Duke of Edinburgh youths renovate 19th century cottage and antiques

A team of young people have recently spent time on the Isle of Man, restoring a 200-year-old cottage along with some of its antique furniture.

Eight youngsters from Halton travelled to the dwelling at Creg Neash, a working farm that was built in the 19th century. The site is now open for visitors to experience first hand the traditional working farm practices and skills which would have been used during the 1800s and early 20th century, including thatching, spinning, blacksmithing, weaving and wood turning. The thatched cottage is just one part of the site, which also has a joiner's workshop, tearooms, a church and a population of Manx speakers.

The project was initiated by the youth provision of Halton council, together with the Manx Heritage project. The group travelled to the Isle of Man for the second time to help with the restoration project, including work on some antique furniture, which required refurbishment. Restoration of antiques is generally carried out by an expert, as using the wrong tools or technique can damage a valuable antique.

The manager of Creg Neash site, Helen Ashcroft, said that she was grateful for the help provided by the Duke of Edinburgh team, who were working towards their gold award and they would certainly be welcomed back.

Antique furniture in the cottages on the site will help visitors to imagine how people would have lived 200 years ago. Collectors of fine antiques obtain the same effect when they buy items like an antique sofa. Blackburn is just one region where collectors will find reputable dealers.

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