Museums and Galleries Month kicks off in South Gloucestershire - May 2008
From basket making in Yate to tours of Concorde in Filton, there is something to interest everyone during Museums and Galleries Month, which kicks off in South Gloucestershire this Thursday (May 1st).
The UK’s biggest, month-long celebration of museums and galleries is being held at various locations across the district until Saturday 31 May and promises to be the best yet – with events, exhibitions and activities exploring a national theme of ideas and innovation.
Special tours of Concorde are being offered, where all ‘passengers’ will be given a boarding pass and taken to the departure lounge before boarding the plane for 22 minutes of pure Concorde nostalgia – complete with ground attendants to talk you through supersonic flight. Call 0117 936 5485 for bookings.
A guided walk around Thornbury Castle gardens takes place on May 18 and 31. Built by the ill fated Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham, in the early 16th Century, the Grade I listed building with its magnificent bay windows is a real historical gem.
The tours provide a chance to learn about the castle’s history and its architecture with guides from Thornbury Museum.
A free basket making workshop is being held for children at Yate and District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate at various times throughout the day on Thursday 29 May.
The sessions offer a chance for five to 12-year-olds to learn a new skill by creating a basket. Bookings can be made in advance on 01454 862200.
The Heritage Centre also hosts a film screening featuring rare footage of World War Two events in the US and the UK. The event takes place on Tuesday 13 May at 7.30pm.
Or why not visit a 19th Century coal mine at Oldwood Pits Open Day in Tanhouse Lane, Rangeworthy, near Yate. The pit is opening its doors to the public to offer guided tours, displays about mining plus a chance to handle artefacts and enjoy a fossil exhibition. The fun takes place on Sunday 18 May between 11am and 5pm.
Other events include a visit to the Avon Valley Railway in Bitton with a chance to enjoy a Thomas [the tank Engine] themed weekend on May 10 and 11. The railway also hosts a Museum’s Month Fair on May 18.
And Thornbury Museum is opening its new archaeology gallery which will display parts of the most exciting discovery of treasure found locally in recent years.
Take this chance to visit your local museum, enjoy the special events and find out what makes South Gloucestershire so amazing!
For further details about any of the events please contact Melissa Barnett, Museums and Heritage officer, on 01454 865783.
For more details and a programme of events please see the 'Read more' section on the right-hand side of this page.