WYTHALL WORKS
Although not visible to the visiting public the most significant site change since the last report has affected the mezzanine areas in both the Power Hall and Shire Hall. New racking has been acquired and installed in the Power Hall mezzanine. The intention is to store archive material that has previously been stored elsewhere on site often in less than ideal circumstances. It will also allow some items, previously stored off-site, to return to the Museum. Whilst it may not be perfect, the Power Hall mezzanine is in an insulated building and should offer a more stable environment when compared with the condensation that is present in certain weather conditions in the other two halls.
The fitting out of the Power Hall mezzanine has allowed some items to be moved from the Shire Hall mezzanine to the Power Hall. This is mainly archive material which had to be moved from the railway carriages - remember those? - when they were cleared and then broken up for scrap. In turn this creates space in the Shire Hall mezzanine, part of which will be used to create extra storage space for people working on the site and an area where painting of small parts can be done.
The bus station area in front of the Power Hall has taken another step towards completion as Cliff Byrne has finished laying the setts between the paving slabs and the fence. These go all the way past the two shelters to the phone box. Cliff's next job has been to sort out the small cloakroom in the Power Hall. One of the "Watch your personal appearance" mirrors has been fixed to the wall and several rows of coat hooks are being provided. It is expected that this will be used by visiting school parties where coats can be left and the room locked if required.
With the end of the public opening season the opportunity has been taken to move Tim Clayton's AEC Merlin from the side of the Shire Hall to do some sorting out and tidying up of the various things stored there. Pete Murphy's Maidstone Leyland has also moved for the first time for many years and is inside over winter so Pete can make some progress with its restoration.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
