October 2007
COSFORD RECEIVES SANDFORD AWARD
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has received the 2007 Sandford Award for Heritage Education from the Heritage Education Trust.
Sandford Awards are made to properties and collections in recognition of the educational services and facilities they provide to visiting groups, enabling them to learn more about our common heritage.
The Access and Learning team realise the potential for learning and with the collaboration of practicing teachers have developed an imaginative range of programmes and resource material to support the National Curriculum. A much valued and rare resource, are veterans of WWII who share their memories with pupils in the Museum and in workshops entitled, 'Meet the Veterans'.
Sue Fitzsimmons, Head of Access and Learning says: 'I am delighted that the Education team has achieved this award in recognition of the quality service it provides'.
HILLTOP HOUSE GETS GOLD
Hilltop House B & B has received a Gold Level Shropshire Healthy Eating Award.
Charles and Vicky Dornton pride themselves on home-cooked food and locally sourced ingredients for their guests. They aim to cater for a variety of diets from coeliacs to vegetarians and to give guests a wide selection at breakfast time.
The aim of the award is to encourage caterers to offer diners healthy options on their menus.
The Shropshire Healthy Eating Award will be given to premises that satisfy the following criteria:
Provision and promotion of healthy food choices
No smoking within the premises
Good standards of food hygiene
Staff trained in respect of food hygiene
Breastfeeding friendly (gold and platinum level)
CONDOLENCES
This summer the Association lost two of its long standing members to illness. Geoff Morse of Wyndene and John Sharplin of The Old House will be sadly missed
CLIFF RAILWAY RENOVATIONS - From Jean Reynolds
After several years of planning, and a fraught year of trying to keep the railway running during the building works, we can say with considerable relief that we are almost finished!
Our aim has always been to preserve and restore the old cottage adjoining the Top Station which had stood empty for many years but we never envisaged such an ambitious scheme would be possible. It was - and now with a great deal of skill, expertise and considerable head-scratching, the cottage has been restored and very carefully extended.
The Winding House Tea Rooms are now open every day, with seating areas on two levels inside the old cottage and an excellent outside terrace area on the lowest level. An added bonus are the viewing windows from the lower level tearoom to the Cliff Railway Engine Room giving customers the rare opportunity to see the winding gear in operation.
The top floor of the cottage is now The Lift Loft - a rather special one bedroomed flat which is ready to be leased out.
On a more practical note, since 1892 our engineers have been scrambling down through a trapdoor and wooden steps in the Top Station with their oily rags in hand. Now the works have given us proper staircase access to the Engine Room and for the first time - a proper office. What luxury - even if we are in the old cellars! We've also taken this opportunity to undertake a major stabilisation of the track and during our week of closure we undertook additional engineering work and organised staff training in Customer Care and Basic First Aid.
It really has been a mammoth task to set this Grade 2 listed building to rights again after so many years of neglect. We have been very fortunate in being supported with various types of grant funding via Bridgnorth District Council. We still have some finishing touches to complete but are very nearly there. All we want now is some wonderful autumn weather (particularly at weekends please) and the SVR up and running again to bring us some visitors.
A REFRESHING OFFER FOR CYCLISTS AND TRAIN USERS
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is rewarding all visitors who travel to the Museum by train or bike with a free drink, starting from 1st August 2007.
All visitors who arrive by train or cycle to the Museum will be handed a drinks voucher on arrival at the Admissions Desk. It will entitle the bearer to a free tea, coffee or small soft drink from the Aviator Restaurant in the Visitor Centre or the Checkpoint Charlie Café in The National Cold War Exhibition.
The Museum is conveniently located on National Cycle Route 81, a 16 mile (26km) route, which runs from Wellington to Albrighton, passing through Oakengates and Shifnal so it's the perfect place for a refreshment break or as a place to visit on a day out. Cyclists can park up their bikes using the free cycle rack located outside the main Visitor Centre.
If you are travelling by train, Cosford train station is located on the Central Trains Birmingham to Shrewsbury line (via Wolverhampton) then ½ mile walk. Please check timetable before visiting. Train users must present their train tickets to receive the voucher.
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY RECOVERY - From John Leach
Following the devastating damage caused to the infrastructure of the Railway in June and July this year, both Railway volunteer and paid staff and their contractors have been working hard to restore services. Originally there were 45 sites which needed work, some of a relatively minor nature, others of immense proportions. The vast majority of these engineering jobs have now been completed, and track relaying has started at some points including Hampton Loade and Oldbury.
However, it would be easy to think that, once some track has been put in place we can start running trains straight away. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the reality. The track needs ballast delivering, then packing and finally testing. Then once the track is in place, the communication system needs replacing, ie. the telephones and signalling. Sometimes, this can be done whilst track work is in progress, but not always. As can be imagined, all of this takes time and there are inevitably various logistical problems to overcome. For example, the packing of the track (in 'railway-speak' this is called tamping) requires specialist equipment. Whilst we have this equipment at our disposal, we cannot always get it to the place which needs tamping at the time we want, as there may not be either rail or road access to deliver the machinery to the right place!
Nonetheless, we are making steady progress and the major engineering work required at Oldbury, alongside Daniels Mill, is nearing completion. Then we start on track and signalling. We had hoped to have the stretch between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade open around the beginning of November, but I'm afraid that Mother Nature has had a say in that! For many years, the line at Sterns, near Eardington, was a problem, both for British Railways and latterly the SVR. However, following a major rebuilding exercise in 1996, the trackbed was stabilised and it has not moved since. But the River Severn has eroded some of the land belonging to, and adjacent to, Sterns Cottage and this has de-stabilised the railway embankment, which now needs some expensive and time-consuming work. This has therefore put back the opening of this section by some weeks, but providing the weather is reasonably kind to us, we may just be able to have this section available for trains before the end of the year.
As for the rest of the railway, well, the Kidderminster to Bewdley section still has trains running, and our annual Santa Steam Special trains will operate between these two stations each weekend in December up to the 23rd. There are still two major engineering jobs to complete, by Highley station and north of Bewdley at Northwood. Therefore, reopening the rest of the railway so we have a full 16-mile line again, if Mother Nature doesn't play-up, should be sometime in March 2008.
Rest assured, the Severn Valley Railway will return!
NEW MEMBERS 2008
The Association would like to welcome some new members, who are joining us for the 2008 season.
Belinda Greenaway - Thorpe House, Coalport (changed to Self Catering)
Bob Hayes - White Lion, Bridgnorth (B&B)
Bridgnorth District Council - Severn Valley Country Park
Bridgnorth Town Council - Bridgnorth Town Hall
Claude & Wendy Bodenham - St Milburga Holiday Homes, Stoke St Milborough (Self Catering)
Gareth Owen - Canoe UK (was Sun Valley and Severn Valley Canoeing)
Hanna Davidson - The Fox Inn, Much Wenlock (B&B)
Ian Reddihough - Theatre on the Steps
Jane Forrester - St Peter's House, Monkhopton (Self Catering)
Jane Priest - Lodge 6, Astbury (Self Catering)
Jason Buswell - The Malt Shovel, Highley (pub)
Liz Townsley - The Stables, Morville (Self Catering)
Lizzie Pollard - Looking Glass, Bridgnorth (shop)
Mr Burn - Bradley's The Tannery, Bridgnorth (shop)
Sarah Allen - The Granary, Ditton Priors (Self Catering)
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE UPDATE AUTUMN 2007 - From Sue Yardley
The disastrous storms in June and July conspired to make this one of the most difficult seasons on record in Bridgnorth VIC. Visitor numbers to the VIC and to the town are down, an indication of the importance of the SVR to the tourism trade in the area. It has to be said that the media did not help, by indicating that Bridgnorth was cut off from the outside world, which was of course far from the truth. Throughout these difficult weeks the staff in the VIC have done their utmost to give out a positive message, telling people of the huge range of attractions and places to visit which are open and unaffected by the adverse weather.
In conjunction with this, the VIC is taking part in the Rain or Shine Tourism Marketing and PR Campaign. The centre is stocking a special offers booklet to encourage people to visit the region's many attractions, as well as playing a role in a West and East Midland's radio campaign.
Bridgnorth VIC has now joined forces with the national tourism body Enjoy England, by becoming an Official Partner. Bridgnorth joins Ironbridge, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry (Mile End) in this programme, which is designed to identify centres which play a full role in the national tourism industry. Official Partner centres will benefit from access to national and international marketing, will receive enhanced training programmes for customer service and product knowledge and will continue to be involved in Mystery Shopper Assessments. Other centres in the county may become Official Partners in due course.
2008 TREVITHICK CELEBRATIONS
The year 2008 marks the bi-centenary of 'Catch me who can', the world's first steam railway locomotive designed to haul passenger carrying vehicles. This was designed by Richard Trevithick and built by John Urpeth Rastrick and the workers of the Hazledine Foundry in Low Town, Bridgnorth.
A number of local people have formed the Trevithick 200 group and work is progressing in Bridgnorth to build a full size, standard gauge working re-construction of 'Catch me who can', as it is the only major Trevithick locomotive that has not been replicated. Money has been raised by the committee towards the cost of the boiler, but much more is needed in order to construct the wheels, pipe work etc. The Trevithick 200 group is looking for people and organisations that can help complete the work. Sponsorship and donations are urgently required if the locomotive is to be finished by summer 2008. These will be acknowledged in an appropriate way.
On July 19/20th 2008 it is planned in conjunction with the Twinning Committee to hold a steam rally in Severn Park. Attending will be various traction engines and steam rollers plus an organ. From Cornwall "Puffing Devil", from Blisst Hill their Trevithick engine (3' gauge), our own engine 'Catch me who can' (standard gauge) and the Kinver Model engine (5" gauge), also their 5" gauge track to give rides.
The Hazledine Foundry was situated at the edge of Severn Park, where Trevithick worked with Rastrick mainly to produce stationary engines. One of his engines powered the mill in Mill Street, Low Town until the 1830's, and there is a model in the Northgate Museum.
For further information please contact Brian Jones on 01746 769374.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
SMOKEFREE ENGLAND
It is now a few months since we all went smokefree. If you should have any concerns about the rules, there is a summary on the member section of Shropshire Tourism's website, or for more details visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
The requests in the VIC are now for places where you are allowed to smoke, so please let us know if you have any special facilities!
PINK BOOKLET
Hopefully all tourism businesses are aware that the Pink Booklet, that invaluable tool concerning tourism legislation, is now available on line, as well as in printed form. It is necessary to subscribe to access all relevant information, but a whole host of very useful information is available without registering. The website is http://www.accommodationknowhow.co.uk
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
To help when carrying out your own assessments there are various templates available to guide you through the process: www.fpa-fireriskassessment.com and www.communities.gov.uk/pub/365/5StepRiskAssessmentshortchecklist.
ACCESS STATEMENT
Similarly if you want help and advice with your Access Statement go to www.visitbritain.com/accessstatements . Here you will also find a template suitable for use by hotels, guest accommodation, self catering, camping and caravan parks, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions.
EXPERT ADVICE AND SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-HIT BUSINESSES
West Midlands Flood Recovery Loan Programme 2007
Advantage West Midlands, in partnership with Business Link West Midlands, has provided up to £2m to assist the rapid recovery of businesses affected by the recent flooding within the West Midlands area.
The scheme is administered by Business Link who will send a Business Adviser to visit affected premises and give advice and support on business recovery.
The Flood Recovery Loan will be available to companies who have developed recovery plans with Business Link West Midlands but have been unable to get all of the finance they need from their own and mainstream commercial sources to implement them.
Loans of up to £20,000 over two years can be applied for, which will be interest free for the first year with no repayments for the first six months.
If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact Business Link on 0845 113 1234 in first instance.
Web: www.businesslinkwm.co.uk
Email: info@businesslinkwm.co.uk
REQUEST FOR 1940'S DOMESTIC ITEMS
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Access and Learning Division are in need of some 1940's domestic items to complete their WWII display.
They desperately need: a framed picture of King George VI, curtains, chairs, fireguards and even cups and saucers.
The display is part of the popular WWII demonstration where children of all ages are taken back in time to the 1940's and become evacuees; making gas mask boxes filling in replica I.D. Cards and then taking cover during a simulated Air Raid in a reconstructed Anderson Shelter.
Part of the room is now being created into a 1940's room with a Morrison Shelter, Dolly Tub and other domestic items.
So what's in your attic? Do you have any unwanted items - we would love to have them.
Please contact Philip Clayton, Education Officer on 01902 376200 for more information and donations.
WEBSITE NEWS
WEBSITE STATS
March 06 - 12,415 unique visits
March 07 - 10,408 unique visits
April 06 - 12.500 unique visits
April 07 - 14.410 unique visits
May 06 - 13,620 unique visits
May 07 - 14,886 unique visits
June 06 - 12,525 unique visits
June 07 - 16,546 unique visits
July 06 - 12,207 unique visits
July 07 - 15,137 unique visits
August 06 - 10,554 unique visits
August 07 - 13,717 unique visits
2008 WEBSITE
As soon as the 2008 Visitor guide has been sent to the printers, work will start on getting the website updated for next year.
Therefore now would be a good time for existing and new members to think about and review their entries. Remember you can have up to 5 photographs and 1000 words to describe all your facilities. So while the sun is still shining get out and take some photos that will really sell your property or attraction to the visitors.
INVITATION TO AGM
All members are warmly welcomed to the association's AGM on Thursday November 29 at 7.30. The venue will be the RAF Museum at Cosford where the short business meeting will be followed by a tour of the wonderful new Cold War Exhibition Light refreshments will be available