Avoncroft prepares for another successful year (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Avoncroft prepares for another successful year

12:18pm Monday 8th February 2010

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AVONCROFT Museum is pleased to announce that it had another significant rise in visitor numbers during 2009 - meaning a rise of 40 per cent from 2007-2009.

The museum, which received a Heritage Lottery grant in 2008, began its ‘Rediscovering the Magic’ project in earnest in 2009. The project aims to improve the grounds, pathways, buildings conservation and events programme, plus there is a grant to help promote the museum.

In 2009, the museum employed a new curator, gardener and family activities officer, all of whom have assisted in the continuing work to ensure that the visitors experience an interesting and memorable day at the Museum.

For 2010 there will be the best events programme the museum has had to date. This year will see the Museum’s first Medieval Joust (August 8-9), along with popular events such as Robin Hood (May 2-3), Wars of the Roses (May 30-31) and Wartime Weekend (June 19-20). There are hands-on activity days for children throughout the year.

The first event of the year will be ‘An Enchanted Adventure’ for half term from February 16-19. Families can enter an enchanted market where children can create wands, hats and magical creatures. Around the museum they can follow an alchemy trail, and fairy hunt, plus listen to enchanted storytelling. Children are encouraged to come dressed as mythical and enchanted characters and admissions are £6 for children and £3 adults. Pre-booking is advisable.

For weekday visitors there will be the introduction of a series of weekday events entitled ‘Focus On’. Visitors will go behind the scenes at the useum and see what current work is being undertaken. The first of these events is Focus on: The Attic, on March 19 at 2pm when visitors can discover what is in the museum attic and how it is conserved during this talk with the curator. Followed by Focus on: Treasure on March 26 from 2pm which will be a fascinating talk by Angie Bolton from Worcestershire’s Portable Antiques Scheme where people can discover what has been found beneath the ground in Worcestershire featuring archaeological objects from the everyday to the extremely exciting.

These events are free for museum visitors, however, it is recommended to reserve a space as they promise to be popular talks.

For more information, visit www.avoncroft.org.uk or call 01527 831363.

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