Summer 2026 Community News Update

It has been a busy time here in the Learning team as we put the finishing touches to our creative, community exhibition ‘Minstead Minibus Stories’.  It promises to be unique, joyful and colourful and we have absolutely loved working in collaboration with everyone from the Minstead Trust.  Far more than just a means of getting from A to B, the Minstead minibus plays an essential role in the daily lives of local adults who share their thoughts and their stories in the exhibition.  It opens on 27th August, and we hope that visitors of all ages to the museum will enjoy sharing the journey with us. 

Our Caravan for the Community (aka Chatty Caravan) has also been sharing journeys locally with visits to the Dementia Friendly Allotment in New Milton and Hythe Huddle dementia support group run by Families Matter, Hythe.  Arriving in full 70s retro glory, the Sprite 400 welcomed visitors to reminisce and share memories of road trips, caravan adventures and more. One notable visitor was the new mayor of New Milton, David Rice-Monday who shared smiles and memories aplenty! The visits were a wonderful way to connect our museum with our community.  And both offered opportunities to learn more about the wellbeing support offered to those living with dementia and their carers.  For more details visit Dementia Friendly Allotment and Families Matter - Hythe Huddle. 

Lastly, for those of you who have young ones in the family, we have some free caravan colouring activities for the summer holidays.  You can download them via Chatty Caravan Linktree  We’d love to see the artworks created so tag us on Instagram @chatty_caravan or send a photo to us via learning@beaulieu.co.uk  Keep cool and colour in!