Simon Atkin
@sd80kin.bsky.social
Early morning ride on my vintage sewed today. Trying to beat the temperature but it was scorchio even at 7:30.
July 11, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Early morning ride on my vintage sewed today. Trying to beat the temperature but it was scorchio even at 7:30.
Reposted by Simon Atkin
We're so excited to announce we have launched a digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.
Our guide lets you explore the Vale & Downland Museum in ways you've never been able to before
valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk/free-digital...
#BloombergConnects #ValeAndDownlandMuseum
Our guide lets you explore the Vale & Downland Museum in ways you've never been able to before
valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk/free-digital...
#BloombergConnects #ValeAndDownlandMuseum
June 26, 2025 at 10:38 AM
We're so excited to announce we have launched a digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.
Our guide lets you explore the Vale & Downland Museum in ways you've never been able to before
valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk/free-digital...
#BloombergConnects #ValeAndDownlandMuseum
Our guide lets you explore the Vale & Downland Museum in ways you've never been able to before
valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk/free-digital...
#BloombergConnects #ValeAndDownlandMuseum
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Less than 24hrs until the Museum Coffee Shop official opens!
We've taste tested all the new menu and can't wait for our visits to try all the new delicious options!
We've taste tested all the new menu and can't wait for our visits to try all the new delicious options!
June 19, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Less than 24hrs until the Museum Coffee Shop official opens!
We've taste tested all the new menu and can't wait for our visits to try all the new delicious options!
We've taste tested all the new menu and can't wait for our visits to try all the new delicious options!
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Come along to support your favourite 😉 museum at this year's Fundraising Summer Fete on Saturday 12th July
Games and stalls galore and don't forget the big raffle with prizes such as tickets to Blenheim Palace and many other attractions.
Games and stalls galore and don't forget the big raffle with prizes such as tickets to Blenheim Palace and many other attractions.
June 24, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Come along to support your favourite 😉 museum at this year's Fundraising Summer Fete on Saturday 12th July
Games and stalls galore and don't forget the big raffle with prizes such as tickets to Blenheim Palace and many other attractions.
Games and stalls galore and don't forget the big raffle with prizes such as tickets to Blenheim Palace and many other attractions.
Sunny cycling in Dorset
June 16, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Sunny cycling in Dorset
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Tickets for our BIG Summer Raffle are now on sale!
Tickets £1 each, available from the museum.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at 2pm
We have some fabulous prizes from some amazing places
All proceeds from the raffle help us raise vital funds for the museum.
Tickets £1 each, available from the museum.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at 2pm
We have some fabulous prizes from some amazing places
All proceeds from the raffle help us raise vital funds for the museum.
June 4, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Tickets for our BIG Summer Raffle are now on sale!
Tickets £1 each, available from the museum.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at 2pm
We have some fabulous prizes from some amazing places
All proceeds from the raffle help us raise vital funds for the museum.
Tickets £1 each, available from the museum.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at 2pm
We have some fabulous prizes from some amazing places
All proceeds from the raffle help us raise vital funds for the museum.
Reposted by Simon Atkin
A new craft workshop for adults
Learn how to create a vase out of a book and make paper flowers
Mon 7th Jul 10am-12pm
£25 pp
Space is limited so must book in advance, online via bit.ly/4dRXu9N or visit the museum.
All materials provided. This workshop is for adults only.
Learn how to create a vase out of a book and make paper flowers
Mon 7th Jul 10am-12pm
£25 pp
Space is limited so must book in advance, online via bit.ly/4dRXu9N or visit the museum.
All materials provided. This workshop is for adults only.
June 5, 2025 at 11:22 AM
A new craft workshop for adults
Learn how to create a vase out of a book and make paper flowers
Mon 7th Jul 10am-12pm
£25 pp
Space is limited so must book in advance, online via bit.ly/4dRXu9N or visit the museum.
All materials provided. This workshop is for adults only.
Learn how to create a vase out of a book and make paper flowers
Mon 7th Jul 10am-12pm
£25 pp
Space is limited so must book in advance, online via bit.ly/4dRXu9N or visit the museum.
All materials provided. This workshop is for adults only.
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Change is coming to the Museum Café – as of the 20th June, we'll be launching the new 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! With a stripped-back menu of deli-style sandwiches and alternatives prepared daily to choose from, alongside our homemade cakes, delicious scones and the normal selection of hot and cold drinks
June 11, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Change is coming to the Museum Café – as of the 20th June, we'll be launching the new 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! With a stripped-back menu of deli-style sandwiches and alternatives prepared daily to choose from, alongside our homemade cakes, delicious scones and the normal selection of hot and cold drinks
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Our Fundraising Summer Fete is taking place on Saturday 12th July 10am - 12pm
June 12, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Our Fundraising Summer Fete is taking place on Saturday 12th July 10am - 12pm
Reposted by Simon Atkin
#SomethingNew to our archives which we haven't shared before is this Royal Berkshire Regiment hat which was donated by the son the of gentleman who wore this hat during WWII, Ronald Sealey.
#Archive30
#Archive30
April 25, 2025 at 10:12 AM
#SomethingNew to our archives which we haven't shared before is this Royal Berkshire Regiment hat which was donated by the son the of gentleman who wore this hat during WWII, Ronald Sealey.
#Archive30
#Archive30
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Today's #ArchiveObject is a personal favourite of our Collections volunteer. This tiny wooden acorn is hiding inside of it a grater for nutmeg. The grater is metal and is mounted into a bone frame inside the wooden casing. This one dates from the 1800s but they were popular from the 1600s
#Archive30
#Archive30
April 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Today's #ArchiveObject is a personal favourite of our Collections volunteer. This tiny wooden acorn is hiding inside of it a grater for nutmeg. The grater is metal and is mounted into a bone frame inside the wooden casing. This one dates from the 1800s but they were popular from the 1600s
#Archive30
#Archive30
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Today's #Archive30 is #SoundAndVision and this video from 2017 is a feast for your ears!
Our barrel piano is notoriously difficult to play correctly and hasn't been played much since the lovely volunteer in this video, David, sadly passed away.
Our barrel piano is notoriously difficult to play correctly and hasn't been played much since the lovely volunteer in this video, David, sadly passed away.
April 3, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Today's #Archive30 is #SoundAndVision and this video from 2017 is a feast for your ears!
Our barrel piano is notoriously difficult to play correctly and hasn't been played much since the lovely volunteer in this video, David, sadly passed away.
Our barrel piano is notoriously difficult to play correctly and hasn't been played much since the lovely volunteer in this video, David, sadly passed away.
Reposted by Simon Atkin
So, whether you want to find out about the history of our area at the museum, try some delicious homemade food at our cafe, take a walk along the Ridgeway or at White Horse Hill, or visit some of the local independent shops, you are sure to find something that makes your trip worthwhile!
March 19, 2025 at 11:27 AM
So, whether you want to find out about the history of our area at the museum, try some delicious homemade food at our cafe, take a walk along the Ridgeway or at White Horse Hill, or visit some of the local independent shops, you are sure to find something that makes your trip worthwhile!
Reposted by Simon Atkin
LEGO® Club is back this Easter!
A chance for LEGO® loving children to spend an hour building with our large collection of LEGO®.
£4 per child, per session.
Space is very limited so must be booked in advance online bit.ly/4hKZbG or at the museum.
Recommended for children aged 4-10 years.
A chance for LEGO® loving children to spend an hour building with our large collection of LEGO®.
£4 per child, per session.
Space is very limited so must be booked in advance online bit.ly/4hKZbG or at the museum.
Recommended for children aged 4-10 years.
March 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
LEGO® Club is back this Easter!
A chance for LEGO® loving children to spend an hour building with our large collection of LEGO®.
£4 per child, per session.
Space is very limited so must be booked in advance online bit.ly/4hKZbG or at the museum.
Recommended for children aged 4-10 years.
A chance for LEGO® loving children to spend an hour building with our large collection of LEGO®.
£4 per child, per session.
Space is very limited so must be booked in advance online bit.ly/4hKZbG or at the museum.
Recommended for children aged 4-10 years.
Reposted by Simon Atkin
The Friends of the VDM April talk is sure to be an interesting one:
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 by Katherine Bradley.
Thursday 10th April 7.30pm.
Tickets: Members £5 & Non-members £7
For more info and to book visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 by Katherine Bradley.
Thursday 10th April 7.30pm.
Tickets: Members £5 & Non-members £7
For more info and to book visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
March 27, 2025 at 11:40 AM
The Friends of the VDM April talk is sure to be an interesting one:
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 by Katherine Bradley.
Thursday 10th April 7.30pm.
Tickets: Members £5 & Non-members £7
For more info and to book visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 by Katherine Bradley.
Thursday 10th April 7.30pm.
Tickets: Members £5 & Non-members £7
For more info and to book visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Author Melanie King will be joining the Friends of the Museum to share how the once exotic drinks of tea, coffee and chocolate became popular in Great Britain.
Thursday 20th March 7.30pm
There are just FOUR tickets available so get yours before it is too late www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
Thursday 20th March 7.30pm
There are just FOUR tickets available so get yours before it is too late www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
March 18, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Author Melanie King will be joining the Friends of the Museum to share how the once exotic drinks of tea, coffee and chocolate became popular in Great Britain.
Thursday 20th March 7.30pm
There are just FOUR tickets available so get yours before it is too late www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
Thursday 20th March 7.30pm
There are just FOUR tickets available so get yours before it is too late www.ticketsource.co.uk/vale-downlan...
Reposted by Simon Atkin
19th & 20th century apothecary bottles from Cleggs the Chemist on Newbury Street, Wantage.
Most medicine bottles were made of colourless glass but sometimes blue bottles would be used for syrups and green bottles for medicines classed as 'poisons'
Most medicine bottles were made of colourless glass but sometimes blue bottles would be used for syrups and green bottles for medicines classed as 'poisons'
March 18, 2025 at 12:31 PM
19th & 20th century apothecary bottles from Cleggs the Chemist on Newbury Street, Wantage.
Most medicine bottles were made of colourless glass but sometimes blue bottles would be used for syrups and green bottles for medicines classed as 'poisons'
Most medicine bottles were made of colourless glass but sometimes blue bottles would be used for syrups and green bottles for medicines classed as 'poisons'
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Do marshmallows and chocolate count as part of your five-a-day? Asking for a friend!
Mouthwatering Rocky Road is today's special bake in the museum cafe, available while stocks last!
Mouthwatering Rocky Road is today's special bake in the museum cafe, available while stocks last!
March 13, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Do marshmallows and chocolate count as part of your five-a-day? Asking for a friend!
Mouthwatering Rocky Road is today's special bake in the museum cafe, available while stocks last!
Mouthwatering Rocky Road is today's special bake in the museum cafe, available while stocks last!
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Mill Street, Wantage in the 1960s.
Sandpiper Boutique in the former Wantage Tramway Company building. Featuring the beautiful full pediment atop the building. Manufactured in 1904 but by 1971 it had become unsafe and had to be removed.
#WaybackWednesday
Sandpiper Boutique in the former Wantage Tramway Company building. Featuring the beautiful full pediment atop the building. Manufactured in 1904 but by 1971 it had become unsafe and had to be removed.
#WaybackWednesday
March 5, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Mill Street, Wantage in the 1960s.
Sandpiper Boutique in the former Wantage Tramway Company building. Featuring the beautiful full pediment atop the building. Manufactured in 1904 but by 1971 it had become unsafe and had to be removed.
#WaybackWednesday
Sandpiper Boutique in the former Wantage Tramway Company building. Featuring the beautiful full pediment atop the building. Manufactured in 1904 but by 1971 it had become unsafe and had to be removed.
#WaybackWednesday
Reposted by Simon Atkin
The sun is shining & our new solar panels are working beautifully
Yesterday they were producing more than 50% of the electricity the museum and cafe were using, which is fantastic considering we are only in March
#SolarPanels #SolarEnergy
Yesterday they were producing more than 50% of the electricity the museum and cafe were using, which is fantastic considering we are only in March
#SolarPanels #SolarEnergy
March 5, 2025 at 12:36 PM
The sun is shining & our new solar panels are working beautifully
Yesterday they were producing more than 50% of the electricity the museum and cafe were using, which is fantastic considering we are only in March
#SolarPanels #SolarEnergy
Yesterday they were producing more than 50% of the electricity the museum and cafe were using, which is fantastic considering we are only in March
#SolarPanels #SolarEnergy
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Malteaser tiffin is this week's special bake at the museum cafe 😋 available while stocks last.
The museum cafe are open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 3pm (last lunch orders 2pm & last refreshment orders 2.30pm)
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
They also do takeaway!
The museum cafe are open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 3pm (last lunch orders 2pm & last refreshment orders 2.30pm)
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
They also do takeaway!
March 6, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Malteaser tiffin is this week's special bake at the museum cafe 😋 available while stocks last.
The museum cafe are open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 3pm (last lunch orders 2pm & last refreshment orders 2.30pm)
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
They also do takeaway!
The museum cafe are open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 3pm (last lunch orders 2pm & last refreshment orders 2.30pm)
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
They also do takeaway!
Such a great local museum. I’ve a long family involvement going back years but still enjoy visiting and volunteering here.
It’s really important we keep this museum open and free for all to enjoy for years to come. Help if you can.
It’s really important we keep this museum open and free for all to enjoy for years to come. Help if you can.
A lot of people assume that the museum is a council run & funded museum, but it is not.
We are an independent museum & registered charity. We rely on the support of the public. The most impactful way is to donate! Donate online cafdonate.cafonline.org/19847#!/
Every penny really does count!
We are an independent museum & registered charity. We rely on the support of the public. The most impactful way is to donate! Donate online cafdonate.cafonline.org/19847#!/
Every penny really does count!
February 19, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Such a great local museum. I’ve a long family involvement going back years but still enjoy visiting and volunteering here.
It’s really important we keep this museum open and free for all to enjoy for years to come. Help if you can.
It’s really important we keep this museum open and free for all to enjoy for years to come. Help if you can.
Reposted by Simon Atkin
King Alfred’s Grammar School in we believe the 1890s. This building still remains as part of King Alfred’s School on Portway.
This photograph was donated to the museum by Dr Ridsdell-Smith who lived in Wantage and was a founding member of the museum.
#WaybackWednesday
This photograph was donated to the museum by Dr Ridsdell-Smith who lived in Wantage and was a founding member of the museum.
#WaybackWednesday
February 19, 2025 at 11:14 AM
King Alfred’s Grammar School in we believe the 1890s. This building still remains as part of King Alfred’s School on Portway.
This photograph was donated to the museum by Dr Ridsdell-Smith who lived in Wantage and was a founding member of the museum.
#WaybackWednesday
This photograph was donated to the museum by Dr Ridsdell-Smith who lived in Wantage and was a founding member of the museum.
#WaybackWednesday
Reposted by Simon Atkin
Looking for something for the older children to do this half term? Then look no further than our Children's Art Workshop
During this session we'll be learning to weave onto a CD to create a planet.
Tues 18th Feb
Book online bit.ly/42LJ8E
During this session we'll be learning to weave onto a CD to create a planet.
Tues 18th Feb
Book online bit.ly/42LJ8E
February 6, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Looking for something for the older children to do this half term? Then look no further than our Children's Art Workshop
During this session we'll be learning to weave onto a CD to create a planet.
Tues 18th Feb
Book online bit.ly/42LJ8E
During this session we'll be learning to weave onto a CD to create a planet.
Tues 18th Feb
Book online bit.ly/42LJ8E