Museum celebrates its 25th birthday

7:51pm Wednesday 29th August 2001

IME-TRAVELLERS flocked in their hundreds to the Jubilee Jamboree celebrations of the Chiltern Open Air Museum.

The Gorelands Lane-based museum in Chalfont St Giles was a hive of activity over the August Bank Holiday as families enjoyed projects from puppet-making to story-telling in the Iron Age house as part of its 25th birthday celebrations.

Young and old sampled the past as they explored the period buildings erected on the museum's 45 acre site in betweenVictorian dressing and a Punch and Judy show.

Joanna Milford, museum director, hailed the weekend as a great success despite bad weather on Sunday.

"The glorious weather on Monday attracted almost 900 people. The atmosphere was fantastic," she said.

"We always do something special for the August Bank Holiday but made it extra special for this special anniversary.

"Everyone had a wonderful time whether it was viewing the beautiful Roman mosaics displayed in the Northolt Barn or learning Victorian calligraphy in the Thame Vicarage Room."

The museum was started in 1976 by locals concerned with the loss of buildings in the area and has acquired more than 30 period buildings including a 1940s prefab complete with classic furniture with plans in the pipeline for many more.

More information on the museum is available on 01494 871117.