A new learning space has officially opened at the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford, providing dedicated facilities for the thousands of schoolchildren and families who visit each year.
The Discovery Den was recently opened, during the museum’s Patrons Day, attended by around 70 supporters and guests.
The new facility is the museum’s first dedicated learning space since school visits began 48 years ago.
It will support school visits, family craft activities, adult courses, home education sessions and activities for toddlers.
The museum welcomes around 3,500 schoolchildren each year, offering interactive sessions including Victorian School, 1950s Childhood and Home Guard Workshop.
The Discovery Den was officially opened by three past and present members of the museum’s learning team, including Judy Hewins, who became its first volunteer education officer in 2006, former learning manager Leanne Rowden and current head of learning and discovery Alex Fowler.
Museum Director Ed Fagan said: “Our new learning space, the Discovery Den, is a significant step forward in providing covered accommodation to support our schools learning programme, twilight sessions for uniformed groups, adult courses, home-education programme, toddler sessions and regular family craft activities.
“Since the first school visit 48 years ago, this facility provides the first dedicated space for learning in the museum.
“For us it is revolutionary, being heated, and air-conditioned, it has seen its first use this summer supporting craft activities for our community days and activity Thursdays, much loved by our family visitors.
“The new Discovery Den will allow us to build on our current offering for learning and families which has been the heart and soul of our museum since its opening day.”
Despite the wet weather, guests were able to watch demonstrations of traditional skills and activities, with opportunities to drive tractors and a steamroller.
Cllr White said: “How welcome the brand-new discovery centre was! On a very wet day we braved the elements to a wonderful opening ceremony in the light and airy but warm discovery centre.
“This was followed by an eventful tractor driving competition for style and poise between the Mayor of Farnham and the MP for Farnham and Bordon Greg Stafford.”
The event also included a speech by Mr Fagan, who thanked patrons for their support and outlined plans for the year ahead.
Patrons help fund the museum’s operations, learning programmes and care of its collection.
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk/donate
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