Staff travel back 70 years at Cradley Heath museum
It was the era of rationing, evacuations and air raids - but staff at a Black Country museum turned back the clock to celebrate life on the Homefront in the Second World War.
Museums services manager for Haden Hill House, Jane Hanney, said it was believed that the house in Barrs Road, Cradley Heath, was used by evacuees before they found homes in the local area as well as being used to help bombed out families and as a food store during the war.
She said: "Older visitors have told us about the celebration that took place in the park at the end of the war."
Visitor services officer Alison Hyatt said: "The site came alive with costumed historical interpreters and old vehicles, there was a uniform display and a chance for visitors to learn about rationing and taste some wartime food.
"There was some great live music out in the park with Eureka Jazz to get everyone jumping and jiving or just something to watch and enjoy while enjoying a picnic on the lawn."
For younger visitors children’s entertainment was provided by Punch and Judy with Ron Popple as well as wartime craft activities, quizzes and trails.
It was also the first chance to see the new evacuee’s bedroom display in the Old Hall.
In the last hundred years, Haden Hall And House have both been used as a refuge for evacuees in the Second World War and a shelter during bombing raids.
By the 1970s the houses were derelict and in danger of demolition.
The Old Hall was in ruins due to the effects of a fire had had caused serious damage to the house.
Extensive restoration to the site was carried out in the 1980s.
The park and its grounds have also undergone a major facelift in recent years to help restore it to its former glory with help from a £2 million lottery grant.
