• The Wind Energy Museum’s Nostalgic 1920s Motor Show and Fair was a success this weekend despite the stormy weather forecast
• Locals, vintage enthusiasts and tourists treated to a motor show, craft demonstrations and stalls, jazz performances, cream teas, a bar and a barbecue.
• Volunteers also ran tours and talks about museum’s impressive collection of restored wind turbines from around the world
• Plans are already underway for a similar event next summer.

Taking visitors back to the roaring twenties, the museum’s volunteers dressed in vintage outfits and treated everyone to the sights, sounds and tastes of this vibrant era.

Craftsmen were on hand to demonstrate the heritage skills of pottery, wood  turning, felt craft, toy and jewellery making.

Highlights of the day included the arrival of a convoy of treasured 1920’s classic cars, a steam powered record player or phographone playing hits from the inter-war years, and a finale of jazz favourites from local ensemble One Foot in the Groove.

Volunteers and stallholders got into the spirit by dressing up in a variety of costumes – from flapper girls to gangsters and traditional outfits worn by local craftsmen at that time.Home made cakes, pies and preserves were on offer and visitors could enjoy BBQ food, a cream tea or a drink of Pimms at the bar.

The event was also a chance for local people to find out more about the work of the museum and how they could get involved.

Owner of the museum, Debra Nicholson said “It’s always a pleasure to welcome first-time visitors who have only just discovered we’re here at Repps. They are often taken aback by the beautiful location and scale of the collection we have here.  As well as having lots of fun, we’ve signed up 5 new volunteers today and introduced lots more to the fascinating exhibits we have at the museum. One local visitor even brought along previously unseen vintage postcards of Thurne Mill that our volunteers help to maintain.”

Debra and her team are looking forward to holding a similar event next summer along with their existing programme of art workshops, walking tours with cream tea, stargazing nights and open days. There are still places on the museum’s ‘Introduction to Watercolour Art’ Workshop on 5th October 2014 – please call Debra on 07796 407864 or visit windenergymuseum.co.uk for more information.

Notes to Editors:

Wind Energy Museum: 

Staithe Road, Repps with Bastwick, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 5JU. Contact Debra Nicholson: 07796 407864 / debra@windenergymuseum.co.uk

Website: www.windenergymuseum.co.uk

Debra also recently organised the Thurne Mill Abseil to fund the maintenance of this historic wind pump just a few miles from the museum itself.

From the Wind Energy Museum website:

UK’s premier wind heritage site dedicated to preserving the heritage of wind power past, present & future.

We are a small family run business situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, nestled on the Marsh in the sleepy village of Repps with Bastwick and Thurne Mill is just a short walk along the riverbank. We pride ourselves with a friendly, informative and personal service. The site is set in 2.75 acres in the rural village of Repps-cum-Bastwick it is very secluded with spectacular views and a relaxing feel.

Bob Morse, the founder of the museum had a lifelong devotion to windmills, wind power and other associated machinery, which thankfully created the only collection of its kind in the UK.

What is there to do?

• Open days
• Special events
• Group Visits
• Circular Walk along the river to Thurne
• A variety of illustrated Talks on site or at your venue
• Art & Craft Workshops
• School Visits
• Strawberry Cream Teas
• Guided Tours
• Exhibition room
• Model Windmills
• Volunteering opportunities
• Sponsorship Opportunities

• At Thurne Mill we offer
• An historic insight into early wind power and drainage
• Special events
• Open Days
• Informative talks