Fun February Activities in Charnwood Museum

Charnwood Museum in Loughborough is offering a range of exciting activities for children this February half term holiday. Visit the museum this half term and enjoy a great range of workshops and activities from 13 to 21 February.

Landscape Collages – Tuesday 16 February
Make a paper model landscape of mountains, valleys, rivers, and seas – a mini world of your very own.
£2.50 per child, pre-booking essential.

Fun with illusions – Wednesday 17 February
Seeing really is believing. Fool your brain with a range of optical illusions and make some of your own to take home.
£2.50 per person, pre booking essential

Pattern Puzzles – Thursday 18 February
Make a pattern picture using weird and wonderful shapes. Turn your picture into a simple Jigsaw
£2.50 per person, pre-booking essential.

Fun with Pharaohs Gallery Trail 13 to 21 February
Those pesky Ancient Egyptians are hiding around the museum. Try and track them down!
Free activity

http://www.leics.gov.uk/charnwoodmuseum

For further details and photo opportunities please contact Alex Gasson, Operations Manager at Charnwood Museum on 01509 233754 or email: alex.gasson@charnwood.gov.uk

Half Term Knight School at Bosworth Battlefield!

Children can travel back in time this half term at The Bosworth Heritage Centre’s very first Knight School with real hands-on training in the arts of knightly combat.

They will learn the skills and endurance that were needed to become a real Medieval knight and work through a program of interactive historical learning.

Activities will include marching to the top of Ambion Hill, weapons training, treasure hunt to find missing armoury, learning the art of falconry and even trying their hands at flying a bird.

There will also be educational talks on food, clothing, medicine and the tactics of medieval battle.

The one day program will begin at 10am and finish at 4pm. It will be held on Tuesday 16th February and Thursday, 18th February 2010 for girls and boys aged eight and over.

Young knights will be welcomed into the Les Routiers Army by Captain Mortimer who will teach them the skills needed to become one of King Richard III’s knights.

They will be put to the test to see if they have met their grade and will be presented with a certificate to commend their achievements.

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council Lead Member for Adult and Community Services, said: “Knight School is a great way for children to learn about history in a fun and interactive way.
“Bosworth is part of Leicestershire’s rich heritage and this is a great opportunity for young people to learn about the history that is on their doorstep.”

Children will be able to eat their packed lunches in the Heritage Room and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Parents are more than welcome to stay on site and enjoy the picturesque historic battlefield country park, or can leave their children with the battlefield’s well experienced and trained staff for the day.

Tickets are on sale now for the Knight School and can be purchased from Bosworth Battlefield on 01455 290 429. They cost £20 including refreshments and parking. Children must bring their own packed lunch and wear protective footwear and waterproof coat.

Knight School will also be run over the Easter holidays on Wednesday, 31st March, Wednesday, 7th April and Thursday, 15th April 2010.

For more information on Knight School or other events please visit www.bosworthbattlefield.com.

Harborough Museum Claims Oldest Roman Coin in Britain!

What is believed to be the oldest Roman coin ever found in Britain makes its museum debut, 2220 years after it was made. The silver denarius coin is now on display at Harborough Museum, Market Harborough alongside other coins that were excavated with it. It is 4 years older than the coin previously thought to be the oldest surviving example.

The coin was found during excavation of a site near the village of Hallaton, Leicestershire. It is one of over 5000 Iron Age and Roman coins found at the site, believed to be a Late Iron Age shrine of the Corieltavi tribe dating to the 1st century AD. Archaeologists believe the coins were buried as gifts to the gods with other incredible finds including a richly decorated Roman cavalry helmet, a unique silver bowl and the remains of over 300 pigs.

The finds were declared Treasure and acquired by Leicestershire County Council for permanent display at Harborough Museum which opened its specially designed Hallaton Treasure Gallery in September 2009.

During February, children who manage to hunt out the newly displayed coin will be rewarded with a free gift!

David Sprason, County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing said: “Leicestershire boasts the largest number of Iron Age coins ever professionally excavated in Britain in the Hallaton Treasure. To also have the oldest Roman coin ever found is something very special.”

The coin, a silver denarius dated to 211 BC, depicts the goddess Roma wearing her characteristic helmet on the front. The mythical twins, Castor and Pollux, sit astride galloping horses on the reverse. The type of coin known as a denarius was first struck in Rome in 211 BC, making the Hallaton coin a very early version. A soldier or unskilled worker living in the 1st century AD could expect to earn 1 denarius for a day’s work.

How this coin came into the possession of the local Corieltavi tribe is an intriguing mystery. The fact that the coin is fairly worn perhaps suggests the preceding 250 years were spent on the continent, only later arriving in Britain in the purse of an invading Roman soldier post AD 43. However, some archaeologists speculate that Roman Republican coins such as this were finding their way into Britain before the Roman conquest and are evidence of exchange through trade or diplomacy. If this is so, then the Hallaton coin is evidence of early Roman contact in the East Midlands, an area previously seen as something of a backwater during the Late Iron Age.

The previous oldest known Roman coin found in Britain was discovered by metal detectorist Malcolm Langford and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme last year. It dates to 207 BC.

For further details about the Treasure Project and Harborough Museum, see the following background details.

• To contact Harborough Museum phone (01858) 821085 or email harboroughmuseum@leics.gov.uk
• Please visit our website www.leics.gov.uk/HarboroughMuseum
• www.facebook.com/HarboroughMuseum
• http://twitter.com/LeicsMuseums
• http://leicestershiremuseums.wordpress.com

Snibston addresses prejudice through holocaust learning

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Wednesday, 27th January 2010, Snibston’s Learning Team is providing a series of Holocaust themed sessions for schools.

The sessions, which run throughout the week (Monday 25th – Friday 29th January 2010), are aimed at pupils aged 11 years and above.

The first of the workshops ‘My Struggle’ is a thought-provoking interactive drama set during the Holocaust and is based in Snibston’s historic Century Theatre.

During the week pupils will meet and interact with two characters, a German and a Jew, and follow a chronological narrative based on their differing fortunes.

This evocative presentation raises a number of issues which are discussed after the performance when pupils get a chance to question the characters about their experiences.

‘Discrimination and Difference’ is an outreach session which takes place in school and is available throughout the year. Pupils get to explore the issues surrounding discrimination with this thought-provoking presentation.

Pupils feel first-hand what it is like to experience discrimination when the actors try to convince the pupils of the perils and pitfalls of having ‘blue eyes’. The presentation raises a number of provocative issues which are then followed with classroom activities.

Snibston is currently offering Leicestershire schools a free workshop when they visit the museum. Schools can take advantage of this special offer until the end of February.

The session is part of the on-going programme provided by Snibston’s Learning Team which is available throughout the year.

Contact details
For further information, please contact
Snibston Bookings: Helen Carter 01530 278444 or visit www.snibston.com
Museum Learning Team: Andrea Bridge 0116 305 3449 or andrea.bridge@leics.gov.uk

A History of Leicestershire in 100 Objects!

A total of 100 iconic and historical objects are to be chosen to tell the history of Leicestershire and its place in the world.

The initiative builds on the immediate success of the BBC and British Museum’s A History of the World and will see Leicestershire County Council and partners launching more objects for the county, both from the council’s own collections and through public nomination.

It is anticipated that an initial 50 objects will be chosen from the County Council’s collections of archives, historic and natural objects – and will also include some historic buildings in the council’s care.

The 10 objects chosen to tell a history of Leicestershire are already on the BBC website. The 100 objects chosen will feature on the Leicestershire County Council website soon!

These include an Action Man figure made by Palitoy, Coalville, and a ‘Ventilated’ corset for women travellers in the 1890s, which is on display at Snibston.

Special events are to be held in the coming weeks at museums across the county to celebrate A History of the World – details will follow soon.

David Sprason, County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to be partners with the BBC, the British Museum and with independent museums across Leicestershire, in this fantastic project.
“By identifying 100 objects, together with local people, we will create an inspiring record of museum objects which have shaped Leicestershire’s role in history and its place in the world.”

For further information about the BBC’s History of the World project, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld

An English Civil War household at Donington le Heath!

On Sunday, January 31st 2010 Donington le Heath Manor House will host the Society of the Open Rope in a recreation of an early 17th century household.

Donington le Heath Manor House was built in the 13th century, but was updated and remodelled by the Digby Family in around 1620.

The re-enactment will portray a range of people undertaking their daily tasks, including food preparation, writing and ink making, spinning, clothes washing and some leatherworking. The costumes and equipment will be of the style worn and used when the new windows were put into the Manor House.

The men of the household will be cleaning their weapons in case they’re needed in this time of troubles.

Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and well-being, Councillor David Sprason, said “Having enthusiastic costumed interpreters interacting with the public like this is the best way to bring a historic house like Donington to life.

“Donington is a very special building and we are pleased that groups such as the Open Rope are keen to come and spend time explaining about life in the past there.”

The 17th Century Manor House runs from 11am- 4pm and admission is free.

Visitors will also be able to see the new temporary exhibition at the Manor House, “The Making of the Yeomen of the Guard”, which charts the history of the Queen’s Bodyguard from the Battle of Bosworth to the present day.

For further information please contact Richard Knox, Keeper of Donington on 0116 3058327. For more information on Donington and its events visit www.leics.gov.uk/donington

www.facebook.com/DoningtonleHeath
http://twitter.com/LeicsMuseums
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Conference to announce true location of Bosworth Battlefield!

A conference to announce the true location of England’s most famous lost battlefield will be held on Saturday 20th February 2010 at County Hall, near Leicester.

A panel of leading experts in battlefield archaeology and military history, introduced by Professor Richard Holmes, will discuss the results of the major new archaeological evidence that proves where the battle was fought.

The battlefield was discovered following a four-year survey commissioned by Leicestershire County Council, largely funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, and led by Dr. Glenn Foard of the Battlefields Trust.

Important archaeological finds from the battlefield will be on public display for the first time at the conference, including the largest collection of artillery round shot from any medieval battlefield in Europe. Other major finds from the battlefield, not previously announced, will also be on display.

Experts who will be speaking at the conference include Professor Richard Holmes, President of The Battlefield’s Trust, Professor Anne Curry, expert in 15th Century English warfare, Professor Mathew Strickland, expert in the history of medieval warfare in Britain, Professor Steve Walton, specialist in early artillery and Dr Derek Allsop, expert in ballistics. Professor Richard Morris will Chair the conference, with Robert Hardy CBE as the discussant.

Dr. Glenn Foard will explain the methods used to locate the battlefield, what the evidence tells us about where and how the battle was fought, and the implications of this for future study of medieval warfare.

Dr Foard, Director of the Bosworth Survey adds: “The success at Bosworth is a vindication of the evolving techniques of battlefield archaeology and shows its potential to resolve important long standing problems in military history.”
David Sprason, County Council Cabinet Lead Member for Communities and Wellbeing said: “Bosworth is one of the most important battles in our country’s history, so the Council is incredibly proud to have pursued funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to discover new evidence about how and where the battle took place. The conference announcements will add a new chapter to the history books of tomorrow and we look forward to interpreting the new results at the award-winning heritage centre.”

Des Gallagher, acting Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said:
“Through the use of cutting edge archaeological techniques, Glenn Foard’s team have been able to locate the scene of one of England’s most famous battles. At the Heritage Lottery Fund we want to support innovative projects that can help more people learn about our history. The discovery of Bosworth Battlefield, and the huge interest it has created, will provide inspiration for new generations to get involved in exploring their heritage and history.”

Tickets are on sale now for the conference and can be purchased from Bosworth Battlefield on 01455 290 429. Advanced tickets (bought up to January 31st) cost £40.00, including buffet lunch, refreshments and parking.

More information on the latest archaeology and on the February Conference can be found at www.bosworthbattlefield.com

Snibston’s Century Theatre rocks!

Snibston’s Century Theatre is set to rock next month as it welcomes the first of its tribute bands for the year, The Floyd Effect.

The Pink Floyd tribute band will play at the Century Theatre, Coalville on Saturday, 20th February and will recreate the music and magic of the last four decades.

Avid followers of the former super group will not be disappointed as the best- loved tunes are brought to life by this talented ensemble. With the latest lighting and projections to fill the atmospheric theatre, a fantastic time for all is guaranteed!

Tickets for ‘A Tribute to Pink Floyd’ by the Floyd Effect are £15 on the night or £12.50 in advance. Start time, 7.30pm. Bookings can be made by calling 01530 278 444.

Next at this unique venue is The Big Blues Tribe, a full nine-piece, highly-skilled blues band that will wow the audience with their R&B and Swing performance. Music from artists such as Ray Charles and BB King are familiar sounds played by the group, but their selection is varied and can be enjoyed by lovers of all genres.

Tickets for the Big Blues Tribe for Saturday 27th March are £9 and can be booked by calling 01530 278 444. The show starts at 8pm.

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Century Theatre being used to bring music and live acts to the communities of North West Leicestershire.

“It is such an atmospheric building and oozes charm and character. It is the largest item in Snibston’s collection but it is not just a museum object – it is a venue which serves the community and gives local and national talent the opportunity to perform.”

The Century Theatre was built between 1948 and 1952 in Hinckley, Leicestershire and toured the country as an operating theatre until 1974, where it stayed in Cumbria until returning to Leicestershire in 1997. It houses an auditorium for up to 200 people and a full-size stage. It’s quite amazing to think that it could fold up into the back of a lorry!

The latest Leicestershire Events Guide flies in!

Get your hands on the latest spring issue of the Leicestershire Events Guide, now available at outlets across Leicester and Leicestershire.

The free family entertainment guide, put together by Leicestershire County Council, is packed with 100s of fun and fascinating activities in county museums, country parks and libraries – and many of the events are free. It’s ideal for planning what to do throughout the year.

In February, why not visit the Auster light aircraft exhibition at Snibston? You can marvel at this iconic plane, which was made in Leicestershire, and see a showcase of photographs and objects from the archives which will be on display. Plus there will be a chance to ‘Meet the Experts’ in talks during National Science Week.

See and experience Hawkwise Falconry and Birds at Bosworth Battlefield and Country Park along with a weekend full of Medieval Mayhem on Sunday, 30 and Monday, 31 May.

There are more fantastic exhibitions to see, including:

• The celebration of 125 years of Leicester City Football Club at Snibston – a wonderful display that shows iconic memorabilia, photographs and objects, plus an exciting programme of events.
• Medieval Mayhem over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Bosworth Battlefield – join the visiting army for a day of medieval fun and games.
• The Record Office’s fascinating new exhibition celebrating 100 years of Girl Guiding.

There are evening and weekend openings at some libraries, and they will be celebrating World Book Day in March with many exciting events that the whole family can join in with.

Children can have heaps of half-term fun, Easter and spring Bank Holiday activities to choose from include:

• Puzzlemania, storytelling and craft activities in county libraries
• Easter Egg hunts at Watermead Country Park or fruit tree grafting at Donington le Heath Manor House
• Artzone creative workshops at Charnwood Museum

The Guide’s back page competition is looking for creative children who are secret garden designers. In partnership with Palmers Garden Centre, £150 worth of garden vouchers could be won.

The guide offers lots of reasons to visit the countryside and get involved in outdoor pursuits like walking, fishing, countryside crafts or even joining in a volunteer day! Plus you could win fantastic health equipment found in the library competition.

To find out about any of these events and lots more great days out, pick up your free comprehensive guide from any county library, museum, Service Shop or local Tourist Information Centre. Order your copy by calling 0116 305 6988, email eventsguide@leics.gov.uk or download a copy from www.leics.gov.uk/events

Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in Charnwood

A commemoration for the victims of genocide is to be held in Loughborough’s Queens Park.

People are welcome to attend the short Holocaust Memorial Day service which will take place on Wednesday, January 27th 2010 from 12.30pm to 1pm.

It is the tenth year running that Charnwood has hosted the ceremony which pays respects to the victims of genocide from every time and every place.

During the service people will be invited to lay a pebble on the Holocaust Memorial Stone, which is a permanent feature in the park.

Cllr Roy Brown, The Mayor of Charnwood, and Cllr Roger Wilson, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council will also attend and pay their respects.

They will also view an exhibition which has been established at Charnwood Museum, called A Reflection of the Holocaust.

Cllr Brown said: “Holocaust Memorial Day enables us to step back and spare a thought for the millions of people who have died and suffered – and are still suffering today – as a result of the terrors of genocide.

“It is important we never forget them and be grateful that we live in a society where, thankfully, such brutality and ignorant thinking does not exist.”

Cllr Wilson said: “The atrocities that were committed during the Holocaust must never be forgotten.

“The exhibition at Charnwood Museum gives us hope by seeing how people were able to re-build their lives after suffering so much and also helps us get a better understanding of the horrors of genocide.

“This memorial day gives us all a chance to reflect and remember and also highlights the importance of how we should live in peace and harmony with each other.”

The Museum exhibition includes pieces from the Holocaust Centre in Laxton, Nottinghamshire – www.holocaustcentre.net – and items from the Leicester Jewish Voices project: www.leicesterjewishvoices.co.uk

It is open to the public and runs from Saturday, January 9 until Sunday, January 31 2010.

Charnwood Museum opens from 10am – 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm – 5pm on Sundays.
For more information call the curator on 01509 233737 or visit: www.leics.gov.uk/charnwoodmuseum