On Monday 4 June Wheal Martyn held a celebration to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The event was hosted by Lady Mary Holborow, President of Wheal Martyn Trust and attendees included local residents, friends, supporters and volunteers of the Museum, as well as Steve Gilbert, MP for St Austell and Newquay. The afternoon was lucky enough to be blessed with fine weather enabling all to enjoy the party, set within the preserved remains of the former Victorian clayworks at Wheal Martyn. Families and children enjoyed storytelling by Trevor Lawrence, pottery painting by Heather Hunt, badge making and a delicious high tea.

The highlight of the event were two majestic Shire horses which were brought along by local horseman Robert Eddy and were impressively dressed in full brass carnival regalia and harnesses from the Wheal Martyn Collection. These harnesses were donated to the Museum and were once used by English China Clays back in the days when working horses were a common feature of the China Clay industry. They have been lovingly restored over the past 6 months by a team of Wheal Martyn volunteers who have truly brought back the shine to the brasses. 

Gemma Martin, Museum Manager said 'The Museum is delighted to bring out part of the collection for such a prestigious event and seeing the harnesses on the horses really breathes life back into the clay story, such an important part of Cornwall's heritage.'

The harnesses can soon be seen on display at the Museum and throughout there is a Jubilee exhibition on show in the Museum foyer which is free to enter.

The Museum and Country Park is open daily and having paid admission once you are then entitled to free admission for the rest of the year, so perfect if you want to use the play area, walk the dog or just enjoy the peaceful grounds again and again. Wheal Martyn Trust is a charity, working to preserve and interpret the important collections and history relating to Cornwall's China Clay industry for the benefit of local people and visitors alike, providing educational and recreational opportunities for all.

You can help to support the Wheal Martyn Trust by becoming a friend, donating or by volunteering at the Museum in a range of activities. For more information please contact Gemma, Jo or Verlaine on 01726 850362.