Visit to Beamish Open Air Museum County Durham

Northern Shetland Enthusiasts

Sunday the 8th March saw the Northern Shetland Enthusiasts brave a brisk wind and snow flurries to visit the world famous Beamish Museum.

Organised through Carol and Trevor Shaw at Stonecellars Stud some 50 people enjoyed a guided tour by two of the museum’s staff who work with the horses on site.

Beamish provides living examples of actual 1913 life in the county of Durham.

The heavy horse section was very popular with the Gelderlanders attracting many accolades along with the Vaux Brewery Horses.
Carriages and carts of all types were in abundance.

The harness room made people draw breath at the variety and grandeur of many of the exhibits; several of which are currently used for competition and ceremonies; including the Queen’s procession at Ascot.

Visiting a Colliery Lamp House was the precursor to a trip down an actual mine (drift not deep) which saw the taller members of the group having to bend double to gain access – no mean feat for those with creaky joints!

For many a special highlight was the fully harnessed Shetland Pony which represented a working pit pony.  Recently the museum reported the death of their original pony “Pip” who was 35 and a very popular attraction.  The replacement pony was acquired two years ago from the local Butterby Stud and is a chestnut gelding with the pit name of “Flash”

Visits to the sweet shop, pub, tea room, bank and newly built Masonic Hall ensured a most enjoyable day.

Without exception people said that they had thoroughly enjoyed their visit from the youngest aged six to our senior member Mrs Newall at 85.

Our thanks go to John and Chris from Beamish for their patience, humour and professionalism and to anyone who is curious Beamish has to be on your list of things to do before the end of the year!

Butterby Limelight (Flash) set for a long working life as the pit pony at Beamish Open Air Museum.
Getting re-acquainted with his breeder Lynda Hutchings of Butterby Shetlands.

Posted:- 2009-03-12