The World of
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elcome to The World of James Herriot’s little corner of the world wide web. Celebrating and remembering the worlds most loved vet. Take a trip into the heart of 1940’s Yorkshire, see where Alf Wight (James Herriot) lived and worked, get into the rural yorkshire mind set that captured and excited the mind of Alf and lead him to write such books as “All Creatures Great and Small”which since have been adored by millions.
The Attraction
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he World of James Herriot pays a unique tribute to the life and times of the author Alf Wight, otherwise known as James Herriot. After his death in 1995, Hambleton District Council bought and restored the practice in Thirsk to its original stature with a £1.4 million investment. The project has allowed visitors to see a snapshot of life in the 1940’s of the man, who captured the hearts and minds of so many people,bothin the UK and abroad as James Herriot. After a painstaking restoration ‘Skeldale’ house opened in 1999 as a Visitor Centre celebrating the life of James Herriot and a museum dedicated to veterinary practice. It showcases a unique collection of veterinary equipment used from the 1890’s
to present day. Enjoy the beauty of the ‘Herriot Home’, take a trip back to the 1940’s in the carefuly restored rooms, absorb the atmosphere of the worlds most famous veterinary practice. The display also includes a chance to see a one off documentary, which was made especially for the World of James Herriot. It also includes a wide range of props from the hit BBC series “All Creatures Great and Small” including the original Austin 7 car. An interactive gallery has been developed for children to experience science games with a veterinary twist. It sits alongside displays of artefacts from the veterinary world past and present.
The Man Him Self.
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“If you dicide to become a veterinary surgeon you will never grow rich, but you will have a life of
ndless
Interest and variety.�
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lf White was born in sunderland, but moved a few weeks later to glasgow; here he had a happy rough-and-tumble childhood. After training at the glasgow veterinary collage he accepted a job in the north yorkshire town of Thirsk (aka Darrowby) where he remained in the practice for over fifty years. The story of the young vets jouney to Thirsk to
take up the post of assictent vet to Donald Sinclair (Siegfried Fernon) is one that is well known through James herriot’s celebrated books, as well as two films and the “All Creature Great and Small” televition series. Alf Wight was respected and trusted by everyone whose animals he tended and, as James Herriot, loved by a huge and loyal readership the world over.
Friends of James Herriot
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erriot Friends seek to assist, promote and foster interest in the World of James Herriot. Join Herriot Friends Opens in a new window For an annual subscription Herriot Friends will receive: Free admission to the World of James Herriot during normal opening hours. Four newsletters each year, with information about the Friends and their activities, forthcoming events and other items of Herriot interest. Attend regular Friends events and opportunities to volunteer at the World of James Herriot. 20% off items in the World of James Herriot souvenir gift shop and on-line shop. Friends certificate, signed by one of our Honorary Patrons, Jim Wight and Rosie Page. James Herriot’s son and daughter.
To join the friends of James Herriot click here
Volunteers
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he World of James Herriot is looking for more people to join its team to work at the centre on a voluntary basis. Do you enjoy meeting people? Could you give a real Yorkshire Welcome? Would you like to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with a wide range of visitors from around the world many of who are dedicated James Herriot fans?
Interested? contact Janet Watson on 01845 524234 or e-mail janet.watson@ hambleton.gov.uk
There are a variety of ways you could help out from greeting visitors as they enter the centre, to helping with workshops and talks, and by supporting the management and conservation of the veterinary collection. It is also an ideal opportunity to promote the local area to visitors suggesting other places they may like to see during their stay in the district.
WE NEED YOU
Our Colletions
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ith collections ranging from TV memorabilia, products from the 1940’s way of life, all the way to the weird and wonderful veterinary implements which Alf Wight used on his rounds.
The World of James Herriot has been awarded full accredited status by the national Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). The accreditation scheme recognises the achievements of the museum in meeting nationally agreed standards in all areas of their work, from looking after the collection to providing access to the public. TV memorbellea Scrips and sets. Costumes. Poster. Plus much, much more. veterinary collection Forceps to castration chambers. A plethora of potions and lotions. Inside the vets day bag.
Life in 1940’s Quirky retro packaging from Bovril to fairy washing up liquid. Ausin 7. Magazines and other publications from the time. Doilies to furniture.
To see more come in or veiw more on our Flickr feed Here
Whats On
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ere at the World of James Herriot, we aim to excite and intreague. To mentain this we are consitently updating our events, events that we are sure you will love. October 2011 5th Annual Herriot Convention.
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aturday, 1st October and Sunday, 2nd October (Friday, 30th September optional) Whether you have just discovered the wonderful world of James Herriot or you are an avid fan, you will experience a great time at the Annual Herriot Convention. The Convention brings together lovers of James Herriot from all over the world and helps to celebrate what has become an amazing success story. This unique event provides the ideal opportunity to find out more about Thirsk (Darrowby in the books) and Herriot landmarks. The weekend includes exciting trips to the Dales, as well as a guided tour of the original veterinary practice at Skeldale House, now the World
of James Herriot Museum. The Convention is brought to a close over Sunday lunch with both Jim and Rosie, James Herriot’s son and daughter. Tickets cost £220 per person which includes everything apart from the accommodation. We politely ask you to accommodation arrange at your convenience. Places are still available please book in advance to avoid disappointment by calling 01845 524234 or emailing janet.watson@ worldofjamesherriot.org.
I “all creatures great and small”
Whats On
December 2011 Christmas Teatime with Rosie Monday, 5th and Monday 12th December 4pm-6pm (booking essential) tickets £12.00
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njoy a Christmas Teatime with Rosie Page, ‘Herriots’ daughter as she shares her memories and privides a guided tour of Skeldate House. Santa’s at Skeldale
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ee and feed the reindeer in the garden of Skeldale House and have your picture taken with Santa and his friends. (special prices apply)
Guest Book “Brilliant - brought the books and TV series i live to life, thank you” Louise, Australia. “Really good museum, i couldn’t ask for more” Sharon, Redcar. “Our third visit as wonderful as ever” Christina, Seattle, USA “Thoroughly enjoyalbe. So glad i made time to come and visit” Danielle, Ripon
Thank You for Coming Fell free to sign our online guest book. Name Adress Email Comment.
Booking and Opening Times
Opening Times 2011 1 April 2011 to 31 October 2011 Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm (Last admission: 4pm) 1 November 2011 to 31 March 2012 Monday - Sunday 11am - 4pm (Last admission: 3pm) Please note: The centre is open until 6:30pm on Friday 25th November as part of the Thirsk Christmas Festival.
Prices Adult - £8.00 Concession - £5.10 Children (5 - 15 years) - £4.55 Under 5’s FREE Family of four (two adults, two children) £18.45 Family of five (two adults, three children) £22.80 BOOK ONLINE HERE
From the top of Sutton Bank you get a panoramic view of the Vale of York.