A couple who founded a popular local visitor attraction are the latest names to be added to Farnham’s wall of notable names.

The late Madge Jackson MBE and Henry Jackson MBE shared a fascination for rural history and collected historical farming tools and equipment. As their collection grew, friends suggested they open a museum. They listened to the advice and went on to open the Old Kiln Agricultural Museum in 1973.

Today the museum is a charitable trust and has been renamed the Rural Life Living Museum. The open-air museum boasts over 40,000 agricultural artifacts including shops and other buildings which have been saved from local villages.

In honour of Madge and Henry Jackson’s life-long project, friends, museum trustees and volunteers joined the Mayor of Farnham Councillor Alan Earwaker as he unveiled the commemorative plaque at the end of April.

Speaking about the couple’s achievement and the museum, Councillor Alan Earwaker said: “I was delighted to unveil this plaque to a wonderful couple whose foresight has seen so much of our local history preserved for others to enjoy. It was made all the more special by the fact that the unveiling took place on the day that the charitable trust celebrated its fortieth anniversary.

“The museum is a wonderful place, and it plays an integral role in our community being the venue for Weyfest music festival, magical Christmas events, children’s activities and great family days out.”

Madge and Henry Jackson’s plaque is the thirty-first to appear on the wall. The Notable Names wall is in South Street and includes tributes to people who have achieved great things in the world of music, sport, art, and the built environment.