The Baynesfield Estate Museum

Time Marches On was a successful day.

It started with 2 road traffic Police escort cars, blue ligthts and all accompanying a wonderful huge "Rooi Kat". They had come all the way from Pinetown on a very cold morning. This had been arranged by Ken Tebbutt, the main mover and shaker of the Woodcrafters Club, through as friend of his in the Defence Force Tittlestad. We were delighted to have such a terrific display. Alan Price and his family kindly agreed to display their collection of military vehicles, including an old army ambulance.

403 adults and 308 pensioners visited. Scholars are allowed in free of charge and there was certainly a nice crowd of younger people.

Dave Dickenson entertained us by wandering all over the venue playing the bagpipes, the Dundee Diehards set up a display and wore their redcoat outfits. John Visser was here with his mini cannons which delighted the children and frightened the curator!! The Natal Numismatic Society displayed their collections in Baynes House, the Carbineers had a wonderful display depicting the Anglo-Boer War, The Zulu war, The Bhambatha Rebellion and more. Robin Meyrick used the TV room to set up his display of dinky military vehicles and posters. From remarks by the visitors is is clear that all enjoyed what was on offer.

We have a strict standard to obtain and maintain regarding the food outlets and crafts which are for sale.

The Vintage Tractor Club have donated 2 old tractors to 2 of their members to restore and this presentation was made to the delighted recipients. As usual we had a superb disdplay of their tractors, stationery engines, steam engine grinding maize, and water driven engines. They are all so enthusiastic about their "Toys" and so enjoy showing visitors the workings etc. The Woodcrafters are another enthusiastic group of men and women. Jonathan Amos-Brown had made a special trip to Baynesfield from Cathcart in the Eastern Cape, to demonstrate the fitting of a metal tyre to a wagon wheel. This attracted many interested people and we would like to thank Jonathan for coming to see us. All the other woodcrafters were busy with their demonstrations and Bert Cornell enjoyed the day telling people about his radio equipment.

We could not enjoy a successful day were it not for all the helpers who do so much to make things run smoothly. We could not enjoy such a successful day if it were not for the visiting public. Thank you for coming to Baynesfield.

Our next event will be the Christmas Market on 5th December. The St Matthews Church quilting group will be filling Baynes House with their Christmas Collection of quilts.

There are always so many dogs at these open days that we have decided to hold a dog show on that day too.

Watch this space for details