Blog

SOS WIP 1 – In which we start the process again

The crew are back in the Museum, trying to beat the deadline of the 23^rd, and create a new Exhibition all about the saving of Elstree Studios in the 90s.  Makes you wonder why they don’t just get on with it, instead of mucking about!

Two New Competitions

Celebrating the 150 Years of our local Railway, we have two new competitions for youngsters visiting the Exhibition.  This is now closing in two weeks time, so you’d better hurry!  With great prizes on offer, under-12s can have a go at the Drawing Competition, while the Quiz is open to all. Also lookout for the competition question panels up and down Shenley Road.

Please come in and grab a form and away you go!

The Rail Trail Again

                        The “Rail Trail”  :  Back by Popular Demand

2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of our railway service.  This event triggered the rapid growth of Borehamwood and then attracted the studios which have prospered here for over 100 years.

As part of a programme to celebrate this anniversary, in May we held a guided tour of local places associated with the railway.  Led by John Cartledge, the founder of the popular series of “Teddy’s Trails” in association with Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council, the walking tour lasted almost 3 hours and included a special authorised visit to the railway station.

The group’s feedback was very positive (“most interesting”, “material you gave us was first class”, “all very well organised”, “very enjoyable”, “lovely to meet everyone”) and so we will run a second session of the “Rail Trail” on Sunday 7^th October, starting at 1:30 sharp at Allum Manor (2 Allum Lane  WD6 3PJ)  Parking is free.

After a short presentation, walkers will receive an extensive information pack before they set off, first to the railway station and then farther afield.  We expect to return to Allum Manor by 5:00.

The group will not exceed 30 people; each walker is responsible for wearing footwear and clothing appropriate to the weather, and for observing all safety rules.  At no time will the group get closer to the railway lines than when standing on the station platforms.

To register for this FREE event please visit Hertfordshire County Council’s “Walks and More” website here.

The Museum Friends Visit Habs

Friends Arrive For Their Tour

Yesterday afternoon the Friends of the Museum gathered for a tour of Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School in the Aldenham sunshine.  John Wigley had visited us last October and given a fascinating talk on the history of the  school, and he invited us then to pop round for tea.  John has written the official history of the school, Serve And Obey (the school motto), and he is a master with a long association with Habs.

John Greets Us with our Info Sheets

We split into three groups, with John leading one, and your scribe being guided by Keith Cheyney.  He introduced himself as having had an aunt who was beheaded.  Since it was Anne Boleyn, it was a while ago.  We were taken through the original house, the home of Lord Aldenham, and out to see the original courtyards, the old BBC building – so called because the BBC had requesitioned the house in the war – and then back via the splendid new Medburn Centre for sports, and the large library and hall.

This was followed by serious tea and scones or cake, and thanks all round.  Thanks for a very interesting tour of an important local school.

150 Years Later

On Monday 13th July 1868, the new Elstree Station opened its doors for the first time.  150 years later, on Sunday 15th July 2018, First Impressions, who have worked in partnership with the Museum on the current and continuing All Change! exhibition, hosted a gala event at the railway station in honour of this prestigious anniversary. Representatives from the Town Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, Elstree Screen Heritage, Elstree and Borehamwood Museum and Hertfordshire County Council gathered to celebrate with music from Borehamwood Brass, presentations and a cream tea at Allum Hall. As part of the celebrations, a brand new heritage plaque was unveiled.

Photos courtesy of Clive Butchins

Museum History Walk

Yesterday the crowds gathered at the Organ Hall Open Space for the annual Museum History Walk, the last event in the Civic Festival fortnight.  Graced by the Mayor, Victor Eni, we assembled under the watchful eye of Dave Armitage, the Museum Manager, for a two hour, 3.7 mile walk around the north of Borehamwood. 

Heading out of what was the Organ Hall estate, up Theobald Street, past the current Organ Hall farm, the Watersplash and up to Little Organ Hall (now called ‘Fields’), around 20 of us historical walkers were already heating up.  Thankfully the organisers had provided water for us, but it was a very hot afternoon.  Along the way Dave had photos of the significant points of interest, and we stopped to learn more as we went along.  Dave was ably assisted by Teddy’s Trails creator, John Cartledge, whose wealth of local knowledge certainly added to the afternoon.

After a trip under the railway line, down Tykes Water Lane, and towards the Kendall Hall estate, we went back to cross Theobald Street again and up Rossington Avenue. Wending our way back to the start via Haggerston and Aberford Parks, Croxdale Road, the Old Haberdasher’s Sports Ground, and Gateshead Road.

An excellent afternoon excursion into the history and geography of a part of Borehamwood that is rarely discussed, but which has plenty to offer us history hounds.

John, in the brown hat, and Dave, with the photo, explain the history of the Old Habs Sports Ground

Families Day

Our Museum Volunteers were out in force at Families Day yesterday with a bright blue sky and a beaming hot sun.  We had two stalls this year – one featured Tony De Swarte’s amazing model of Elstree Station in 1900 (see elsewhere in the blog for more details), and the other included information about the Museum and the current All Change! Exhibition.

Tony’s model drew much interest, with families all around the display.  We were also handing out tickets for a free steam train ride in Meadow Park.  Built and operated by the St Albans Model Engineering Society it was a real miniature train complete with miniature coal, but real steam. The tickets advertised the Exhibition and a BR hole punch created that “welcome aboard” experience.  Needless to say it was a most successful attraction with hundreds of families queueing up for their ride. 

Three of us dressed up as British Railways operatives to add to the flavour of the day, and the train’s noises and steam whistle completed the picture.

Dave, Helen (who organised the whole day) and Simon try to look the part!

Model Railway Day

Bushey Model Railway Society and First Impressions held a display of railway models at 96 Shenley Road on Sunday 24th.  The detail of these layouts had to be seen to be believed, and were the result of many hours of effort. The day and displays were entirely free and celebrated 150 years of our local railway service.

Also on display was the amazing model of our station in 1900 by Tony De Swarte which has been added to since last shown in 96.  It was soon to feature in Families Day…

Woodlands School Visit

28 children from Woodlands School (year 5) visited the Museum last Thursday. They participated in a number of activities. These included map reading, and looking at the growth of Borehamwood since the coming of the railway.


They carried out a museum trail which included dressing up as station staff, engine river, fireman or guard.

The railway handling collection was also put to good use. This includes a railway timepiece, a paraffin lamp and guards whistle. Steam turbines were also assembled and tested with a steam generator. A very well behaved class that had a great time at the Museum.

Thanks to Vania, Helen, Linda and Alan for helping out.

Festival Flower Show

Here’s our entry to the Civic Festival Flower Show, now on display in All Saints Church.  Celebrating the 150 Years All Change! Exhibition, the bouquet is based on the colours in the Terence Cuneo railway painting.  Showing vibrant red flowers and green leaves, the displays are available for a few days. Tomorrow, Monday 25th, there is a coffee morning in the church, and all are welcome to view the displays and enjoy a cuppa. Please drop in!