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IELTS Trainer 2
Tests 1–6 audioscripts © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2019
But then in 1830, something happened in Willford that transformed the
area. The discovery of rich deposits of coal and other minerals opened up
many commercial possibilities. Mines were built, so these deposits could
be brought to the surface. Then a canal was constructed, so that canal
boats could transport the minerals to other regions. Finally. a railway was
built through Willford in the 1850s, creating many new opportunities.
By the 1870s, Willford had become an important manufacturing centre.
A few factories successfully produced fabrics from cotton and wool.
However, what Willford was best known for, was manufacturing all sorts
of tools, machinery and other items out of iron and steel. The attempt to
set up a pottery industry here, however, making items for the home out
of clay, was never really a success.
So, for the next hundred years or so, Willford was a thriving industrial
region. However, by the 1970s, the old industries here were in decline.
Much of the land at this site wasn’t being used. So the local council
decided to set up a ‘living’ museum here. The idea was for visitors to be
able to walk around and visit the sorts of factories, shops, homes and
schools that were once found here.
When the museum first opened in 1976, 2000 visitors came on the first
weekend alone. Since then, visitor numbers have just grown and grown.
They now stand at 300,000 per year and we anticipate further growth
in the years to come. In fact, just recently we welcomed our 9 millionth
visitor, which was an exciting day for us.
As well as our regular visitors, the museum has a number of other uses.
We work closely with universities, whose staff consult the range of
documents and artefacts we hold here. As well as that, those making
movies and television shows often come to the museum because it
makes a great set for historical scenes. There’s even a possibility in future
we may open up the museum for weddings and other private events.
Now listen and answer questions 16 to 20.
Guide: OK, so if you take out your maps, I’ll just point out a few places
you might like to visit. So right now, we’re standing in the ticket office, at
the bottom of your maps.
So, one place I’d recommend is the old bakery. This is a typical bakery
from this area, from about 100 years ago. To get there from the ticket
office, walk up Stafford Street. And then turn into Rigby Road. Walk down
Rigby Road, there are a few interesting places along the way, and the old
bakery is right next to the canal.
Another interesting place is the doctor’s surgery. This was moved here,
brick by brick, and rebuilt on the museum site. Walk up Stafford Street,
until you reach the dock. You see the café. Walk past that, and the
doctor’s surgery is just there.
Cooper’s Cottage is also fascinating – a worker’s cottage from the 19
th
century. Walk up Stafford Street and take the first turning on the left. The
road curves round to the west, then south, as it climbs Jack’s Hill. You’ll
pass a few little houses on the way up, and Cooper’s Cottage is right on
the summit of Jack’s hill.
The stables are also great. This is where they kept all the horses. Again,
walk up Stafford Street to the dock, and turn right. Walk round the dock
till you get to the canal. Then cross the bridge over the canal to reach the
stables.
Also, be sure to visit the old school. So, walk north-east up through the
museum. And it’s not too far. The old school is right on the corner of
Stafford Street and Rigby Road.
Now one other thing…
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