Steam and Crafts Weekend August 12, 2011

On the weekend of the 13th & 14th August 2011 the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket will be holding its fifth annual Steam & Traditional Crafts Weekend.

Throughout the weekend craftspeople from around East Anglia will be demonstrating a variety of crafts and techniques with the chance for visitors to ‘have a go’ wherever possible.

Alongside, the Museum will be running its annual Steam Engine Driver Training Event. This involves locally owned steam traction engines in action around the site, each with a couple of students learning the basics of engine ownership, maintenance and use from the engine owners.

This is the 9th year that the course has run at the Museum and it continues to be as popular as ever. Over 125 students have enjoyed the opportunity so far, with many coming back year on year to enjoy the experience of working with these incredible machines.

The event also includes a selection of Commercial Vehicles and Vintage Tractors owned by enthusiasts from the area. We are particularly pleased to welcome members of the Ferguson club who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, as well as our regulars from the local David Brown Club who will be demonstrating their machines throughout the weekend.

Museum Training Officer Paul Palmer says, “ this year we will be promoting our Traditional Skills and Leisure courses, which will be open to all visitors and age groups. On the weekend we have Natural Dyeing and Water Colour painting work shops, as well as the traction engine driving. This is just a few of the opportunities we have on offer for 2011”. Further details can be found on our web site, www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

Visitors to the museum will be able to talk to the craftspeople and steam engine owners whilst they demonstrate their crafts and engines. There will even be a chance to make your own poster on the museums original 1870 Colombia printing press.
The Museum of East Anglian Life is open late March to October, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5.
For more details contact the Museum on 01449 612229 or check out our website on www.eastanglianlife.org.uk