Feel good at the Brampton Museum

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is launching an exciting three-year events programme in new space at the Brampton Museum thanks to lottery funding. Find out more information at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bramptonmuseum

Residents and visitors can enjoy new and enriching experiences at the Brampton Museum.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council heritage and cultural gem is hosting a series of regular events in new space created as part of a redevelopment scheme to attract new audiences and boost well-being.

It’s launching a three-year activity programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, from April. It currently features hands-on art and craft lessons with local artists, monthly film showings and interactive sessions where participants can join a reminiscence expert for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

“Reminisce: Relive and Recall” – starting on Thursday, 14 April – is an opportunity for people, especially those who are looking to boost their mood or who have early stages dementia, to come together and relive treasured memories. Led by Kath Reynolds, the multi-sensory sessions run from 10.30am until midday on the second Thursday of the month. Admission costs £3 per session and includes refreshments.

Ray Johnson, from the Staffordshire Film Archive, is providing “Those Were the Days” archive and documentary film showings on selected Saturday afternoons until the end of the year. The next showing, on 7 May at 2pm, celebrates “May Days and Carnival Queens”. Tickets cost £5.

Meanwhile, local artists Ruth Rowland and Sharon Porteous – who are currently exhibiting their work at the museum as part of #7 group exhibition “Juncture” – are running drop-in practical workshops in early April where visitors can use sunlight to create unique artwork on light sensitive paper or try simple weaving with scrap materials. All materials are provided.

The museum is also providing a vibrant programme of Easter activities for the family including circus workshops and Punch and Judy shows.

For more information about these new events, and to pre-book, please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/brampton-museum

Elise Turner, Activities and Events Officer, said: “We’re delighted to launch a three-year activity programme at the Brampton Museum thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. The inclusion of a dedicated events room in the Council’s recent redevelopment is enabling us to do new and exciting things, which is providing a real boost to local arts and culture.

“The programme includes a variety of interesting things to see and do. From family fun to relaxed sessions, there is something for everyone. The first events are a great way to boost well-being and make new friends – especially after the Covid pandemic – and we will be offering specialist support for people who have early stages dementia or other needs. It’s fantastic to see the museum a hive of activity already.”

Cakes and hot drinks can be purchased from the museum’s new café, The Little Vintage Tea Room, from Wednesday, 13 April.

There is some free parking outside the museum and an overflow facility in Brampton Park. If help is needed with transport, Newcastle Community Transport offers a door-to-door service for a fee. Please visit www.newcastlecommunitytransport.org.uk for more details.