BOSSES at Avoncroft are seeking a couple to literally spend ‘a night at the museum’ to help the venue kick-off its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Two people will be able to reside in the 400-year-old Merchant’s House from Saturday (July 7) to Sunday (July 8), experiencing everyday life in Tudor times.
The chosen couple will take part in all aspects of Tudor life – from dressing in the costume from the era, eating authentic Tudor food and undertaking household chores to trying Tudor recreational activities, such as archery and cloth dying.
Avoncroft Museum director Simon Carter said the opportunity to turn back the clock hundreds of years was a chance of a lifetime.
“The Merchant’s House is a stunning example of an early Tudor home.
“We think the winners will really enjoy this one-off opportunity to make it their home for the weekend and it’s a fantastic way to kick start our 50th birthday celebrations,” he added.
The building is particularly significant because it was the first one saved by the museum in 1962. After that, Avoncroft was established as a charitable organisation and, over the years, has acquired a variety of buildings, including a Victorian tin chapel, a 19th Century cell block, a post-war prefab and an Anderson bomb-shelter. It is also home to the National Telephone Kiosk Collection.
Those wanting to put themselves forward to live in the Merchant’s House on July 7 and 8 need to submit a written application to the museum, outlining why they feel they would make worthy Tudors.
A short-list will then be drawn up and, after an interview with two of the museum’s staff at the end of May, the lucky winners will be announced at the start of June.
Training will be offered in advance and there will be an opportunity for the winning couple to meet their weekend guides – historians from the re-enactment group ‘Eye on the Past’.
Applicants must be over 18 and be willing to share their experiences with visitors, as well as via social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, throughout the weekend.
For more on the competition or to find out about other events taking place at Avoncroft Museum, call 01527 831363, visit www.avoncroft.org.uk or email business@avoncroft.org.uk.
Reprinted by kind permission of The Bromsgrove Standard