Bury, A Place like Home

Category: Exhibitions, Theatre, Art, Family, Museums, Heritage & Days Out.

Originally built on the reputation of the industrial revolution of the 1800’s, and more recently on its open air markets, Bury certainly lived up to its name as a lively bustling town. I arrived on a Wednesday morning to the fantastic chorus of calls from market sellers, something I haven’t heard since my childhood. My first stop in Bury was the tourist information centre where I found a group of local ladies full of information and more than willing to share. The office was conveniently placed within the entrance of the Fusilier Museum, the start of my adventure.

Situated on Moss Street, the museum is a modern addition to the old Arts and Crafts Centre and was purpose built to house the collections of the Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It holds an extensive range of historical memorabilia from across the ages and displays it in a fashion that is both educational and a fitting tribute to the past and present service of the soldiers. As I wandered through the well laid out exhibit I embarked on a journey that encapsulated all the emotions that combat can evoke. I saw objects such as revolvers, diaries of corporals and other officers, lanterns and examples of soldier's uniforms. There is also an interactive, theatrical set up of a First World War trench where you can experience sights sounds and smells that the soldiers themselves would have been subject to - and I can confirm that “Trench Stench” really does stink… There is a Family Friendly feel throughout the museum with many areas created just for play, from the interactive picture boards that teach examples of military hand signs, to the large area dedicated purely for dress up, fully equipped with tents and sheets to make that essential hidey hole. The Museum also has a pretty memorial garden which is free to use and a café to relax and refresh after your visit.

Leaving the Fusilier Museum, I was confronted with the impressive Edwardian Architecture of Bury Art Museum, the next destination in my quest.

The façade of the building was only a taste of what was to come. As I entered I was instantly taken aback by the impressive welcoming arm staircase that encourages you to ascend into the galleries above. Bury Art Museum has done a fantastic job of conserving the historical identity of this building but at the same time has not been shy at adding contemporary touches that, in my opinion, only add to its charm and help highlight the unique historical details. As I explored I found an impressive collection of 19th Century Victorian paintings situated alongside works by Great British masters such as Turner, Landseer and Constable, creating a subtle journey of the visual arts from the last 200 years. I was disappointed to find one of the galleries closed for maintenance, but was appeased by one of the fantastic and knowledgeable attendants who was more than willing to share information about the works contained within the restricted area. 5 Places, an exhibition featured as part of Asia Triennial Manchester and Start (a local organisation assisting people with mental health issues to develop their confidence through the visual arts), were the highlights of the visit and, for me, reinforced the Art Museum’s dedication to merging traditional with contemporay

As I exited the museum I felt the pangs of hunger and decided to head for a spot of lunch in Automatic. This highly recommended independent restaurant, cafe and bar is situated next door to The Met, Bury's performing arts centre, where you can enjoy a packed programme of theatre, comedy, music and more. After a short walk I was at my destination and impressed that I had managed to indulge in copious amounts of great culture without having to travel any great distance.

I opted for the Business lunch special, which for the grand price of £5 included one main dish and a beverage. The service was quick and pleasant and it wasn’t long before I was munching on fantastic homemade fishcakes with pancetta while I decided on my next choice of venue. With a full stomach I made my way across town to the Bury Transport Museum.

The transport museum wasn’t the easiest place to find, as the entrance is tucked away in the corner of a local small car park, but as I walked down the steps I was swept back in time to Bury’s industrial history. To say I was in awe as I entered was an understatement. I was immediately transfixed by the collection of transport vehicles parked within the confines of the building, and couldn’t help wishing I was 20 years younger, as I had the feeling that it wouldn’t seem appropriate for me to run, arms open, at the nearest piece of magnificent machinery that was on display! Instead I took direction from the very helpful attendant and made my way up the stairs to the left. I eased myself into the delights of the museum with the excellent set of interactive learning materials set up to help teach the history and workings of transport through the ages. As it was half term the museum was alive with the excited chatter of children which, for me, was testament enough to the successful Family Friendly atmosphere the museum promoted. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to conclude my visit to Bury, as the museum encapsulated everything that was great about this town.

I reflected over my visit as I headed back through the market, now emptying as the day ended. I had been impressed by the friendly atmosphere of a town filled with fantastic history, yet not afraid to embrace the new. I left knowing I would soon be back as I had only scratched the surface of what Bury and the surrounding area had to offer. After all there was still a 1950’s fire engine I didn’t manage to fully explore…

Feature by Donna Doodson.

Image: Nannucci Maurizio Ring Balcony neon, at Bury At Museum

Here are just a few of the great events to enjoy in Bury:

Bury

Originally built on the reputation of the industrial revolution of the 1800’s and more recently on its open air markets Bury certainly lived up to its name as a lively bustling town. I arrived on a Wednesday morning to the fantastic chorus of calls from market sellers, something I haven’t heard since my childhood. My first stop was the tourist information centre where I found a group of local ladies full of Bury information and more than willing to share. The office was conveniently placed within the entrance of the Fusilier Museum, the start of my adventure.

Situated on Moss St, the museum is a modern addition to the old Arts and Crafts Centre and was purpose built to house the collections of the Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It holds an extensive range of historical memorabilia from across the ages and displays it in a fashion that is both educational and a fitting tribute to the past and present service of the soldiers. As I wandered through the well laid out exhibit I embarked on a journey that encapsulated all the emotions that combat can evoke. I saw objects such as revolvers, diaries of corporals and other officers, lanterns and examples of soldier's uniforms. There is also an interactive, theatrical set up of a First World War trench where you can experience sights sounds and smells that the soldiers themselves would have been subject to - and I can confirm that “Trench Stench” really does stink… There is a Family Friendly The Museum also has a pretty memorial garden that’s free to use and a café to relax and refresh after your visit. feel throughout the museum with many areas created just for play, from the interactive picture boards that teach examples of military hand signs, to the large area dedicated purely for dress up, fully equipped with tents and sheets to make that much revered hidey hole.

Leaving the Fusilier Museum, I was confronted with the impressive Edwardian Architecture of Bury Art Museum, the next destination in my quest.

The façade of the building was only a taste of what was to come. As I entered I was instantly taken aback by the impressive welcoming arm staircase that encourages you to ascend into the galleries above. Bury Art Museum has done a fantastic job of conserving the historical identity of this building but at the same time has not been shy at adding contemporary touches that, in my opinion, only add to its charm and help highlight the unique historical details. As I explored I found an impressive collection of 19^th Century Victorian paintingTurner, Landseer and Constable, 5 Places, an exhibition featured as part of Asia Triennial Manchester and Start situated alongside works by Great British masters such as creating a subtle journey of the visual arts from the last 200 years. I was disappointed to find one of the galleries closed for maintenance but was appeased by one of the fantastic and knowledgeable attendants who was more than willing to share information about the works contained within the restricted area. (a local organisation assisting people with mental health issues to develop their confidence through the visual arts), were the highlights of the visit and, for me, only confirmed the Art Museum’s dedication in not shying away from the contemporary.

As I exited the Bury Art Museum I felt the pangs of hunger and decided to head for a spot of lunch in the highly recommended independent restaurant, cafe and bar- Automatic situated next door to The Met. After a short walk I was at my destination and impressed that I had managed to indulge in copious amounts of great culture without having to travel any great distance.

The transport museum wasn’t the easiest place to find, as the entrance is tucked away in the corner of a local small car park, but as I walked down the steps I was swept back in time to Bury’s industrial history. To say I was in awe as I entered was an understatement. I was immediately transfixed by the collection of transport vehicles parked within the confines of the building, and couldn’t help wishing I was 20 years younger, as I had the feeling that it wouldn’t seem appropriate for me to run, arms open, at the nearest piece of magnificent machinery that was on display! Instead I took direction from the very helpful attendant and made my way up the stairs to the left. I eased myself into the delights of the museum with the excellent set of interactive learning materials set up to help teach the history and workings of transport through the ages. As it was half term the museum was alive with the excited chatter of children which, for me, was testament enough to the successful Family friendly atmosphere the museum promoted. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to conclude my visit to Bury, as the museum encapsulated everything that was great about this town.

I reflected over my visit as I headed back through the market, now emptying as the day ended. I had been impressed by the friendly atmosphere of the town and although filled with fantastic history was not afraid to embrace the new. I left knowing I would soon be back as I had only scratched the surface of what Bury and the surrounding area had to offer. Afterall there was still a 1950’s fire engine I didn’t manage to fully explore…