A Day Out

Forthcoming Events

Special Exhibition
6 June – 28 September 2008
Basically Banners Union Banners of the Coalfields
A show case of the mining banners collection held at the Museum, including some never previously on public display area. The special exhibition will examine the meanings behind the image and symbols, as well as conservation of the banners and will feature hands on activities.
Full exhibition open 12.00pm - 4.00pm
Free admission

AUGUST


Friday 1 August – Friday 29 August
Family Summer Fun
Themed weekly family activities running Monday to Friday. Something different every week so you can visit again and again. Free entry.


Saturday 23 - Monday 25 August
Rosebasket Craft Fair
The craft fair will boast 40 stalls selling a wide range of products ranging from floral arrangements to pottery. Free admission.

SEPTEMBER



Saturday 6 September
How to care for and store your wedding dress
Michelle Harper - textile conservator
A half-day course, which will give participants an insight into how to handle, pack and store a wedding dress or special outfit.
The workshop will include a practical demonstration and hands-on session. Bring along your wedding dress or special
outfit to pack and store, with the help of a professional textile conservator.
Refreshments will be provided.
10.00am – 4.00pm
Tickets are £10.00

Thursday 11- Sunday 14 September
Heritage Open Days
See areas of the Museum not normally accessible to the public. Free event.

Saturday 13 September
One Big Blow
Returns to the Museum for a performance of the sell-out show. Tickets £8.00

Follow the fortunes of the pit band as the miners’ escape from their harsh and dangerous working conditions becomes tainted when the colliery bands lead cornet player is struck down with Black Lung Disease, leaving the band desperately in need of a replacement.

Tickets fro reception or by telephone 01924 848806

Doors at 7.00pm and curtain up at 7.45pm


OCTOBER


Saturday11 & Sunday12 October
The Big Draw
As part of Family Learning Week and The Big Draw, join in free sketching and scribbling fun. Free event.

11 October

Murder Mystery
Join us for an evening of Murderous fun. Tickets £29.50

Conrad & Clara Christmas are hosting a party to celebrate the festive season. Although they always throw the best parties in town there is always the inevitable family argument, the usual drunken revelry and some unplanned surprises. Amongst their guests is someone who does not wish them well… someone who bears a grudge.

Join us for a three course meal and to find out which of the suspects was responsible.

Tickets from reception or by telephone 01924 848806

Event starts at 7.00pm.



Monday13 October – Sunday 11 January
Tom Lamb ‘My Mining Days 1946-1969’
This special exhibition focuses on artwork by north eastern artist Tom Lamb, who is celebrating his 80th birthday. Tom began working at Craghead Colliery at age 14 where he began to document his fellow miners and working environment through art. Celebrate over 20 years of memories. Free entry.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER



Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 November
Rosebasket Craft Fair
The craft fair will boast 40 stalls selling a wide range of products ranging from floral arrangements to pottery. Free admission.

22-23, 29-30 November and Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December
Santa Underground
Visit Santa in his underground grotto. Charging event

*Extra dates added – 22 and 23 December*

Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 December
Rosebasket Craft Fair
The craft fair will boast 40 stalls selling a wide range of products ranging from floral arrangements to pottery. Free admission.

PREVIOUS EVENTS



JANUARY


Saturday 12 January
Coals to Calder Grove Lecture
The Bowes railway - Antony Coulls, Curator of Locomotion – The National Railway Museum at Shildon. Free event.

Until Sunday 13 January 2008
Coals to Calder Grove – Special Exhibition
Coal from Caphouse was once moved from the pit by rail. This special exhibition explores what we know about the railway, based on work by local researchers, and a little of the wider story of coal transport. Free entry.

Sunday 27 January
National Storytelling Week – Storytelling Spectacular
Join in coal-mining related stories and activities in the Education Activities room. Hear all about the adventures of the Museum’s Shire horse, Colonel, and take part in the stories by making your own pit pony puppet. Sessions will take place at 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm. Free event

Monday 28 January – Sunday18 May
Changing Landscapes – Special Exhibition
Inspired by the photographic collections from the Museum, National Monuments Record and English Heritage, the special exhibition will focus on 6 English regions, using images from past and present to record the legacy that England’s deep mining industry has left behind. Free entry.

FEBRUARY


Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 February
West Yorkshire Geological Society
Family activities looking at fossils and geology. 12.00pm-4.00pm - free event.

Monday 11- Friday 15 February
Changing Landscapes – Half Term Activities
Free family activities linked to the special exhibition ‘Changing Landscapes’. Drop in 1.00pm-4.00pm.

Friday 22 February
Champagne Tasting
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Museum on 01924 848806. Tickets for the event cost just £20.00 including the underground tour or for those visitors not wishing to travel underground, tickets can also be purchased for the tasting only at £15.00.

MARCH


Saturday 8 March
Yorkshire Wind Orchestra Concert
Join us for the first performance at the Museum by the Yorkshire Wind Orchestra, with Woodwind, brass and percussion creating a fantastic sound. Tickets £10.00

Sunday 9 March
National Science and Engineering Week - See How they Run
Free family activities, including demonstrations of coal mining machinery, a family trail and demonstrations by the Museum Horsekeepers.

Wednesday 19 March – Wednesday 2 April
Eggs for Easter
Join in free week day Easter activities at the Museum, including egg decorating.

Thursday 20 & Friday 21 March
Pocket Panto – Aladdin
Live singing, dancing, slapstick and audience participation. Something for all the family. 2 performances each day. Tickets £2.00

Friday 21- Monday 24 March
Easter Weekend
Brand new Easter Bunny trail (£1.00 per trail sheet), living history, craft activities and fairground rides. Free admission.

Saturday 22 - Monday 24 March
Rosebasket Craft Fair
The craft fair will boast 40 stalls selling a wide range of products ranging from floral arrangements to pottery. Free admission.