A CELEBRATION of the traditional craft skills required to build and maintain Britain’s ancient buildings takes place this Saturday (September 20), when The Almonry Museum opens for Heritage Open Days 2025.
The day provides the chance to bid a fond farewell before it closes for two years of extensive restoration work with a demonstration of building techniques that will be used to re-slate the roof, repair its timber frames and windows.
On hand will be heritage building experts on hand showing off their skills with hot lime, slate making, stone masonry and wood working and much more.
The Almonry. Picture by Carmel Langridge
Museum staff will be joined by the Vale of Evesham Civic Society who will help people to make bird feeders for the garden.
There will also be guided tours around the building at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm, showing the work that will be carried out to save this 14th Century historic building and guides will be pointing out a few hidden architectural gems along the way.
Almonry manager Ashleigh Jayes said: “This is a really busy time for us but it’s exciting too.
“The Almonry is in desperate need of repair and restoration and to finally be able to say it’s happening is fantastic.
“We have a great team of experts on board who will give the building the care and attention it deserves.
“We’re also busy getting the new shop ready and preparing for our big closing event, we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
After the closure of the Almonry to begin works, staff will be reopening the Gift Shop and Tourist Information Centre on Merstow Green (the old Sheldon Bosley Knight office).
The Victorian kitchen at The Almonry. Picture by Marcus Mingins
People will still be able to pick up souvenirs, gifts and lots of information on what’s happening in and around Evesham. There will also be a small display to keep everyone updated on the project’s progress.
Brilliant Building at The Almonry takes place from 10am to 5pm and is free to enter.
See https://www.almonryevesham.org/events-and-exhibitions/ for more information.
