FIRST HERITAGE OPEN DAY DRAWS THE CROWDS. . . Updated 5th October 2008

Massey's Folly Preservation Trust must be well pleased with their participation in the Heritage Open Day scheme which allows members of the public free access to buildings and treasures throughout the country.

The decision to open the Folly was made after consultation with the other organisations involved in the building and involved several man and woman hours of preparation to clean up and tidy the building in preparation for the Open Day on the 14th September.

The wet summer had produced a bumper growth of Ivy and the odd Elderberry around the building and, in the weeks preceding the Open Day, assorted villagers could be seen clearing the vegetation from the walls and areas around the Folly.

 

The full car park atthe rear of the Folly, complete with Parking Attendant, gives some indication of the number of visitors who took the opportunity to take a look at the building and the display put on by various village organisations.
With favourable weather, over four hundred visitor were recorded, many of whom also made the short trip across the green to take a look at the Church

 

While visitors were able to examine the ouside of the building in detail, the poor condition of the upper floors restricted access to the interior although members of the public were, of course, made welcome in the village hall where they were greeted with a number of displays and information depicting life in Farringdon over the years including; The WI, Farringdon Historical Society, The Horticultural Society, All Saints Church groups, MFPT, First Friends Nursery, and Alton Ki Aikido Club.

There was a time line of Massey's Folly, photographs and books about The Meon Valley Railway, photographs of Lower Farringdon, Floods and Storms in Farringdon, a display of old photographs, books and extracts from school logs and the links that Farringdon has with Jane Austen.

A great deal of interest was shown by members of the public and everyone was kept busy answering questions about particular aspects. A number of people that either live in the village or had previous connections were very helpful in providing information, photographs or documents that made it such a successful day.

Drinks and biscuits were served (courtesy of Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's)
> Trustees from MFPT would like to thank everyone in the village and members of the public who had supported the day and raised the profile of not only Massey's Folly but also of Farringdon.

Thanks to Chrys and Roger Browne for providing the report and pictures and dogged persistence to send the images to the Village web site.