25th Anniversary Celebration
Rear: Stephen Potter (Town Crier)
Front: John Ridgwell (Museum Chairman); Pauline Ridgwell (Trustee); Dr Allison Wren (County Councillor); Victoria Collins MP
No excuses for ‘Making a song and dance’ about our 25th anniversary celebrations on September 6th, because we had both song and dance (and acting) during the afternoon. The event was opened by the St Albans and District Town Crier, Stephen Potter and with a welcoming speech by our County Councillor Dr Allison Wren. We were delighted that our M.P. Victoria Collins was also able to join us for the afternoon along with around 150 others.
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
Good people of Redbourn, visitors from far and near, gather round and lend me your ears!
On this most momentous of days, on this glorious 25th anniversary year of Redbourn Village Museum, I bring tidings both noble and nostalgic!
On behalf of the Trustees of the Museum and your ever-dedicated Redbourn Parish Councillors, I bid you a most hearty welcome to Silk Mill House — this proud gem of the County of Hertfordshire, still making its mark in the heart of our beloved Redbourn!
But Hark! Once upon a time — in the year of our Lord 1857 — this very house was the fine residence of the manager of Woollams Silk Mill, where threads of silk shimmered like morning dew.
And lo! Time passed and the story did not end there. In later years, it became part of the mighty empire of Brooke Bond, purveyor of the nation's tea! For half a century, the air here was rich with the scent of roasted coffee and packed tea — busy hands, bustling feet, and the livelihood of over 400 souls.
But woe! Woe! and thrice times Woe, the winds of change did blow... the roads of Redbourn proved too narrow for the giant transporters of industry, and in 1994, the factory doors closed. A sad farewell to the steam and stir of commerce. Yet from the ashes of industry rose a beacon of heritage! For this Silk Mill House was saved, and its walls did find new purpose — as a museum, a trove of tales and treasures, where Redbourn's past lives on for all to see!
Since the dawn of the millennium in the year 2000, it has been lovingly preserved — recently restored to fresh splendour by the dedication of the Parish Councillors, the passion of the hard-working volunteers and the enduring support of you, the good people of this village.
So let there be no delay, no dawdling nor doubt! Let us raise our voices, clap our hands, and celebrate this Silver Jubilee with pride, with joy, and with the merriment Redbourn so richly deserves!
I now declare the anniversary event open!
God save the King!
Front: John Ridgwell (Museum Chairman); Pauline Ridgwell (Trustee); Dr Allison Wren (County Councillor); Victoria Collins MP
No excuses for ‘Making a song and dance’ about our 25th anniversary celebrations on September 6th, because we had both song and dance (and acting) during the afternoon. The event was opened by the St Albans and District Town Crier, Stephen Potter and with a welcoming speech by our County Councillor Dr Allison Wren. We were delighted that our M.P. Victoria Collins was also able to join us for the afternoon along with around 150 others.
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
Good people of Redbourn, visitors from far and near, gather round and lend me your ears!
On this most momentous of days, on this glorious 25th anniversary year of Redbourn Village Museum, I bring tidings both noble and nostalgic!
On behalf of the Trustees of the Museum and your ever-dedicated Redbourn Parish Councillors, I bid you a most hearty welcome to Silk Mill House — this proud gem of the County of Hertfordshire, still making its mark in the heart of our beloved Redbourn!
But Hark! Once upon a time — in the year of our Lord 1857 — this very house was the fine residence of the manager of Woollams Silk Mill, where threads of silk shimmered like morning dew.
And lo! Time passed and the story did not end there. In later years, it became part of the mighty empire of Brooke Bond, purveyor of the nation's tea! For half a century, the air here was rich with the scent of roasted coffee and packed tea — busy hands, bustling feet, and the livelihood of over 400 souls.
But woe! Woe! and thrice times Woe, the winds of change did blow... the roads of Redbourn proved too narrow for the giant transporters of industry, and in 1994, the factory doors closed. A sad farewell to the steam and stir of commerce. Yet from the ashes of industry rose a beacon of heritage! For this Silk Mill House was saved, and its walls did find new purpose — as a museum, a trove of tales and treasures, where Redbourn's past lives on for all to see!
Since the dawn of the millennium in the year 2000, it has been lovingly preserved — recently restored to fresh splendour by the dedication of the Parish Councillors, the passion of the hard-working volunteers and the enduring support of you, the good people of this village.
So let there be no delay, no dawdling nor doubt! Let us raise our voices, clap our hands, and celebrate this Silver Jubilee with pride, with joy, and with the merriment Redbourn so richly deserves!
I now declare the anniversary event open!
God save the King!
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A major renovation of Silk Mill House took place during 2025. The lime render was removed from the south wall, revealing the original doorway which led to the silk factory. Ten window frames were removed and taken away for repair, openings boarded with plywood.
After the new windows were fitted, new lime render was applied and left to dry thoroughly for 21 months, after which a coat of lime wash will be applied. Further planned work includes repainting sills, electrical work and loft insulation.
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Now on sale - the ideal Christmas present for anyone with a Redbourn connection! Hardback edition with over 140 photos of old Redbourn along with historical notes, all in colour. All profits from sales go towards supporting the Village Museum.
Buy it locally for only £20 from the Premier Convenience Store and Queen of Herts in the High Street, or the Hollybush pub.
Also available worldwide on Amazon for £25 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNZXFYNT)
Diane Whiskin, Trustee and Curator, sadly passed away on 27th August 2024 after a long period of illness, which she managed with great courage. She will be greatly missed by all involved with Redbourn Village Museum as she cared passionately about it and felt strongly that it should remain at Silk Mill House in the future, educating and inspiring local residents about the heritage of the village. Diane was a major fundraiser enabling the restoration of the Portico from Redbourn House, through her many "Dine with Di" evenings and wonderful baking. Rest in Peace, Diane.
Financial Matters
The museum was awarded a grant from Hertfordshire Museums Small Grants Scheme, which enabled us to replace the roller blinds throughout the building in September 2023.
We are also grateful to the Redbourn u3a Ukelele Group who have nominated Redbourn Village Museum as their charity of the year.
Donations that they receive following performances by the musicians are being passed on to the museum, as the u3a is a non profit organisation. Thank you to all involved.
The museum was awarded a grant from Hertfordshire Museums Small Grants Scheme, which enabled us to replace the roller blinds throughout the building in September 2023.
We are also grateful to the Redbourn u3a Ukelele Group who have nominated Redbourn Village Museum as their charity of the year.
Donations that they receive following performances by the musicians are being passed on to the museum, as the u3a is a non profit organisation. Thank you to all involved.
Our smart new bird table reminds us of 4 museum supporters that are no longer with us - Peter Fox (Podge); Maria Maynard; Pauline Allcroft and Charles Milner. They did a tremendous amount for Redbourn Village Museum and we are grateful to them all.
Friendship Club
The museum is grateful to St. Albans District Council who awarded us a grant to run participation sessions for a limited period of time. We are welcoming groups of up to 10 people to stay a while in our upstairs gallery and enjoy fellowship, films, activities and refreshments. Participants in the first session said that they enjoyed themselves, which is good feedback.
Friendship Club
The museum is grateful to St. Albans District Council who awarded us a grant to run participation sessions for a limited period of time. We are welcoming groups of up to 10 people to stay a while in our upstairs gallery and enjoy fellowship, films, activities and refreshments. Participants in the first session said that they enjoyed themselves, which is good feedback.
Museum Friends visit to Gorhambury House
On October 11th, a group of 21 Trustees, volunteers and Friends of the museum visited nearby Gorhambury House, now the home of Viscountess Grimston, who has been project managing the renovation and transformation of the mansion to make it a more family friendly home for her the next generation.
After tea in the dining room and a talk about the history of the house through previous generations, the Viscountess escorted us on a tour of those rooms that are currently accessible during the building works and shared her delight in some of the finishing touches to the interior. We have resolved to return when the work is complete.
On October 11th, a group of 21 Trustees, volunteers and Friends of the museum visited nearby Gorhambury House, now the home of Viscountess Grimston, who has been project managing the renovation and transformation of the mansion to make it a more family friendly home for her the next generation.
After tea in the dining room and a talk about the history of the house through previous generations, the Viscountess escorted us on a tour of those rooms that are currently accessible during the building works and shared her delight in some of the finishing touches to the interior. We have resolved to return when the work is complete.
Storm Eunice Strikes
Sadly, Silk Mill House is not looking in quite as good shape at present as the Peter Brown painting below.
Storm Eunice caused a section of render to fall from the south gable wall and it was found that the render was blown. Scaffolding has been erected to allow repair work to be carried out. All of the render has been removed and will be replaced, hopefully before winter.
The Trustees are extremely grateful that this work is being funded by the museum's landlords, Redbourn Parish Counci
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To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Redbourn Village Museum
which opened on May 6th 2000, the Trustees commissioned this oil painting by local artist, Peter Brown.
which opened on May 6th 2000, the Trustees commissioned this oil painting by local artist, Peter Brown.
