Paul Atterbury, well known for his appearances on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, paid a visit to Gillingham Museum on Friday 14 October. Peter Barker, Museum Curator showed Paul around the Museum. Of particular interest was the silver spade and commemorative wheelbarrow used in the cutting of the first turf at Gillingham for the new railway, in 1856.
After chatting to Asst. Curator Alan Whiffen, Secretary Colin Burfoot and event organisers Ian McLellan & David Lloyd, Paul made his way to the Olive Bowl to give a talk, entitled ‘From Andy Pandy to Michael Aspel’, to a packed audience.
Paul gave a fascinating account of his life from a very young age, through to producing guidebooks, organising exhibitions at the V & A Museum and finally of course to working on the Antiques Roadshow.
A vote of thanks was given by Sam Woodcock who also thanked local people and businesses who had generously contributed prizes for the raffle.
Above: Sam Woodcock (Society Chairman) with Paul Atterbury and Ian McLellan (event organiser)
Right:Peter Crocker (Society President) presents Paul with the new book by Dr John Porter, ‘Gillingham – The Making of a Dorset Town’.
This fund raising event is expected to raise £1000 for Gillingham Museum.
Paul's latest book, Lost Railway Journeys, published by David & Charles Publishers will be on sale on 28th October priced £15.99
The book traces the routes that have long since been abondoned but are nevertheless still rich in railway culture.