Christmas is coming, and thoughts turn to Jingle Bells and One Horse Open Sleighs – both of which can be found at the Museum of the Horse in Tuxford. The two went hand in hand, as horse-drawn sleighs could travel quickly and quietly over snow, often taking people by surprise. Their rudimentary brakes were far from effective and certainly didn’t allow for sudden stops, so bells were attached to warn pedestrians that a sleigh was approaching.
Downstairs in the gallery, visitors can see a late 18th-century Dutch sleigh – the sports car of its day in Holland. A young man owning such a beautifully decorated sleigh would have been very wealthy, and any young lady offered a ride in it would have considered herself very fortunate.
Beside the sleigh are some unusual upside-down bells. Give them a gentle push and you’ll be amazed by the sound they produce. These bells, once used on horses in Germany, were designed to alert people to their approach – and they jingle far louder than you might expect! Upstairs in the museum, visitors can discover even more sleigh bells and listen to their bright, silvery tones.
In the gallery, there is also a range of delightful Christmas gifts to browse. Many hold fond memories of favourite presents from years gone by. Some may remember the joy of receiving Lego, sharing the fun of building with others. Invented in Denmark in 1955, the name ‘Lego’ comes from the phrase leg godt – meaning ‘play well’ – and it remains a much-loved classic today.
Don’t miss these events
Mining Lego Display – Saturday 6th December from 1.00pm
At the Walks of Life Museum, discover the story of mining transport through the ages, with a fascinating Lego display and mining artefacts, along with refreshments, a raffle and a tombola.
Open Rail Track Day – Saturday 17th January
For more details, contact Diane on 01777 872776 or email dianehunt08@btinternet.com.