The Rural Life Living Museum Faces Closure

The Rural Life Living Museum is unique collection of the discarded buildings, implements and objects of everyday life, collected by Madge and Henry Jackson since 1968. The couple opened their back garden to the public in 1973. Tragically, both their children died young, and the Old Kiln Museum Charitable Trust was formed in 1984 to protect their only surviving legacy. The museum has been created by many thousands of people who have donated objects and volunteered their time, support and skills. In 2024, we now have some 20 buildings and a collection of 40,000 objects displayed.

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, Registered Charity 1200370. The museum receives no external funding and has survived hand-to-mouth through ticket sales and donations. The rising cost of operating the museum now means that expenditure outstrips income generated through ticket sales and donations.

What have we done already?

We have already attempted to curb the effects of rising expenditure by restructuring the staff team, including making redundancies. All maintenance has been cut back so that our remaining resources can be concentrated on public delivery. Finally, we investigated selling a significant asset that is not part of the museum’s collection. The house which Madge and Henry lived and built their collection around, was valued with a view to providing the museum with endowment for a safeguarded future. The Old Kiln Museum CIO agreed that selling the house would adversely affect the future in which the Founders can continue to be a significant part of the story.

What would closure mean?

The collection would be broken up and offered to other museums, but it is unlikely that this collection would be relevant elsewhere and so would go to waste transfer. While the site is ancient, it is not protected, and therefore could be developed upon and the museum in the garden would be gone forever. Much loved events, such as Weyfest and Village at War, would be left without a home. There would be a loss of half a million pounds to the local economy. A loss learning support to over 50 schools and educational groups that use us every year. The purpose that brings together the community of over 150 volunteers would be gone. The legacy which has created a great day out will be gone for our 41,000 visitors each year.

What is our goal?

Our goal is to raise £150,000 by October 31st 2024.

How else can you help?

• Bring your spare coins to put in the campaign milk churn in our shop.
• Tell your friends and share our fundraiser with your networks and on social media.
• Buy a ticket to visit us.
• Share your memory or what the museum means to you with us.

To learn more and donate, visit our website www.rural-life.org.uk

Please help us to continue the irreplaceable museum in the garden. The Rural Life Living Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Surrey, GU10 2DL.