SPARROW’S STORY
In the beginning
The museum is based at Cae Dai House and land, the childhood home of Sparrow Harrison MBE, who inherited the property from his aunt Rosa.
Rosa was a pioneering woman who founded the first Girl Guides Association in Wales, helping to shape opportunities for young women across the country.
Sparrow Harrison MBE has spent his life dedicated to community, heritage and inclusion. Despite living with a severe stammer as a child, he went on to establish the British Stammerers Association, running classes and support groups for others facing similar challenges.
During the 1960s and 70s, Sparrow worked in London during the era of “Swinging London”, where he became involved in music, performing with his band Sparrow and the Gossamers, and experiencing the vibrant cultural scene of the time.
On returning to Denbigh in the 1980s, he began developing what would become Cae Dai Museum — originally a small motor collection that has since grown into a unique social history museum. After a fire in 2009, the museum was rebuilt with the support of the local community, volunteers and insurance, and has since grown into a remarkable snapshot of post-war Britain and everyday life.
Sparrow also formed a lifelong friendship with Bruce Reynolds, one of the masterminds behind the Great Train Robbery, and the museum proudly displays the original Great Train Robbery truck.
Alongside this, Sparrow founded the local boxing club, which has supported generations of young people. The boxing hall at Cae Dai now houses sporting memorabilia and reflects his lifelong commitment to sport, discipline and community — work which ultimately led to him being awarded an MBE.
Today, Cae Dai Museum continues to grow as a place of heritage, storytelling and community spirit.
We look forward to welcoming you.
