A Gift That Will Inspire Generations

A family’s lifelong connection with the Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester, has inspired a new interactive play experience for visitors, thanks to a generous legacy donation celebrating decades of cherished memories.

 

The Moriarty family, who have supported the Museum since the 1970s, have funded the creation of the Museum’s brand-new Kugel Run, a wooden ball run designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Rachel Moriarty first discovered the Museum as a teacher, bringing school groups from London to experience its unique collection of historic buildings and rural heritage. After Rachel and her husband Michael moved to Chichester in the early 1990s, the Museum became a special place for the whole family, with regular visits spanning three generations.

Their children and grandchildren grew up exploring the Museum together, celebrating family milestones and creating memories that lasted a lifetime.

“All the grandchildren were brought up going to see the famous longdrop at Bayleaf Farmstead, the pigs and the horses, and the annual show weekends. We also celebrated our parents’ Golden Wedding anniversary in Crawley Hall and numerous birthdays at the Museum, including Michael’s 90th birthday in July 2020.” Said their daughter Clare Moriarty

Rachel and Michael Moriarty, who died in 2023 and 2024, were passionate supporters of several charities and chose to leave a gift to the Museum in their legacy.

At the same time, the Museum was developing new family experiences as part of its commitment to creating engaging opportunities for visitors of all ages. One idea, designed and handcrafted by the Museum’s dedicated volunteer team, affectionately known as the Tuesday Gang, was a traditional wooden ball run inspired by the Kugelbahn play trails often found in Alpine woodlands.

When the Moriarty family saw the project among the Museum’s fundraising opportunities, they immediately knew it was the perfect tribute.

“The whole family agreed that our parents would have loved to fund the Kugel Run because it reflects their playful spirit and the joy they found in bringing their grandchildren to the Museum. Marble runs were a special part of our own childhood and have continued through the generations, so it felt like the perfect fit.”

“The lovely thing is that our grandfather was an aeronautical engineer with a passion for making things. He loved designing and building toys, and one of the things he created was a marble run. When we heard about the Kugel Run, it felt like it was simply meant to be.” Said their son, Patrick Moriarty,

The Kugel Run was officially opened on Monday 13 July by members of the Moriarty family alongside the Museum’s Tuesday Gang volunteers, whose creativity and craftsmanship brought the project to life. During the opening, the family shared their memories of growing up with the Museum before welcoming a local group of children to become the first to experience the new attraction.

“The Moriarty family’s gift is a wonderful example of how a personal connection to the Museum can create a lasting legacy for future generations. Michael and Rachel’s support spanned decades, and it’s incredibly fitting that their generosity will inspire play, curiosity and shared family memories for years to come. The Kugel Run also celebrates the remarkable skills and dedication of our volunteer ‘Tuesday Gang’, whose craftsmanship has transformed an idea into something truly special. Together, they have helped us create meaningful experiences that connect people with our heritage in fun, engaging and memorable ways.” Said Clare de Bathe, Museum Director.

Visitors can now enjoy the Kugel Run every day the Museum is open. Wooden Kugel balls are available to purchase from the Museum shop, allowing families to take home a special souvenir and bring it back to enjoy again on future visits.