[MSN] Fresh start for flooded museum.

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Fresh start for flooded museum

11 January 2007

The first visitors to South Quay's Elizabethan House Museum since the
September floods recreated Victorian servant life as part of living history
sessions for school groups.

Whereas just a few generations ago meals would have been prepared for the
"upstairs" family by "unseen" servants, modern youngsters were just playing
at cooking using old-fashioned equipment that has none of the convenience of
today's labour-saving gadgets.

About 80 youngsters from Edward Worlledge School learned about life in the
old days, including teaching methods which would probably send modern pupils
off to sleep.

The visit marked a milestone in the house's recovery after the flood brought
an unexpected end to what had been a very good season for the museum.

Area museum's officer James Steward said: "This was unfortunate, but not a
disaster. All the collections, including the model of Noah's Ark from the
toy room, were saved from and have been replaced unharmed."

"Blowers were installed to increase ventilation behind the paneling and
beneath the floorboards. These seem to have been successful in aiding the
drying process. Repair and redecoration has resulted in a refurbishment of
the shop area.

"The floorboards have been treated and polished, significantly improving the
look of the museum.

"In every crisis there's an opportunity and when all things are considered
the improvements to the building, both structurally and in decoration, have
enhanced the museum's appearance in readiness for this year's visitor
season."

The museum does not open to the public until April 1, but has resumed taking
group and school bookings.

For more information call Patricia Day on 01493 743944.

http://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/