Rotherham museum shows off new horse-drawn vehicles

South Yorkshire Transport Museum at Aldwarke in Rotherham is expanding its collection in the form of horse-drawn and hand-ferried vehicles, including a gypsy caravan, a Station Fly Carriage, a Landau, a funeral bier, a baker’s hand cart and a sedan chair.  

All on long-term loan from Shibden Hall in Halifax, they have been added to the museum’s existing restored gig and flour miller’s delivery vehicle.

Trustee Douglas Miller said the new vehicles had already attracted plenty of interest from visitors.

Regular open days are held at the Waddington Way venue, which is best known for its selection of vintage buses.

The museum, previously known as Sheffield Bus Museum, moved in 2007 as it had outgrown its original home and now has 50 large vehicles along with more than 30 bicycles.

And it’s not just road transport that is on display — an ex-RAF 1943 Thornycroft Amazon truck with a Coles five-ton crane is being readied to take its place within the display of military vehicles.

This unusual machine was used for lifting engines in and out of aeroplanes, and could pick up “pranged” Spitfires or Hurricanes, being able to travel on grass as well as tarmac, as well as equipped to perform towing duties.

The 1953 ex-BRS Scammell tractor unit, which needs extensive restoration, will move into the workshop.

Mr Miller said the museum was run entirely by volunteers, and fortunate to have a wide range of trades and professions among its members.  

“We still need more volunteers, though, not necessarily vehicle experts,” he said.

SYTM’s income mainly comes from rents paid by vehicle owners and hiring out its fleet of buses.

Open days are held on the second Sunday of each month but visitors turning up on a Tuesday or Saturday will be shown around if they ring the bell. 

School visits, dementia groups and other private parties can also be arranged.

To offer your time or arrange a visit, email [email protected] or call 07852 298082.