PRESS RELEASE
Back by popular demand:
Lyme Regis Museum exhibition
Farming in the Lim Valley
Lyme Regis Museum exhibition :: Farming in the Lim Valley
Baptist Church Hall, Lyme Regis
2nd – 6th September 2008
Tuesday – Saturday 10-5, Friday 10-8
Admission Free (Donation welcome!)
Background:
Lyme Regis Museum’s farming exhibition at Uplyme Village Hall in May was so well supported that it is to be shown again in Lyme Regis during the first week in September.
Over 1000 people attended the Uplyme event during its 3 days, and many wanted to see it again. Those who had missed it then expressed disappointment. It is a fascinating glimpse of agricultural life and the history of the farms of Lyme and Uplyme over the last 150+ years in photographs, maps, documents and words, capturing these memories before they are lost for ever. Plus, a photographic record of the changing seasonal activities at Shapwick Grange farm in 2007. There is something for everybody, even
those with no farming or country background. Many of the old photos are worth a visit in themselves.
The Project:
This research project looking back at the farms and farming in Lyme Regis and Uplyme is the largest of its kind in the south west and much interest has been expressed at regional level. Research has been ongoing for over a year. Originally knowing of 28 farms, museum volunteers Graham Davies and Ken Gollop have now gathered information on over 60. Over 2000 photographs and documents have been recorded so far, with many more in the pipeline.
The Researchers:
Graham Davies and Ken Gollop have spent hundreds of hours researching this project and setting up this exhibition. Ken Gollop, ex fisherman, has been a trustee and volunteer at the museum for many years. Graham Davies is a retired veterinary surgeon and has been a volunteer researcher at the museum for the last 3 years. Graham has spent much of the last 18 months visiting & revisiting farms and small holdings in the local area. He has recorded farm and family histories, made copies of photos & documents,
and photographed the current farming scene. In addition, many hours have been spent in the museum and local record offices. Ken’s local knowledge has been invaluable for Graham’s researches and his experience and expertise in putting together museum exhibitions has been pivotal in presenting the material in its best light.
The Venue:
The exhibition is too big to show in the museum, with over 90 panels showing over 700 photographs. Finding another venue is difficult in Lyme as the larger halls are booked for regular events. However the new Baptist Church Hall is now open and the museum has been lucky to book it for the Farming in the Lim Valley exhibition from 2-6 September, 10-5pm and late night opening on the Friday until 8pm.
The exhibition is large – allow plenty of time to enjoy the visit.
NOTES:
Picture size has been reduced for ease of emailing. Available larger if required.
If you are sending someone to cover the event and want to check if one of the researchers will be there please phone Ken Gollop at home IN ADVANCE.
Location: Baptist Church Hall: junction of Silver Street, Sherborne Lane, Broad Street and Pound Street.
Transport: Bus: Alight at Post Office or Peek Chapel.
Parking: No onsite parking. Nearest Parking – NCP, behind Boots. Cheapest parking: WDDC car park at Holmbush £1 all day.