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A New Book And An Old Favourite

On sale now is a new book from Alan Martin with his personal memories of life and times at Borehamwood Grammar School in the late 50s and early 60s. Growing up in the town, adjusting to a 'grammar school life' and the influence of his teachers on sport, culture, and behaviour.  A fascinating look back at a time when everything seemed to be changing around you, and when the sixties seemed so full of promise.

And back in stock is a book about a local legend - The Winn Everett Story by Avril Chick. This has been out-of-print for a while but we have decided to reprint it because it's the story of a much-loved local GP in Elstree who is still remembered by many in this area. The book includes Winn's talks to local groups, and newspaper reports on her life.

Up Up And Away Takes Off

We've launched our new Exhibition, Up Up And Away at the Museum. Present were mayors, councillors, pilots, ground crew, and others involved in creating the Exhibition.  Star of the show was Alan Kirtly's reproduction of the Tipsy Nipper 2 which used to fly from Elstree as a training plane. Small enough to fit into our tiny space, but if it had an engine it could have flown away. Visitors will be able to sit in it and fly out of Elstree and back. Here we see Richard Butler, Mayor of Hertsmere, trying the Nipper for size, and Dan Ozarow, Deputy Mayor of Borehamwood, waiting his turn.

Our photo below shows Humphrey Gibb, the CEO of Elstree Aerodrome looking at a display with Elaine Butchins of the Trustees.

Up Up And Away Nearly Lands

Our plane has arrived and is waiting to fly. The panels are going up on the walls. The plane taxis to the runway. Curator Dave waits for the go-ahead to fly out of Elstree.  Still lots to do though for next week's opening....

Up Up and Away Commences Flight

The aeroplane arrived today. After all you can't have an exhibition about Elstree Aerodrome without an aeroplane, can you? Ours is an exact copy of the real thing. Photo next week, promise. Alan and Derek have built this from scratch and Alan is getting ready to join the parts together. As you can see we've cleared everything out to make room. More to follow.

Up Up And Away Starts Here

First job preparing for a new exhibition is to remove the old one. This morning we removed the Six Of The Best panels amd stripped the museum back to basics. Next job is to clear the cabinets and get ready for the aeroplane. Yes, you read that right - there is an aeroplane on the way.

Paul Welsh's Funeral

Took place on Monday 7th October. Here are some words from Bob Redman of Elstree Screen Heritage :
"For several years Elstree Screen Heritage, chaired by Paul Welsh, has worked closely with Elstree Screen Arts to promote the unique local film and TV heritage.  When I asked Chris Mitchell, Principal Director of ESA whether he could field a crew to film Paul’s funeral service, Chris agreed without hesitation.  On Monday 7th October Adam Spinks, Head of Creative at ESA, and a small team of students filmed discreetly at All Saints Church, Borehamwood. Canon Richard Osborn who lead the service had previously granted permission for filming."

You will find the video on YouTube HERE

The MGM Castle

We return to #MemoriesMonday as the Autumn sets in and thoughts turn to Borehamwood in the past. Many long-term residents talk about the Ivanhoe Castle which was built on the MGM backlot for the 1952 film of the same name and was visible from many parts of the Wood. It stood the test of time and was there for a good few years, so much so that many visitors and new residents thought it was a real castle - perhaps built for 'Lord Borehamwood'.

Of course it was eventually demolished and all trace disappeared apart from a mound here and there in the Studio Way estate.  No-one really knew its exact location. But now thanks to the GPS data and other clues our Museum Curator, Dave Armitage, has located it precisely opposite the Toby Cavery.  It lay across the two small roads of Banks Road and Hancock Court.  Here is the photo he has produced. Would still be impressive today.

Friends Evening With Lesley Davies

Last week the Friends of the Museum enjoyed an evening talk with Lesley Davies.  She explained in depth the history of the schools of Elstree and Borehamwood from the pre-Victorian school in Elstree in 1814 all the way up to the outbreak of the Second World War. And even a short excursion to 1949 when Furzehill School burnt down. 

Lesley's research was the driving force behind our current exhibition Six Of The Best, and although we could only show the salient points in our small space, her complete work and the complete story of our local schools can be found on this website under Our History. 

A fascinating evening of local history - become a friend here to find out more. And have a look in the Museum at the Exhibition too. 

Photo by Derek Allen

PAUL WELSH MBE

PAUL WELSH MBE

18 July 1953 to 4 September 2024

It is with great sadness that we heard the news that one of the Museum's founders and most stalwart advocates passed away last night.  A long-time Trustee and supporter from our time in Drayton Road all the way through to our current home.  We ran several Exhibitions involving Paul and his work in Borehamwood. Most noticeably was Save Our Studios which featured his herculean efforts to ensure the historic Elstree Studios was saved from the bulldozer. He recently gave us permission to reprint his two books Elstree Confidential and MGM British Studios, so we are indebted to him for that.

You will read many stories about him in the coming days, but he was always our champion and his advice and knowledge always an inspiration. Here's a shot below of Paul giving us a talk during his Friend's evening in 2018 -  it was a memorable occasion full of his characteristic wit and humour.

Thanks for everything Paul, R I P

Dave Explains All

Now the long hot summer holidays are here, you probably don't want to think about schools and schooldays.  But our current exhibition Six Of The Best is still running, and there is plenty of information and fun for pupils of all ages.  Our curator, Dave Armitage, has made three short videos explaining what you will find when you visit us. So pop into our air conditioned Museum and relive those golden schooldays.

Please click on the links below :

The Map

The Blackboard Cabinet & Local Books

The British Schools Museum Desk