6 February, 2004

Residents from across St Edmundsbury are being encouraged to find out more about their local museums between Saturday 7 and Friday 13 February, as part of a joint programme between Moyse’s Hall and the Manor House Museum.

Visitors to both museums in Bury St Edmunds will be spoilt for choice during what is known as ‘Residents Week’, which gives people the opportunity to learn something that they didn’t know about these historic museums and their collections, as well as have a go at a variety of fun and interesting activities.

A packed programme of workshops, presentations, talks and tours is lined for the week which means that there is bound to be something for everyone. For example, you can go back in time with a Victorian guided tour, see amazing views of your town from the comfort of an armchair, try your hand at French or Italian, or learn about the therapeutic properties of herbs.

All the activities are free and aimed at all age groups and abilities. As places are limited it is advisable to book in advance by calling either Moyse’s Hall on 01284 706183 or the Manor House Museum on 01284 757076/4.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Full list of events during Residents Week:

Moyse’s HallMuseum

§         Saturday 7 February

11am-1pm: Activity Time - make your own Valentine cards

1pm: Enjoy a PD James tale told by a Victorian gentleman

2-4pm: Family Workshop - watercolour painting (please bring your own materials)

§         Sunday 8 February

11am-12pm: Children’s Party Time - based on a Medieval theme (suitable for ages 5-8 years)

2-4pm: Armchair Tour – see your own town from the comfort of your armchair

§         Monday 9 February

12pm: Let’s look at Flints in the Archaeology Gallery

§         Tuesday 10 February

12pm: 10 minute talk on Gargoyles in the Galleries

1-3pm: West Suffolk College Italian class

§         Wednesday 11 February

10.30am-4.30pm: Identifications in the Gallery - to include a 10 minute talk at 12pm on ‘recent acquisitions’

10.30-11am: West Suffolk College French conversation

§         Thursday 12 February

11am-12pm & 1-3pm: West Suffolk College Archaeology classes

2.30pm: Victorian Guided Tour

§         Friday 13 February

10.30am-1pm: Chat and coffee aimed at managers, staff and local residents of local care homes/sheltered accommodation.

ManorHouseMuseum

§         Saturday 7 February

2-2.30pm: Lecture by Pat Murrell on the Restoration of the Cupola

§         Sunday 8 February

2-3pm: Novelty Clock Tour

§         Wednesday 11 February

2.30pm: 10 minute talk on local artist Sybil Andrews

§         Thursday 12 February

2-3pm: See how the Museum’s nursery boxes can help provide enjoyment and stimulation for pre-school children

§         Friday 13 February

11-11.45am: Tour of the HerbGarden – find out what herbs are used for.