Doors open in 12 hours for Heritage Open Days at Newman Brothers Coffin Fitting Works!

Setting up for an event always takes longer than you think it will – especially when you embark on a thorough spring clean of a very dirty, dusty old factory. Now the clouds of dust have settled it all looks brilliant.

A massive thank you to the volunteers who helped us prepare for and set up for tomorrow’s event. Many hands made light work – and we had a fantastic team at Newman Brothers today.

It wasn’t all sweeping. We also found time to dress up in Jackie’s array of Victorian-style clothing (just getting into the spirit of the place)!

We have  set up displays and handling collections, tables of family arts & crafts activities, gazebos and chairs ready for enjoying a spot of  live music in the Courtyard and puppetry courtesy of the Tin Box crew – even a mock up Victorian funeral parlour for visitors to have their photos taken dressed in Victorian costume.

There are tours every half hour, but these are ticketed on a first come, first served basis. While you wait, there is plenty to do!

Behind the scenes Kris and Jackie have put together some excellent arts and crafts activities, and Hannah has recently been in the office for a few days creating photographic display boards and an ‘alternative tour’ for people who are not able to get round the Coffin Work tour.

Bob (our Chair at BCT) and Margaret turned up earlier with a car and trailer load of event kit – tables, gazebos, chairs, display boards, a generator – even a kettle! Clearly a lot of borrowing and running around had been done!

Thank you everyone for today’s tremendous effort. We are ready.

Doors open in 12 hours! We hope to welcome you there. Opening times and access details available here.