We did a bit of cleaning this morning so as to impress Oliver’s owners who arrive for an inspection tomorrow.  The Avoncroft museum which we planned to visit didn’t open until 10:00 anyway.  So today’s blog has nothing much to do with the canals.

One of the first things we saw was a police box.  Younger readers may think it is a Tardis but no, it is a police box.  They were a bit frightening for many of the population when they were introduced.  If unmanned the door in the side could be opened and one could speak into the round grill and a policeman would then reply.  This was the height of technology at the time.

We then toured the grounds looking at the reconstructed buildings from several different eras.

Pre-fabs were introduced after the war to meet the increasing need for new housing after so many properties had been destroyed.  There was big shortage of wood and the exterior was asbestos and the window frames metal.  They had a kitchen, sitting room, two bedrooms and the luxury of inside bathroom and toilet, small gardens and a coal shed.

The showman wagon, which cost £1,000 in 1910 was drawn by a traction engine which cost £3,500 so this was far from a poor man’s home.  It even had electric light supplied via batteries when most homes still had no electricity.

The town house dates from medieval times but has been modified later.  Romy found the warmest spot to sit by the fire with its enormous chimney.

Just close by she greatly admired the construction of the truck-framed barn dating from the 16 century.

After a sandwich lunch we visited the local supermarkets and then headed back to Oliver to sit out the expected evening rain that has just started at 18:00.  It has has also become quite a lot cooler and there is a fresh breeze.

We are looking forward to seeing our extended crew for tomorrow’s climb to the top of Tardebigge.