Ryedale Folk Museum

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

Lister hayrake after first coat of red oxide On Thursday 7th March I put the finishing touches to the first coast of paint on the Lister hayrake. we are a bit unsure what paint scheme to use next, if anyone knows please get in touch with the museum please. Meanwhile in the Model Village  John Nicoll was busy installing a new motor to the windmill. John has done loads of work restoring the model village and maintaining it is a constant job. John Nicoll busy installing the new motor for the windmill sails. Just round the corner I found some people busy at work digging. Tom Normandale and Chris Wilson were busy preparing a new home for the Cornfield Flower Project. Chris told me a few things about the different types of nettle, how they usually find at least four varieties and how they would be much more abundant years ago before herbicides became commonplace. Chris Wilson & Tom Normandale. Chris demonstrating how the seeds from the cornfield flowers will land on the tidy kitchen ...

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

It was a bit cold today at the museum, but we are always open for business whatever the weather.  David and I made some more progress with the Lister hay turner, giving it a wire brush down and painting the wheels. John Nicoll came in to do some work on the windmill sails from the model village. David took some good photos of the model village, you'd nearly think it was full scale, not miniature with the snow. David giving the Lister hayrake a coat of paint Close up of gearbox, Lister Blackstone John Nicoll busy restoring  model windmill sails Model village in winter Jonathan S

MF 35 MF35 in museum workshop, David in background busy with hayturner It was love at first sight  Kev will you behave? I thought that this deserved a blog post of it's own - Kev's new love affair, his 1959/60 MF 35. it really is a nice tractor and in excellent condition. Wendy has now got competition for his affections, it's true, I got the photo to prove it heh heh. Jonathan S

Found these photos from Novermber of ongoing restoration of various implements at the museum and Kevin Sims and his office assistant. Don't sit back Kev ! George finishing off the canopy of one of the museum's carts George Nutt and Jonathan with the finished cart                                           Ransomes of Ipswich potato spinner gearbox As above, we gave it a good coating of oil to prevent further deterioration and freed any seized components.  Wendy with a 21st century wheelbarrow John Nicoll & David Muncey wire brushing the Lister hayrake