Shropshire's Great Days Out - Land Of Lost Content
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Today it's the turn of the Land Of Lost Content.
Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Where is it? Market Street, Craven Arms, SY7 9NW.
What is it? Where to start? Proprietor Stella Mitchell's 40-year collection of 20th century memorabilia over three floors makes up an experience museum with a difference. A remarkable difference. Arranged in 32 themed areas, the exhibits tell the story of popular culture and are either nostalgic or part of social history – depending on your age.
From the Edwardian era up to the recent jubilee. Toys, kitchen, clothes and much, much more. The collection is always growing and the museum is celebrating its 21st birthday this year.
How much is it? Adults and senior citizens £5, children £2.50, family and other rates available.
What is there to do? Seeing all the collections of memorabilia - including toys, clothes, food, artefacts of schooldays, holidays, film and television from down the decades – will take you right back to your youth.
Revisit the Action Men of your childhood (were you 'gripping hands' or 'painted hair?'), be re-united with the toys that you will have forgotten you had – your favourite intergalactic ray gun, you Sindy doll or space hopper.
Memories will come flooding back in an instant - it is all all we enjoyed and all we endured.
The flavour of your visit is complemented by listening to nostalgic music as you are boggled by the tens of thousands of items on display.
What's also great about The Land of Lost Content is that it is run by a true enthusiast and collector. Stella Mitchell, who also staffs the museum herself, is passionate about the past and is often called upon as an expert by TV, Radio and other museums. She is always happy to chat and talk about the collection, and share memories.
Visit Icons Cafe on the upper ground floor where you will also find some interesting things to buy. There are many handle-able exhibits including a 1980s mobile phone (it weighs a ton!).
Be warned – you may need longer than you think.
Interestng fact: When Stella married husband Dave in 1987 he promised her a museum. She got one. The rest, quite literally through its collection, is history.
Opening times: 11am to- 5pm daily, except closed Wednesdays, throughout August and right through to November.
Verdict: A magical day out which, through its incredible collection, has the ability to transport you back in time. Good come rain or shine, young or not so young. This is a museum anyone can relate to.
Further information: Visit www.lolc.org.uk or contact 01588 676176.
