museum, she has also created some fantastic Elphi Dolls which are now on sale in the Museum shop. You can also buy make your own Elphi doll kits. C.G

The story of Robin Butler finding the incredibly old siver spoon whilst conserving the Harome Manor House for Ryedale Folk Museum has been told previously on the blog: http://ryedalefolkmuseum.blogspot.com/2009/05/blacksmith-and-museum-volunteer-robin.html However Ryedale Folk Museum was recently made aware of the British Museum's online link detailing the spoon and crediting Museum Blacksmith Robin Butler with finding it.  To have a look at the British Museums listing of the object go to:  http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/search_object_details.aspx?objectid=76690&partid=1&searchText=1976%2c0401.1&numpages=10&orig=%2fresearch%2fsearch_the_collection_database.aspx¤tPage=1 The spoon (dated 1510) was acquired by the British Museum as Treasure Trove in 1976,  A replica of the spoon can be seen in Ryedale Folk Museum's Manor House. C.G

Hello again. Sorry for not writing in such a long time. Recently at the museum, I have been helping with the May Event – May Morris Dancing (Maypole Dancing) was great fun, and I was in ‘Stang End’ cooking some potato and onion and cheese fritter’s Emma quotes – “they are the best food ever!” The Recipe is:- Serves 8 4 Large Onions Bread crumbs 16 Potatoes (mashed) 2 blocks of cheese (I used mature coloured cheddar!) 1 Egg 1 Clove of Garlic 3 Kg’s Plain Four And any fat, I used Sunflower Oil, but you could use Lard, or butter to brown and burn to crisp up. 1 kg Carrots Metod:- Get your Potatoes on the boil. Peel and grate carrots. Make your bread crumbs add flour to it (put in separate bowl) When potatoes are boiled, grate them into the same bowl as the carrots. Add some flour gradually or it will be to dry. Add the crushed Garlic. And at the last minute, add the finely chopped onions and all the cheese. Mix together and add flour if it is too wet’a consistency. (it should stick to a ...

Young asylum seekers who have taken part in Yorkshire Sculpture Park's Shared Horizon Photography Project, recently visited the museum to continue their work and to see what Ryedale Folk Museum had to offer.  Volunteer and photographer Alan Clarke spent the day with the group, touring the museum and discussed photogrpahy and life in Ryedale.  The group were all incredibly enthusiastic and interested in the museum and seemed to have a great time.  See the videos below for some inspiring voices of young asylum seekers living in Yorkshire. Carrie Gough