254th Birthday Celebration

Robert Owen Museum held an event in Newtown to celebrate Robert Owen’s 254th birthday on Saturday 17th May 2025. There was a birthday procession from the museum to the garden and statue. It started at 11am at the museum building in Broad Street, Newtown and there was a short meeting by the statue in the garden.

About 30 people attended. Cake and refreshments was provided at the museum afterwards.

Here is a report back from the Chairman of the museum:-

“It really was a good warm sunny day for the birthday celebrations and I cannot remember a lousy wet celebration day since I have been involved with the museum and that’s quite a long time, maybe it’s for a special person and deserves it.

I opened the doors at 10:45 and soon other team members arrived just in time to greet several parties, one from Llanfair Caereinion History group who I have been involved with before, and a few interested parties from the town.

The head count soon rose to about 30 with the 5 team members chatting well to everyone.

Dewi Hughes (Museum Librarian) arranged the walk about while I waited for the special guest who was a direct bloodline descended from Robert Owen’s sister Ann, we caught up with the rest at the tomb where I introduced Jan Scarrott, her father (another descendant) and her husband to the group, this livened things up a lot with many questions being asked and answered.

Without any children due to a lack of adult supervision (which I feel may be the norm in the future) we ran a bit ahead of time. This proved to be important as car parking time was running out for some of the guests.

Back to the museum for cake and refreshments and, with more chat the day continued in a great friendly atmosphere. Jan, of course, was the centre of attention and provided the Museum with an excellent bloodline which led to the man himself. Just another great day was had by all.”

Rex Shayler (Chairman Robert Owen Memorial Museum)