Captain's enjoying his retirement at Acton Scott

Captain, one of Acton Scott Historic Working Farm’s working horses, is now enjoying retirement after many years of dedicated and loyal service.

The 20 year old Percheron horse has spent a much-deserved winter break grazing and enjoying the unseasonably warm weather as the farm museum prepares for its re-opening on 15 April.

Like all working horses at the turn of the 20th Century, in his hay day, Captain was the equivalent of the modern tractor around the farm.

Tory, the museum’s new Shire horse, will continue to carry on the duties that Captain used to perform by carting muck around the farm, ploughing, chain harrowing and operating the horse ‘gin', used for milling grain to feed to the other farm stock.

Michael Turner, Visitor Services Manager said: “Captain is still around and visitors will see him when they come to the farm. He is very important to the museum and continues to keep a watchful eye over us”.

Many new developments at the farm, which is operated by Shropshire County Council, will be in progress when it opens in April.

The construction of two new buildings, along with refurbishment and renovation work, will continue through the 2008 season. This work is being undertaken with funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

Nigel Nixon, Shropshire County Council's Head of Museums, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming our new season visitors and hope they will be patient with the ongoing works. It will be well worth it!”

The £1.7million development plan is due for completion by Autumn 2008.

19 March 2008