Day Out at Amberley Museum

The WCoP’s grand day out at Amberley Museum began, as all great British excursions do, with a drizzle that could only be described as drizzly drizzle. Spirits wavered. Umbrellas multiplied. The sky looked like it had read the forecast and decided to go off‑script.           But once the Master had delivered her opening words — and once enough of us had dragged the umbrellas from the car — the clouds apparently decided they’d made their point. The rain stopped, the air cleared, and the day transformed from damp squib to rather delightful.

After introductions from the Master, Mike Swallow (PMWT chair) and from Michael Cooper in his role as History Group Chair, We were especially pleased to welcome Sarah Knighton and her colleague Clare from Holy Wells Glass who are specialists in the conservation and design of stained glass, who joined us to illuminate their world — both literally and historically. Sarah treated us to a fascinating dive into the evolution of stained glass design. From medieval saints to modern artistry, Sarah whisked us through centuries of technique, craftsmanship, and the occasional eyebrow‑raising stylistic choice.

With our brains suitably enriched, Maria slipped seamlessly into her best school‑marm persona and divided us into two groups. One half marched off to the Gin Building — which, to the disappointment of several members, turned out not to be a distillery but an EnGINne building. Here, Peter demonstrated how to cast our very own lead paperweights. For the uninitiated, molten lead is surprisingly heavy, surprisingly shiny, and surprisingly keen to remind you that gravity is not your friend. Even the planters created by the volunteer team required a two‑handed, knees‑bent, “I’ve got this… I think” approach.

Meanwhile, the second group followed Sarah to one of the education buildings for a hands‑on demonstration of how stained glass windows are assembled. Watching her cut lead strips with surgical precision and handle delicately painted glass pieces was enough to make the rest of us reconsider every DIY project we’ve ever attempted. She also unveiled a lead casting made from scrap — a piece so weighty it could easily moonlight as gym equipment.

Lunch was a triumph of English classics: Scotch eggs, pork pies, cheese‑and‑pickle sandwiches, and fruit skewers for the virtuous. Then came Eton mess and profiteroles, which were less virtuous but far more enthusiastically received. After a good natter and a top‑up of energy, the groups swapped over so everyone could enjoy both experiences

The day concluded with a charming ride aboard Amberley’s beautiful vintage Southdown  bus — a tour that revealed just how vast the museum grounds truly are. There’s nothing like trundling along in a heritage vehicle to make you appreciate both history and suspension systems.

All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable outing: educational, sociable, occasionally surprising, and full of the sort of moments that make WCoP days out so memorable.

Our thanks to Sarah, Penny, Peter and the volunteers

A good day out indeed.