World of James Herriot New Attractions

World War II Air-Raid Shelter & Model Railway - News Release     - March 2013

Latest developments at World of James Herriot announced.
World War II Air-Raid Shelter and Herriot Country Model Railway added to visitor experience.

Photo-Call: Friday 22nd March 2013 - 09.00

Continuing developments at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk are adding a refreshing new look to the visitor attraction as renewed interest in the James Herriot legacy grows.

The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, vet and author of the James Herriot stories. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire - the 'Skeldale House' of the Herriot books - it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s.

The attraction recently announced the installation of the largest individual collection of Herriot memorabilia secured from a private collector and the latest developments include the recreation of a World War II Air-Raid shelter in the the attraction’s cellar. The new area demonstrates the conditions of 1940’s wartime Britain in which period many of the James Herriot stories  are set. Sounds, smells and artefacts create the illusion of the real-life conditions that existed during the frightening air-raids over Britain in World War II.

“We are bringing these interpretations to whole new generation of Herriot fans and the Air-Raid shelter has an authentic atmosphere that gives visitors an experience that is, for older visitors, a reminder of that frightening past and for younger ones an educational experience to inform and help them to understand the harsh reality of that period”. comments The World of James Herriot Managing Director, Ian Ashton.

Some episodes of the extremely popular TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ included the WWII years and the new section recreates this in a practical and experiential format on the same principal as the other parts of the attraction.

In addition to the Air-Raid Shelter a new Model Railway has also been installed with scenes of the rural railway network that existed at the time. Visitors will be able to operate the railway which has been created and built by the attraction’s maintenance manager, Clive Thompson.

Photo-call: Press photographers are invited for photographic opportunities at the World of James Herriot Attraction on Friday 22nd March 2013 at 09.00 onwards.  

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, The World of James Herriot, 3 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com

Notes to Editors:
The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in  the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guest houses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area.