NEW MAYPOLE FINDS HOME IN HISTORIC SETTING

A traditional English maypole is to become a regular fixture by the historic Market Square at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, near Chichester. The maypole will be used throughout the year at the Museum’s seasonal events and on children’s activity days, and will be officially handed over to the Museum at a lively ceremony complete with dancing around it, on Saturday 2 May.

The maypole was funded through a generous donation from the family in the memory of Jennifer Hayes. Jennifer was a child minder from nearby Chichester, who regularly brought her charges to enjoy the Museum in its delightful downland setting. When Jennifer sadly died at the early age of 34, her family and friends donated a sum to be specifically allocated towards the enjoyment of younger visitors to the Museum. A maypole was an ideal choice and is sure to be hugely popular with children for many years to come. It was designed and made by Museum carpenter Roger Champion, with support from volunteer blacksmith Robert Smith. The family have also kindly funded a range of traditional wooden toys for the Museum.

The maypole will be officially handed over to the Museum at the ceremony on Saturday 2 May at 11am. To start the proceedings, Jennifer’s friends and family will assemble to say a few words in her memory, and some of the children she cared for will start the dancing. From 12.00 to 1pm the Martlett Sword & Morris Men will perform in the Market Square, and from 1pm until 4pm the musicians and regular Museum supporter Jody Coe will instruct any visitors young and old who wish to learn how to dance round the maypole!

Hannah Tiplady, Head of Interpretation at the Museum, commented, “We are delighted to receive this wonderful maypole in memory of a very special lady, who loved the Museum and delighted in bringing the children in her care to enjoy all we have to offer. The maypole will allow future visitors to participate in some lively singing and dancing throughout the year, and allow them to enjoy and appreciate another aspect of the lives of and times of our rural ancestors.”

Photographers and journalists are welcome to visit the Museum on the day of the ceremony.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits and is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance of its collections. Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working watermill producing wholemeal stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on traditional building techniques and agriculture; historic gardens, farm livestock and a working Tudor kitchen. The Museum runs a well-established programme of courses in building conservation and rural crafts.  There is a café which uses the Museum’s own flour and a shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes.  The modern Downland Gridshell houses the Museum’s building conservation centre and artefact collection. There is a daily tour at 1.30pm when the Museum is open, and an appointments system for visits to the collections for research purposes.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum. For further information call the Museum information line on 01243 811348 or contact Cathy Clark, Marketing Officer

Tel: 01243 811014.
Fax: 01243 811475
Email: marketing@wealddown.co.uk.

Full details about the Museum and its activities can be found at www.wealddown.co.uk 

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