I was well aware when preparing for the holiday that the Muckleburgh Collection wasn’t that far away from our location in Martham, around an hour’s drive. My wife actually likes navigating – we normally equip ourselves with some 50 thou maps whenever we go for a break; she is in fact, very good at it, and can map read as well as any soldier; oh wait, she was one.
Zero Alpha in her earlier, wiser days when she didn’t want anything to do with me.
The weather was still far from brilliant so we needed somewhere to go in any case. This time I had no option for any deception plan and ‘fessed up that there was a military collection I wished to visit. I feebly hinted that the dog might be able “to run around a bit”. I’m sure I heard her teeth grinding but off we set.
I have to say I thought the collection brilliant; well laid out, clean, tidy with none of the tat that seems to get in the way at Bovington (I admit I haven’t been for a while but I recall kiddies’ toy cars alongside the AFVs and suchlike) that said, due to space limitations, there wasn’t much they could do other than to line them up, so not much room between exhibits. The vehicles were all pretty much immaculate. Again, dogs were not allowed in the museum, which is fair enough - although they did have an option whereby one’s hound could be incarcerated in cages outside while their owners visited. I knew that would freak our poor Cocker out, so once again, he was left to wander around outside with Zero Alpha. At least it wasn’t raining this time.
Wren – unlikely to be happy at being banged up
The pics speak for themselves perhaps and I haven’t commented unless I thought it necessary; enjoy:
Scale model of the original camp made by MAFVA modellers.
Another nice model, save that the troops are formed in 3 ranks; back then it was in 4(!)
In the Yeomanry hall, a wooden model of the Duke of Wellington’s horse “Copenhagen”.
Saracen interior
Sorry folks - getting a bit bleary
There was also quite a bit of stuff outside:
Including 3rd from left what I believe is a nuclear bomb (I can’t remember the designation)
I think I paid 11 quid for entrance – probably due to my great age – but I thought that was a pretty good rate. Googling will give you more info I’m sure but. For instance there are rides available and several of the exhibits are runners. I thought the collection was just great; I’m still mystified regarding the presence of a large stuffed bear in the café (!)
Highly recommended if you’re ever in the area, or even if you’re not - worth making the effort I feel.
