Blog - The Museum of English Rural Life

Welcome to our January to March programme

Explore the January to March programme for 2023 at The Museum of English Rural Life. Find something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Delve into the findings of our 2022 volunteer survey and explore the fantastic work our volunteers helped deliver throughout the year.

Hear from The MERL’s gardening volunteers about how they have prepared the garden for winter and what they are planning for 2023.

This blog explores the history of why we eat turkey at Christmas and the story behind its growth in popularity over the last 500 years.

Discover an artistic intervention by Ingrid Pollard at The MERL, reimagining the museum’s collection of friendly society pole heads.

Learn about MERLy Christmas, our annual Christmas shopping event. Featuring crafts, treats, and carol singing!

For Takeover Day 2022, a student from Addington School talks about their internship here at The MERL.

Learn the autumn updates from The MERL gardening team. Hear about what we’ve been growing, our community projects, and new plant sales.

Learn about an environmental campaign by Museums Partnership Reading, championing sustainability in our community from now through 2023.

Learn about the Borodianka Rooster, a ceramic pitcher which gained international attention as a symbol of Ukraine’s strength and spirit.