January 1st may feel like a lifetime away now, so here is a catch up on what we have been doing here at The Dean Heritage Centre and what is to come!
What's On?
New playground
Our new and improved playground is all ready for February half-term. After reviewing feedback from our visitors, we knew it was important to expand on and upgrade our previous playground to make it better than ever and something for all kids. It was very important to us that our playground was made with sustainability in mind, and we drew inspiration from the local area. We hope this is just the beginning of expanding our outdoor entertainment for our visitors as we have plenty of exciting plans for the future. Here is an exclusive sneak peek at the new playground.
February Half- term 18/02/23-26/02/23
We are theming our February half-term activities on play. Our new woodland and nature-inspired playground will be opening at half-term, and we wanted to make this our main attraction. Therefore, we have centred our half-term events on playing. There will be a trail through the museum with different traditional games for everyone to take part in and enjoy. We will also be holding a guided woodland play event led by one of our facilitators, Alex. There will also be craft workshops in the craft hut, including making your own spinning top. All our activities are included in admission. We are open 10:00-16:00, everyday during half-term!
New ventures
An exciting new project has started at The Dean heritage Centre, being led by one of our trustees, Alison, and our gift shop manager, Matthew. Alison has sent us some more information:
‘'Please help our exciting retail project, the gift shop team are involved with a new project involving creating gifts for sale through local shops around the area. We need a research panel to help us choose what gifts to look at, what designs to use and to be involved in our venture. We’re not asking for much time, but we might need ideas and opinions. We’d like people of any gender, any age over 18, with any experience, if you have been involved in selling gifts then even better! Please email, alison@deanheritagecentre.comto sign up for more information.’
I had a chat with Shelley, Coffee Shop manager, about what’s going on in the coffee shop and I for one am extremely excited!
The Heritage Coffee shop finished last year with a bang with their incredible three course, Christmas Dinners. After receiving amazing feedback, they have decided to reinstate their term-time mid-week roasts. They will be kicking off from the 8th of February, with a great selection of food suitable for all dietary requirements. However, if you fancy a table you will want to book to secure your place! To book either message The Heritage Coffee Shop on Facebook or call 01594 822170.
An event for all you romantics out there, from the 9th-14th February there will be Valentine’s Afternoon Tea. If this is something you fancy, please book in advance and we will arrange the perfect date and time for you and your significant other. When booking you will be asked to choose a time slot between 12:00-14:00. To book message on Facebook or call 01594 822170.
As I’m sure it does every year pancake day has crept up on us again. The very organised staff in the coffee shop have planned a pancake event. For those who also didn’t realise how close it was, pancake day is on 21st of February this year, during half term. No need to book, just head up to the coffee shop and fill yourself with tasty sugary goodness.
Collections and museum update
The Gage library where our volunteers and our collections officer, Nicola, work behind the scenes is always busy and bustling. Here is an update from Nicola:
‘During the spring, staff and volunteers will be tidying up the agricultural shed opposite the cottage and working with a conservator to treat the objects within it. We will also be adding interpretation on farming. This will improve the display for visitors as well as look after our collection.’
As you can see, we are busy,busy,busy and with a great programme of events, activities and exhibitions throughout the year, there are plenty of great reasons to visit the Dean Heritage Centre so why not become a season ticket holder?
Season ticket holders can come along to visit or take part in events or activities free of charge. Season tickets are available at the reception desk. Further information can be found here.
