The State Darwin Museum in Moscow, Russia has set up an exhibition of James Herriot Memorabilia in honour of Alf Wight (James Herriot) whose 100th birthday celebration was held recently. The initiative looks set to cement some new links between UK meetings and event industry representatives and the Russian museum.
Representatives of the World of James Herriot will travel to the Russian capital on 15 February where they will meet museum officials and local James Herriot fans, including Maria Scheglova, head of the English Club of Fans of James Herriot, Moscow.
Director of the State Darwin Museum Anna Kliukina told World of James Herriot MD Ian Ashton about the event and invited him to pay a visit.
“It’s amazing how many followers we have in Russia and shows just how far and wide James Herriot’s stories have reached around the world,” said Ashton.
Alf Wight visited Russia accompanying a boatload of sheep in October 1961 and included the story of the trip in one of his books.
“The Russian people are so enthusiastic about everything Herriot and we’ve had many Russian visitors coming to visit the area and see the places that Alf Wight based his books on. We never expected such a fabulous exhibition but it is important that we continue to develop this relationship and make the trip to Russia,” Ashton added.
Meetings and hospitality industry veteran John Gallery is also making the trip to Moscow in a PR capacity for the World of James Herriot and has arranged meetings with the Fan Club and officials at the Darwin State Museum.
“We are making the effort to learn Russian greetings and etiquette before we go and we will be presenting gifts from Herriot Country to our hosts. We are also gearing up for the cold weather and have purchased Herriot branded ‘ushanka’ fur hats to help us cope with the temperature,” said Gallery.
