On Wednesday 27th September the Trust members were very priviledged to have Bekonscot, the old surviving model village in the world, completely to themselves. Many members had been before as children, then taken their children and some have taken their grandchildren but other members had never visited this time capsule of the 1930’s.
We arrived late afternoon and were able to wander at our leisure for an hour with the trains running throughout the village. The model village does not stand still and each year there are additions such as the white horseand a model of High and Over in Amersham which have been added. The gardens themselves are in miniature to match the model village which is quite a challenge. An overview talk of the history of the village, designed and created by Roland Callingham was given by Brian. the General Manager, during a refreshment break at the cafe. But the finale of our visit as we emerged from the cafe was to see the model village at twilight with the lights on in the buildings, the streets lit, the funfair in full swing and the trains running through the miniature gardens a very magical and special end to the visit.
Photographs Claire de Carle.
