Welford and Weston Local History Society
(www.welfordandweston.org.uk)
Newsletter 86 – March 23rd 2023
Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
The venue for our summer outing this year
Wednesday, 14th June 2023
Following on from the email sent to members on 18th January, here is more information about the arrangements for this visit. This open-air museum of rescued buildings, is located at Stoke Heath, near Bromsgrove, B60 4JR. It’s a unique and amazing place which is now home to over 30 different buildings, just four of which are illustrated in this Newsletter.
This late 18th century cottage and forge was occupied by a succession of blacksmiths during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was originally located on a main road between Leominster and Hereford.
* Please make cheques payable to Welford & Weston Local History Society
and return to our Treasurer, Mike Banning-Lover at Willow Vale, Church Lane, Welford.
The venue is significantly closer than in previous years, being just over 20 miles from Welford, and so we have made this a self-drive event. We will be attempting to provide a car sharing service. The AA route-planner suggests the time needed for the journey (via Saltway/B4090) is about 35 minutes. There is plenty of parking at the venue.
The cost of this trip, which covers the entrance charge and a guided tour is offered at an adult price of £13 per head, and a concession price (for those over 65) of £11 per head.
This Tollhouse was originally located at Little Malvern, Worcestershire. It was built by the Upton-upon-Severn Turnpike trust
in 1822 for a total cost of £56. Turnpike trusts were established by Act of Parliament from the late 17th century onwards.
The beautiful historic buildings are set in 19 acres of grounds. Avoncroft has an apple and pear orchard, stocked with heritage varieties of fruits, used in the region to produce speciality ciders and perry. There’s a picturesque farm pond by the threshing barn that is a haven for wildlife.
There is a Tearoom on site, where you can buy freshly made sandwiches and a delicious range of cakes and hot and cold drinks. Please note that seating is limited inside the tearoom and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Extra room will be available (if required) in Guesten Hall, the venue used for wedding receptions etc. This remarkable building has an impressive medieval wooden roof (part of the original structure built in 1330) which was the only part of that building which could be salvaged back in 1969.
An option that's available to you on arrival is to pre-order what you would like for lunch, give a time when you would like to pick it up, and then collect it in a take-away container when you're ready. Sounds like a good idea!
Alternatively, should you want to take a picnic lunch with you, then the outdoor seating, or Guesten Hall, is available for that.
The venue is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will be allocating you into groups of about 20 for your tours, based on the time you actually arrive at Avoncroft, and will provide you with the schedule of these tours at the time. In order to help us with the scheduling, please aim to arrive at Avoncroft by 10.00 am.
Avoncroft’s much-loved windmill originates from Danzey Green, Warwickshire and is a typical West Midlands post mill. Its effective design enabled it to be operated by a single person and to be turned in any direction to face the wind. Post mills were widespread during the 18th and 19th centuries, used to grind grain such as corn or wheat to produce flour, often for bread - a staple of people’s diets during this period.
This mid15th-century town house was the first building in Avoncroft’s collection.
It stood for 500 years at the corner of Station Street and Worcester Road, just a couple of miles from the Museum.
If you are interested in joining this visit, please complete the online form below, stating how many of which type of ticket (Adult and/or Concession) you require. Please note that we will only be able to confirm your place on this visit once payment has been made.
Please also indicate whether you are able to offer a lift to others, or would like us to try and arrange a lift for you.
Kind regards, Brad & the team
