Ryedale Folk Museum

Last week we had an escapee pullet from the museum's flock of chickens. It was a Barnevelder , a breed originating in Holland. They lay a lovely brown egg and are great for showing or for a backyard hen.(See Your Chickens , http://www.yourchickens.co.uk/directory/hens-a-z/barnevelder_1_761063. Hopefully Richard and I made the pen hen proof... JS Barnevelder Pullets Barnevelder adult chickens

One of our most exciting events, the Ryedale Folk Museum Tractor & Engine Day is not to be missed. Dozens of tractors of all types, stationary engines and other vehicles will be present and also drive round the village. I hope you enjoy looking at this video and photographs of previous tractor days. The above video was filmed in 2009,photos from 2009 & 2010 Ryedale Folk Museum - Tractor and Engine Day blog from Tony O'Reilly - The Atom Film Co on Vimeo . Please click on the above link to watch an excellent video from 2011 Tractor Day.

To celebrate 50 years we are working on gathering photographs from our visitors of their trip to the museum. So no matter how long ago your visit was please send your captured memory to emma@ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk with permission to put it on our website and declaration that you own the copyright

(Image found at:  http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/10/9/1318179164551/boy-listening-to-wireless-007.jpg , accessed 12/9/13. Just to remind everyone we now have downloadable podcasts to listen to on our Ryedale Folk Museum Radio page. Our most recent additions are from Meriel about the clothing collection and from Dorothy talking about her wartime experiences in the Women's Land Army. The podcasts can be found on the Ryedale Folk Museum Radio Page - just click on it or by this link: http://ryedalefolkmuseum.blogspot.co.uk/p/ryedale-folk-museum-radio.html Jonathan Severs

Last Sunday we had our 'Rural Crafts Day' and I wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and everyone of our demonstrators and volunteers, they all did an amazing job and created a wonderful day for everyone who came! I hope they will all come back soon! Joan - Rush Seating Straw Work Spinning by Jenny One of the Morris dancing team trying their hand at rope making! Hugh Boyd Dry Stone Walling Max our Clydesdale Horse and his owner Graham Briggate Morris Dancers Scarborough Heirloom Quilters Caroline Weaving Corn Dolly Work Eddie Making Sticks Pat chair caning Cleveland Lace Guild The Clog Makers Collection Wendy from Greenwood crafts demonstrating pottery More images of the Morris Dancing Team Chris Raw demonstrating Stone Carving I would also like to thank: Our rag rugging ladies from Tempting Textiles Judy for rope making John Dean with his poetry Jo Barker with her felting Mark Barker demonstrating bushcrafts Veronica Hartley with her millinery Cleveland Fibre Arts for ...

Here are a few photos from yesterday at the museum. What a gorgeous day it was, I was busy in the machinery shed with the potato riddles whilst John Nicoll was busy cutting the grass in the model village. I took a few shots of the scale model in the Manor House of the Vale of Pickering. This was made by museum volunteer John Paul , well done John. Jonathan S

Are you stuck for ideas over this Easter Weekend? Come to Ryedale Folk Museum with the family and enjoy some traditional Easter activities including decorating eggs, egg rolling and an egg trail. You can also make some Easter cards and spot the bunny. Also coming up are Max's birthday celebrations, not sure if we're eating cake or oats but I'm sure it will be a fantastic day.  Jonathan S

The museum's model village Kevin & Wendy Simms. Wendy demonstrating the use of a rolling pin The salt box in Stang End. A salt box was often built into the fireplace wall to prevent salt going damp. A traditional cheese press in Stang End. Enjoying a cookie decorated in White Cottage. A few pictures of the museum during half-term. It was cold, but as usual plenty to see and do, the little lad loves it. Jonathan S

Are you struggling for something to do in the half-term break with the family? Why not come to Ryedale Folk Museum for children's crafts and activities from  1000-1500hrs each weekday? For further details ring us on 01751 417367

On behalf of Ryedale Folk Museum,I would like to wish everyone a Very Happy New Year. I have just updated the events list for 2013, you can find this on the right of this blog. Alternatively, give us a ring on 01751 417637 for further information. We look forward to seeing you all. Jonathan S

This year our ever popular Halloween Party has spooky goings on and fun for all the family  - the museum comes alive once more between 6 and 8pm on Wednesday 31st to provide a Halloween Party with a difference. Moonlit activities around the museum buildings. Warm clothes and a torch recommended. £ 3.75 a head - tickets available from the Museum.

Today at the museum workshop it has been a hive of activity - literally. The 2 Johns, Andrew and meself have been busy restoring a Bamford wheel driven tractor mower to its former glory. We also dug out a heather honey press which was duly wire brushed down and coated with a thin layer of oil to prevent further deterioration. John Paul has done a grand job putting together some info for visitors about the machinery exhibits to show folks how they were used on the farm back in the day. Have a look at these pics.  John Nicoll and Richard busy on the mower The 2 Johns At A Tricky Point  The mower back in the shed Andrew, Richard and The 2 Johns by Jonathan S

We will definitely displaying the Waind family collection from September - December in the Manor House & Fat Betty's. It consists of more than 30 items, varying from nightdresses, girl's dresses, ladies dress, bonnet, gown, cape and much more. If anyone reading this post knows of anyone in the Ryedale area called Waind, please get in touch as we would like to add to the family tree that was given to the museum with the clothing. This will also be on display. Jonathan S

Whilst researching in the museum's library today anything to do with Bert Frank (Ryedale Folk Museum's founder I stumbled a cross the 1890 edition of the Bulmer's History & Directory of North Yorkshire . The entire contents are accessible online; http://www.genuki.org.uk/index.html Similar to a census it provides a valuable insight to life in the region at that particular time. Here is an extract of some trades people from Hutton-le-Hole, p.908; Baxter, Thomas, tanner Clark, James, joiner Cole, Joseph, bootmaker Pateman, Pennock, birdstuffer Stephenson, Mark, tailor The Waind's do get a mention on p.906, John is entered as a farmer at Ankness Farm, East Bransdale.Other tradespeople include; Duck, S, joiner and wheelwright at Lofthouse Fawbart, Robert, gamekeeper Lancaster, John, schoolmaster Teasdale, Robert, huckster The remarkable difference between 1890 and present day are the number of people who are skilled in their profession. The small rural communities befo...

Look whats landed in the Ryedale Folk Museum grounds!