Museum of Technology in Throckenholt is ready to reopen

Owners of a popular museum which is re-opening for its 2024 season today say they can’t wait to share their exciting new displays with visitors.

The Museum of Technology: The History of Gadgets and Gizmos, in Throckenholt, will be welcoming visitors from today (Thursday, May 23) – when two military vehicles will go on display alongside a vast collection of curiosities, dating from 1850 to 1980.

Trevor Cass and Rosie Hourihane, who opened the museum in 2016, will unveil a 1950s Ferret – a small tank which runs on wheels instead of tracks – and an American Willys Jeep made in the 1960s – alongside their 1980s Land Rover used in Northern Ireland, which was added to the collection last year.

“It’s really exciting, we’ve got our dome building up, which we call the pod – it’s made of exactly the same stuff as the O2 arena, a really tough, white plastic,” explains Rosie. “That’s going to house all of our military vehicles. We’ve spent the last couple of months getting them ready and de-rusting them.

“We’ve also got a little helmet for the Jeep, so the kids can climb inside for a photo opportunity, as they love things like that, although the Ferret will have to remain a no-go area as it’s impossible to get inside.

“We’re hoping they’re going to be a massive attraction as it’s really unusual for a small, local museum to have three big military vehicles on display.”

The museum is also home to a large collection of artefacts, including early cameras, weaponry from WWI and WWII, telephones, computers and televisions – many of which still work and can be demonstrated. Other facilities include a large car park, disabled access throughout, tea-room, outdoor picnic area and a community room, which is available to groups for activities including reminiscence sessions.

Rosie added: “This will be our seventh season. I usually do the talking and take people around. Last year I had a terrible virus and couldn’t talk so Trevor had to do that role instead. I really missed it, so I’m so looking forward to welcoming our visitors back this year. It’s going to be a great season.

“Although we’re open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays we can also accommodate larger group bookings on other days if people get in touch to make an appointment.

“We received the Age Friendly award last year – the museum is all flat, no steps, which shows we’re good for care homes and dementia groups.”

The museum is a not-for-profit registered charity, run entirely by volunteers, with an entrance price of £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. It only accepts cash payments.

Opening hours are 10am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday until September. Groups can be accommodated outside these times by making a private booking.

For more information visit www.museumoftechnology.org.uk

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