Steyning Museum Extension Pics 7

Jane Weeks

Local Councillor George Cockman who, like Janet Pennington, has been a long-time supporter of the Museum, also had his audience smiling and laughing. He was warm in his congratulations, especially to the Curator, Chris Tod, who came in for some comic criticism about the way he rides his bicycle!

Chris in turn said he would resist the temptation to list all those to whom he owed his gratitude but he expressed special thanks to the people who had given their practical assistance during recent months.

The founder of the Museum, in November 1983, was Harry Ford. Sadly, only his widow Betty was at the Museum to see this day, along with their son and daughter. Betty spoke in memory of her husband's ambitions for a local museum and asked the generation to whom Steyning Museum is now entrusted to preserve her husband's memory.

Betty was joined by Chris Tod's three grandchildren and a niece, representing the generations of the future. Betty put the scissors to the ribbon, ready to open the new extension at last. There was a crush of photographers, a blinding flash as they all joined the scrum to record the moment, and the ribbon was cut.

There is so much to see in the new extension. One display compares rainfall statistics from records kept during the last century with those of recent years. The facts might surprise you. Children's artwork and a corner for play reflect the Museum's interest in providing education and enjoyment for young visitors. Steyning Man looks set to be the Museum's star exhibit.

Betty Ford

Also very popular is the display set in the floor, showing the archaeological finds discovered below the building.

A cobbler's bench, obviously very old and well used, has been installed. It belonged to the Searle family at 32 High Street. Charles Searle set up as a bootmaker in 1880.
There have always been bootmakers in Steyning and this bench may have been obtained by the Searle family from an earlier cobbler.

If you know anything about swords, have a look at the impressive exhibit found locally but so far undated - and what are the mystery objects pictured below? Visit the Museum to find out the peculiar purposes of these three oddities.

There is also a new study desk, overlooked by a fine old painting of St. Andrew's Church. This is the perfect place for browsing the archives or researching local history. Eventually, there will be a computer here for public use.

Displays in other parts of the Museum have been rearranged a little, although the old favourites are still there. Chris Tod's work is never done, but he will be especially busy in coming months with the unfamiliar luxury of all this new exhibition space.

This is almost the end of Tony Kitson's photographic diary of how the Steyning Museum extension developed from a hole in the ground to its opening day. There is just one more detail to add. What did the local press say about our wonderful new space?

The Cobbler's Bench
Made of elm and possibly more than 125 years old.

Thursday, June 8, 2006

This is how the Steyning Herald covered the story. Steyning Man and the Museum building are pictured at the top. The founder, Harry Ford, is also shown and Betty Ford is in the bottom left corner with three happy children. The Museum Publicity Officer, David Haseldine is at the bottom right. David certainly did us proud.

Everyone is welcome to see what local fundraising and determination has achieved. Visit the new Steyning Museum extension as soon as you can. There will be a friendly welcome and the journey through our local history will be more fascinating than ever.

And finally . . .
meet the man behind the camera.

It's Tony Kitson!

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, Tony.