Hythe Pier Museum officially opened by wife of the late Allan Fairhead, who founded Hythe Shed

carolyn.griffith@advertiserandtimes.co.uk

Published: 05:30, 05 July 2025

A MUSEUM showcasing artefacts and photographs of the historic Hythe pier, train and ferry has been officially opened in the town.

The idea to renovate the former Hythe pier generator room came from Allan Fairhead, who founded the Hythe Men’s Shed in 2019.

The museum includes artefacts, models and photographs (picture: Alan Titheridge)

The museum is housed in a restored former generator room (picture: Alan Titheridge)

Allan, who was also a former councillor on Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, sadly passed away earlier this year before he could see the end result. An “Allan’s Yard” signpost has been added as a tribute to his work, which included being recognised in the UK Men’s Shed Awards.

Allan Fairhead was awarded a runner up certificate in the UK Men’s Shed awards 2024 after the Hythe Shed was nominated in the health and wellbeing impact category (picture: Alan Titheridge)

A spokesperson told the A&T: “Volunteers from the Men’s Shed worked tirelessly since the conversion started last September to bring Allan’s vision and imagination to an impressive reality. His widow, Ann, performed the opening ceremony by cutting a ribbon.

“Among the artefacts on display are wherrymen’s pre-pier licence tokens, antique signage, models of the pier, train and former ferry boat Hotspur IV and vintage photographs.

“The building also houses a shop selling Hythe Pier Heritage Association merchandising and an array of excellent finely crafted goods made by members of the Hythe Shed at the Pier.”

The new museum was officially opened by Ann Fairhead (picture: John Greenwood)

The museum was the brainchild of the late Allan Fairhead (picture: Alan Titheridge)

The shop sells items made by the Hythe Men's Shed (picture: Alan Titheridge)

Human Interest Hythe Carolyn Griffith