Mygreenweek

I was brought up with Belle Vue in Manchester being a promise of a wonderful Saturday afternoon out.

Along with mum, dad and my younger sister Natalie – we’d queue up for the 53 bus that would take us to Belle Vue. I can remember the sun always shining.

The Zoo and Its Inhabitants

We’d walk round the Monkey House, I can still remember the rather strange smell that had us glad to get out into the fresh air.

Then there were the lions and tigers, hippopotamus and bears, not to forget the snakes and lizards in the Reptile House.

We stuffed ourselves with ice cream and candyfloss. These were a rare treat as the war hadn’t been long over including rationing.

As I Went Into My Teen Years

By the time I was into my mid teens Belle Vue had a Ballroom, so Saturday nights would find a group of us girls waltzing and quickstepping the night away – well at least until the last bus was due to leave at 11.00 pm.

My First Date with My Husband Was an Afternoon at Belle Vue

There was a permanent fairground where we enjoyed ourselves.  Although at one stage I lost my dignity when we went on a ride called, ‘Shooting The Rapids.’  I ended up with my full circular skirt up round my waist, while my gallant knight slithered and slid on his back beside me down this chute – that dumped us in a heap at the bottom.

Bob and I Took Our Daughters to Belle Vue

By this time, we had moved to Longsight. This meant Belle Vue was now only a walk away from home.  We would go for a walk through Belle Vue on a Sunday morning.

Saturday nights were filled with the sounds of the Speedway as the motorbikes roared round and round the track.

The fireworks displays also on Saturday nights would light up the sky – often making settling our daughters difficult.

Belle Vue in the Present

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens closed in 1982, after being open for over 150 years.

Now all that’s left of the magnificent Belle Vue is the Speedway that has always been a great money maker.

Plans to Bring Back the Magic of Belle Vue

People with memories of Belle Vue in its heyday are now campaigning to bring back Belle Vue to its former glory.

It is planned that starting May 23rd 2009 there will be a festival called ‘Belle Vue Weekender.’

The Belle Vue Weekender will possibly have two funfairs, street performers, wrestling, bands, magicians and some children’s competitions.

It is to be hoped that bringing Belle Vue back to Manchester will help bring employment back to an area that has a very high unemployment rate.  We were promised a casino but the government changed its mind.

Therefore, the Belle Vue Weekender is not just nostalgia, but an economic need in East Manchester.

Eva

Tatton Park has everything to interest all members of the family. There is the Mansion, Gardens, Farm Old Hall, 1 000 acre Deer Park and speciality shops.

Some Events Coming Up

Donkey Party at the Farm

Saturday June 21st

Join us at the farm. We are celebrating the arrival of our newest farm donkey ‘Frosty’.  You can also meet the old favourite donkeys – Dotty and Daisy.

Try out your artistic talents and paint a Donkey Picture.

Help to groom the donkeys and make them look nice and pretty for the visitors.

Plus come and meet Blossom and the Clydesdale’s adorable new foal Tabitha.

Cancer Research Race for Life

Saturday June 21st and Sunday June 22nd.

The race starts at 11.00 am.  Telephone 08705 134314 for further details or to register.

1940’s Weekend – The Way We Were

Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th

Tatton’s role in World War II was an important one and is celebrated during this weekend with battle re-enactment on the Home Front.

You can try your hand at make do and mend, dig for victory, wartime cooking, washday and attend an evacuees’ school.

Dance and sing with entertainers.

There will be Displays of Military and Civilian Vehicles.

Step back in time and come dressed up.

The 1940’s Weekend takes place in the Old Hall.  Times are 11.00 am – 5.00 pm (last entry 4.00 pm)

Adults £4, Children £2 or Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £10

Some More Events Coming Up This Year

Rare Breeds Weekend At the Farm

Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th

Meet all our rare breed animals and help raise awareness of the endangered breeds

Summer Activities at The Farm

Tuesday July 29th – Friday August 29th

Donkey grooming, scarecrow making, farmyard collage, paint a picture and fun quiz.

Adopt A Farm Animal Day

Monday August 25th

You can adopt a Home Farm animal. The adoption scheme helps Tatton’s essential conservation and education work.

Kiddy Cook

Saturday September 13th

Kiddy Cook’s unique cooking session encourages children to learn about ‘good’ food and to explore new flavours in an educational and fun way.

Booking essential Tel: 07976 619648.

What’s New At The Farm?

Perfect for all the family, the farm provides a picture of rural life where time stands still since the 1930s.

Children can feed the goats and hens, meet the pigs and donkeys and visit Aunt Mary’s 1930s cottage.

Today the farm is still an authentic working farm that uses traditional farming methods. Recently it has been given Rare Breeds Accreditation for its commitment to helping sustain rare breed farm animals.

Meet The Animals

Pigs

Our pig herd comprises of six rare breeds that are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) watch list.

Each individual pig has its own unique personality – this makes them all great characters.

There are likely to be newborn pigs every month.

Horses

Our three Clydesdale horses are the gentle giants of the farmyard with equally big personalities.

Finn is by far the cheekiest, with a fantastic sense of humour.

While Blue is a real gentleman who is great with children of all ages.

Then there is Blossom, our brood mare, she excels at motherhood.  Her latest foal, Talisman born May 2007 – a brother for Jester.

Donkeys

Meet Daisy and Dotty, our adorable donkeys.  Bella is the youngest of the three ladies at just six years old, while Daisy and Dotty are both grand old ladies at 20 years old.  Throughout the year, we often have pampering days for the donkeys – children can help to groom them.

Goats

Loved by their visitors because of their cheeky personalities. Goats are often referred to as the missing link between farm animals and pets.

Visitors can buy goat food from the shop to feed them.

Cows

Tatton Dale is famous for its Red Poll Cattle, brought here in the 1930s by Lord Egerton.

Calves are born during Spring and early Summer, so there is a very good chance to be able to see them.

Sheep

Our flock of 45 ewes lamb once a year in March/April which is one of our farming calendar highlights.

Kippy and Jack

Last but not least are two of our biggest characters at Home Farm.

Meet Kippy, the errr!!! Hard working sheep dog.  Play fetch with her and you’ll be her best friend.

Fearless Jack is our hand reared black and white cat who is larger than life in every sense.

Other Visitor Activities

•    Walking / Cycling
•    Picnics and BBQS
•    Horse Riding
•    Sailing
•    Fishing

Adventure Playground

Conveniently located near the main car park.  Tatton Park’s Adventure Playground is one of the Park’s younger visitors favourite reasons for visiting.
It is suitable for children of all ages and abilities – from toddler to teens.

With over 30 rides, it’s fun and it’s FREE.

Contact Details

General Enquires: 01625 374400

Address: Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

Eva

Wythenshawe Park in Manchester – a park in the middle of the town. It has 275 acres of magnificent landscape.

There are a wide range of facilities in the park:

•    Athletics Track
•    Bowls
•    Children’s Play Area
•    Crazy Golf
•    Horse Riding
•    Tennis Courts
•    Community Farm

Wythenshawe Community Farm is a registered charity and was established in 1984.

Children have a wonderful opportunity to learn about where food comes from and witness the busyness of a working farm.

A large assortment of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks and horses. The farm also has an extensive breeding programme – this means at varying times of the year young animals can be seen.

Visitors to the farm can get involved by sponsoring an animal.

Events in the Park from June – September

•    Health Walks on Tuesdays 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
•    Brass Band on the first Sunday of each month 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm
•    Wythenshawe Hall opens for the summer, with a brand new exhibition – ‘A Park for the People’.
•    Woodcarving in the Park
•    Tales and Tours
•    Peter Pan Outdoor Theatre
•    Children’s Craft and Storytelling Drop-Ins
•    The Magic Garden
•    A Park for the People Memory Trail

Historical Information on Wythenshawe Park

From the late 1300’s, Wythenshawe descended through the Tatton family, who lived at Wythenshawe Hall.  The most dramatic incident in the Tatton’ long history was over the winter of 1643 – 44 when the site was attacked by Cromwell’s parliamentarian soldiers during the Civil War.

Robert Tatton a Royalist kept the Hall in a state of defence but surrendered on February 27th 1644 after two cannons were brought from Manchester.

By 1830, a number of fields around the Hall were opened to create an area of parkland.

In 1926 the hall and parkland was bought by Lord and Lady Simon at a time when the City Council was developing Wythenshawe as ‘The Garden City’, providing new housing for families being moved out of the then deprived areas of the city.

It was given to the city, ‘to be kept forever as an open space for the people of Manchester,’ and was intended for the recreational use of people living on the newly built nearby Wythenshawe Housing Estate.

Since that time the park has been a place of recreation, learning and enjoyment for the people of Manchester.

Education Programme

The Park Wardens are friendly and experienced and offer a variety of environmental – based activities which can either simply be for enjoyment or as part of a programme of learning for the National Curriculum.

Activities can include tours and planting sessions in the Horticultural Centre, to woodland exploring and orienteering.

Visits can be tailor made to suit and cost £1.50 per child.  For bookings etc call Phillipa Lloyd on 0161 998 2117.

For Manchester Schools Only

A Tudor Workshop is currently available at Wythenshawe Hall on Mondays.  This is FREE.

For more information please contact the Development Officer on 0161 998 2117.

Stop to Eat at the Courtyard Tea Room

The newly refurbished tearoom in the Courtyard is now open.

Throughout the Winter, a careful and imaginative restoration programme converted the historic former stables block into a comfy and spacious café.  Where you can enjoy a range of hot and cold beverages and snacks.

Opening hours are:  Weekends and School Holidays – 10.00 am – 3.30 pm.

The café can be hired for private functions. For further information call
0161 998 5083.

Put Wythenshawe Park on your list of ‘place to go this summer.’

Eva

A Traditional Country Fair In A Small Friendly And Pretty Village.

Arrange to spend the day at Hickling Country Farm, in Fayre Field, Hickling, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE14 3AA on Sunday June 15th.

What Is Going On?

• The day starts with the ‘Corn Dolly Challenge.’

It’s an 8 miles long race for serious runners. Starting from Fayrefield near Hickling Basin at 10.30 am to Long Clawson and back.

For further information, please contact Emma Scarborough on 823481.

• ‘A Fun Run’

This is a 2-mile long race around Hickling.

For all aged 7 years and above.

• ‘Companion Dog Show’

The Dog Show was so successful last year that we are doing it again.

Enter your pet in the Pedigree or Novelty Classes.

Wonderful prizes to be won. Kennel Club rules apply.

Entry is £1.50 per dog / class on the day (non-refundable) – also gains you entry to the fair.

There are 2 rings.

Ring 1 Pedigree Classes Judged by Mr Steve Moore

Ring 2 Novelty Classes Judged by Ms Linda Haslam

• Fancy Dress
• Best Child Handler
• Best mongrel / crossbreed
• Dog in best condition
• Bitch in best condition
• Handsomest Dog
• Prettiest Bitch
• Waggiest Dog

Entries from 12.00 noon – judging starts at 1.00 pm.

Telephone enquiries 01664 822319 or 01664 822600.

• Falconry Display

Last year this proved to be a big hit.

These charismatic birds swoop low over the audience and show off their hunting skills; an educating and entertaining experience.

• Vintage Vehicles

A display and parade of Cars, Tractors, Bikes and Farm Machinery.

• OTHER ATTRACTIONS

• Craft Fair and Market

• Fly Past

• Inflatables

• Games

• Raffle

• Tombola

• Arena events providing all day entertainment

• Children’s Activities

• Refreshments

How Much Does It Cost?

Admission is £1.50 per adult. Children go free.

Is There Parking?

There is free parking in the field opposite.

Are There Toilets on Site?

Yes.

Would You Like To Help?

The Country Fair and Scarecrow Weekend are organised by the Country Fair Committee, but couldn’t run at all without the incredible support they receive from the village.

Here Is A List of Ways in Which You Can Get Involved:

• Join the Committee – New Ideas Always Welcome
• Offer Sponsorships
• We need Car Park Attendants, People to Provide Refreshment, Wash Up, and Run A Couple of Stalls etc. The more people who help the better
• Cooks Wanted
• Can You Donate A Prize for the Raffle or Tombola. Items should be New and in Date.
• Can You Sing or Dance or Do A Turn on Stage?

If you would like to help, please contact Margaret Woolley on 01664 822319.

Eva

One of the world’s largest rainforests is being destroyed at such an alarming rate that there will be little of it left by 2020.

That’s the shocking conclusion of research in Papua New Guinea (PNG) which is currently one of the most heavily forested countries in the world.

Over the past few years, PNG has allowed widespread logging of its forests and a new report by university researchers says satellite images show destruction on a massive scale.

PNG is home to the world’s third largest tropical rainforest but already, around 15 per cent of its 94 million acres has been cleared and its government is now trying to persuade rich countries to pay for forest conservation.

But the researchers say the government is allowing huge timber companies to destroy all accessible forest so all that will be left is forest which is physically inaccessible for logging - so it wouldn’t need protection in any event.

A spokesman for the PNG Remote Sensing Centre says: “Forests are being logged repeatedly and wastefully with little regard for the environmental consequences.”

The researchers predict that by 2020, around 80 percent of accessible forest and more than half of its total forest will have been destroyed or badly damaged.

They say action is needed now and are calling for any new forestry programmes to be limited to small locally-owned and managed operations which are more likely to be environmentally sustainable.

This could work in a similar way to this forestry management plan which has already saved thousands of hectares of rainforest in PNG – and given local people the chance to earn a better income.

GLOBAL UPDATE …

The Global Monitoring Report for 2008 produced by the World Bank has stark messages for us all. It says that urgent action is still needed if we are to avoid significant temperature changes which would have devastating consequences.

For example, a rise of 5 degrees centigrade would cause heatwaves throughout the world, less rain followed by droughts in many areas of the world and possibly, the total disappearance of the West Antarctic icesheet which could cause a rise of six metres in global sea level.

The report outlines the countries most at risk, the problems for poor and disadvantaged areas and probable mortality rates arising from temperature rises.
You can find out more in the full report here

Susan

Family Sundays Fundays at Ordsall Hall are FREE of charge.

For an afternoon full of free, family friendly, drop in activities, workshops, and events. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

These Sunday Fundays are held on the last Sunday of each month.

Musical Sunday – Sunday June 29th from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm.

Relax in the tranquil surrounds of the Victorian Gallery and enjoy the sounds of a talented musician – courtesy of the Friends of Salford Museums Association.

There will also be arts and crafts activities from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm.

Ordsall Hall Museum Fun Days

Held on the first Sunday in every month.

At Home With the Tudors

On Sunday June 1st from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm, you will be able to learn how the Tudors lived and try your hand at Tudor Crafts that will be led by costumed guides.

Re-enactment Weekend

On Saturday July 5th and Sunday July 6th from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm we welcome back 17th Century Life and Times to the Hall. They will entertain you with a weekend of re-enactment fun.

Find out what life was like in the 17th Century – as Ordsall Hall is transported back in time.

This family friendly event will include role-play, living history and battle re-enactments.

Exhibitions and Activities

There are always exhibitions and events going on at Salford’s Museums and Galleries.

Here are a few to whet your appetite:

Shop Till You Drop Event

Saturdays and Sundays until September 7th you will be able to explore how our shopping habits have changed over the past 150 years.

Pilkington’s Pottery Collection

Sundays and Thursdays until December 31st. Pilkington’s Tile and Pottery Company Ltd was established in 1891 and began production of tiles in 1893.

Transformations 1: Giant Psychic Avatars of Salford

On Saturdays and Sundays until June 29th. In the first Transformations commission, three giant inflatable sculptures will represent the Spirit of Salford, as seen through the eyes of artists Simon Grennan and Chris Sperandio.

The Tudor Kitchen

On Friday May 30th learn all about herbs and cooking in Tudor times in Ordsall Hall’s kitchen and herb garden and make a Tudor nosegay.

A Potted History of Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall dates back over 820 years.

During those years, it has been put to many uses – a family home, working men’s club and church hall.

The most important period of its life is as the family seat of the Radclyffe family. They lived there for over 300 years.

Origins of the Name ‘Ordsall’

The name Ordsall has Old English origins – being the personal name ‘Ord’ and the word ‘halh’ – meaning a corner or nook, which has become the modern dialect word ‘haugh’. This, indeed, describes the position of the manor for its boundary on the South side is a large bend in the River Irwell, which later became the site of the docks for the Manchester Ship Canal.

Ordsall Hall Ghosts

Ordsall Hall is famous for its resident ghosts, most often spotted in the Great Hall, including the mysterious White Lady and the figure of a young girl often seen on the stairs.

Who is the White Lady? Rumour has it that she is Queen Elizabeth 1’s favourite maid of honour – Margaret Radclyffe who died in 1599 from a broken heart following the death of her brother. Yet others will tell you that she was a bride-to-be, jilted at the altar. The poor grief stricken girl is reported to have climbed the stairs in the Great Hall and thrown herself off to her death.

How to get to Ordsall Hall:

322 Ordsall Lane
Salford
M5 3EL

Tel: 0161 872 0251

Eva

From May 23rd to September 14th 2008 if you are between 5 and 80 years old you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to ‘Apple Jacks Farm.’

There are many attractions at this unusual farm – located at Stretton, Warrington in Cheshire.

One of the attractions is ‘The Battle for Treasure Island.’

It’s a new 45 minute game around the woods of Apple Jacks. Two Actors lead the way and split you into teams; you will then take part in a series of tasks to decide which team wins.

Being a tale of the old old story that still goes on today – about money, greed and freedom.

The Evil Media Banker wants to take over the world and take every one under his thumb – are you going to let him do this?

What Days and Times Are We Open?

For ‘Treasure Island’, we are open:

•    May 24th – May 31st
•    June 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th.
Apple Jacks Farm is open from 10.00 am – 6.00 pm.

What Else Goes On At Apple Jacks Farm?

•    The Amazing Fence Maze
•    Pedal Kart Racing
•    The Bale Rolling Games
•    Pig Racing
•    Straw Bale Mountain
•    New Archery Range
•    New Courtyard
•    Jacks Jumping Pillow
•    Corn Cannons
•    Farm Animals
•    Food and Shopping

You can have an amazing all day experience.

What Are The Prices?

The prices are per day not per hour – so why not come for the day – you won’t be bored – there is something for everyone.

•    Adults (16+)                £7.95
•    Child (3 – 16)                £7.75
•    Family (2 Adults 2 Children)        £7.00 (per person)
•    Groups (12 + people)            £6.50 (per person)
•    Disabled & Carers                £6.50 (per person)
•    Under 3                    FREE

Other Events for Your Enjoyment:

•    May 31st     Birds of Prey
•    July 5th    The opening of the 6th annual Amazing Maize Maze
•    July 29th    Pirates Fancy Dress Day - £100 for Best Dressed on the day.
•    August 5th    Corn on the Cob Eating Day (fabulous prize = One Week’s Holiday for 5 people)
•    August 12th    The UK Bale Rolling Games
•    September 6th and 13th     Moonlit Maze

What Are The Aims of the Owners of Apple Jacks Farm?

To quote:

‘My family and I are building something for the Northwest of England – a farm theme park that will become the best known in Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire as a place to have entertainment, food, fun and get an upbeat up tone LIFE.

Families and couples of the Northwest need somewhere to relax and yet learn and come away from a day out with a little bit of knowledge about life.’

David and Joseph Fryer are the Founders of Apple Jacks Farm.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01925 268 495

Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4NW

Eva

On Friday June 13th – Sunday June 15th bring the family to the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival.

You will be able to enjoy Music by various artistes and groups. Below are a few things that will be going on. But this list is not yet complete.

Friday June 13th     Time        Venue    Performers

8.00 pm    Church    June Tabor
8.00 pm    Marquee    Churchfitters + PJ & Peggy
8.00 pm    British Leg    Family Mahone
8.00 pm    Boars Head    Nick Baraclough etc

Sat June 14th    Time        Venue    Performers

2.00 pm    Marquee    Martin Simpson etc
8.00 pm    Church    Jonathan Kelly
8.00 pm     British Leg    Nick Harper etc
8.00 pm    Boars Head    Chris & Kellie While etc
8.00 pm    Marquee    The Warsaw Village Band     8.00 pm    Civic Hall    Stomp + Peter Rees

Sun June 15th     2.00 pm    Marquee    Devon Sproule +
8.00 pm    Boars Head    Rory Ellis etc
8.00 pm     Marquee    Peatbog Faeries +

What and Where Are The Twelve Various Stages?

•    Main Stage Marquee on Festival Field
•    Folk Club Stage (hosted by local folk clubs)
•    The Royal British Legion
•    The Civic Hall
•    The Boars Head
•    St Michael & All Angels Church

Please remember that there will also be a huge variety of fringe musical
events at many venues around the town, with accompanying Morris
Dance performers.

There will be 9 Morris Dancing Groups.

After taking part in the Festival Opening Procession through the town on
Saturday morning, Morris Dancing teams will then be appearing at the
various dance venues in and around the town centre, between 11.30 am
and 15.30 pm (with a break for lunch)

On Sunday, the teams will be appearing at the Morris Dance Showcase to
be held in the Civic Hall, from 11.30 am – 12.45 pm.  This is a seated
event and admission is FREE.  After a break for lunch, the Morris
Dancing will continue at the dance venues until 15.30 pm.

The Venues Include:

•    Main Festival Site
•    Bull Ring Ampitheatre
•    The Boar’s Head

Where Are The Fringe Musical Events Held?

•    The Cheshire Cheese
•    The Big Lock
•    The King’s Lock
•    The Narrow Boat
•    The Golden Lion
•    Etc

Is There Anything Arranged for the Children?

Yes, there are events especially for the children.

What’s Happening on the Canals?

Middlewich is situated at the junction of the Trent & Mersey and the
Shropshire Union Canals and will have plenty of activities going on
over the weekend.

There will be craft displays and demonstrations as well as music and
theatre. Come and see horse drawn boat demonstrations.

As well as attractions along the canal, the whole town becomes part of the
Festival, with street performers, a street parade and dance workshops.

How To Get To Middlewich?

Middlewich is situated in the County of Cheshire, England, and is easily
found via Junction 18 of the M6.  (See Map)

Radio Britfolk on CheshireFM 92.5 will be on air for the whole weekend.

Eva

Corfe Castle in Dorset, rising above the Isle of Purbeck is a thousand year old Castle – that survived the English Civil War.

But It Has Had A Turbulent History.

Corfe Castle was built by William the Conqueror and was a royal fortress for over 600 years.

There Was A Right Royal Murder

It was in 978 King Edward the Martyr was murdered by his stepmother. She wanted her own son Ethelred ‘the Unready’ on the throne. So she hatched a plan.

Edward was stag hunting in Purbeck Forest and he paid a visit to Corfe Castle. His stepmother offered him a goblet of wine then treacherously had him stabbed in the back while he drank it.

Corfe Castle Was One of King John’s Favourite Castles.

Between 1199 – 1216 Corfe Castle was a favourite stopover for King John.

During his troubled reign the castle was used as a prison. Many of the prisoners met their deaths while interred there.

But he changed the castle from being a fortress to a comfortable royal residence. It had a garden that grew food for the kitchen – so preparing food for the king’s table.

Come and See Corfe Castle’s Model Village

You can step back in time to 1646.  The Model Village is a replica of what Corfe Castle and its surrounding village would have been like in its heyday.

Compare what the castle was like 300 years ago to what it is like today – a ruin.

Welcome to Cor Fest 08

Corfe Castle Weekend Festival from the heart of the Isle of Purbeck from Friday June 13th – Sunday June 15th.

Events you can enjoy during the weekend:

•    Live Music
•    Fun Run
•    Teddy Bear’s Picnic
•    Enid Blyton – Story Telling
•    Great Food and even
•    A Murder / Mystery Walk in the Castle Grounds
•    And much more

What Will Happen to the Proceeds?

The weekend’s proceeds will be donated to three worthy causes.

1.    Corfe Castle Pre School
2.    Corfe Valley Sports Club
3.    Help for Heroes

Further information is available from Email: info[at]corfest.co.uk

Corfe Castle’s Opening arrangements:

Monday – Sunday 10 –6

Admission Prices:

Adult £5.09   Child £2.54

What Are The Facilities?

•    Shopping in village square

•    Dogs on leads only

•    Parking

•    Education suitable for school groups

•    Families and children Baby Changing Facilities

•    Refreshments traditional tea room (licensed)

Self catering accommodation

The Legend Of The Ravens

As with the Tower of London, Corfe always had resident ravens.  It was thought that if the ravens left the castle – something terrible would happen.

That’s what happened in 1638. The ravens left Corfe Castle.

Then in 1643 during the Civil War Corfe was besieged by Cromwell’s men.
Did the ravens know of the troubled future of the Castle?

Contact Details:

Phone: 01929 481294

Email: corfecastle[at]nationaltrust.org.uk

Eva

Manchester can boast to have been the leader during the Industrial Revolution and other major discoveries.

Now you can bring the family to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) but as there is so much to see and do – make sure you don’t rush yourselves.

It was the winner of the Manchester Tourism Awards.

To go into the Museum is free – but if you want to see the ‘BodyWorlds’ there is a charge, you can phone 0871 231 0847 to book your tickets.

What’s All The Fuss About The Body World?

It’s the Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies.

Being a unique exhibition by the creator of the world’s first anatomical exhibition, Dr Gunther von Hagens Body Worlds 4 is one of the most breathtaking exhibitions ever to be staged by MOSI.

Body Worlds 4 presents more than 200 authentic specimens, including both diseased and healthy organs – plus whole body specimens that have undergone Plastination.

Plastination is Dr von Hagen’s groundbreaking method of halting decomposition and preserving the body after death for medical study.

All exhibited specimens are on display for the first time in the UK.

The exhibition also includes a programme of lectures, workshops and school classroom activities.

What Else Can You See or Do?

There is so much to interest you at MOSI.

You can go on a journey through Manchester’s heritage. Complete with sights, sounds and even smells.

Here Are Ten Recommendations You Won’t Want To Miss:

1.    Victorian Sewer

Crawl through an atmospheric Victorian Sewer – complete with smells, sounds, rats and … worse!

2.    Xperiment

Lift a mini with your little finger – could you do it?

3.    MoSi’s Historic Site

Stand on the platform of the oldest surviving passenger Railway Station in the world.

4.    Manchester’s Scientists

Watch holograms of Manchester’s world-famous scientists explain their discoveries before your very eyes.

5.    Cotton Machinery

Experience the deafening noise of working cotton machinery during one of our regular demonstrations.

6.    The Baby

Compare the size of your palm computer to ‘The Baby’, the world’s first computer.

7.    Hidden Treasures

Discover MoSi’s hidden treasures, you might even find a Cyberman’s boot.

8.    Avro Shackleton

Admire the enormous Avro Shackleton, designed in 1954 and keep a look out for Dougal from the Magic Roundabout.

9.    Beyer-Garrett Locomotive

Be dwarfed by the enormous Beyer-Garrett articulated locomotive.

10.    Living Rooms

Rekindle memories of living rooms past from the 1930’s to 1950’s.

Where Are We?

The Museum of Science and Industry is located on Liverpool Road in Castlefield – only minutes away from Manchester City Centre. There are plenty of signposts, just follow them.

A Word of Warning

If you intend to come by car from March 31st to December 21st 2008 there will be no vehicle access from Deansgate to Liverpool Road because of major water pipe replacements being carried out.  Rather approach MoSi from Quay Street.

Are There Any Car Parking Facilities?

Yes there are.  If you arrive before 3.00 pm it will cost you £5 but after 3.00 pm it will be £3.00

When Are We Open

From 10.00 am – 5.00 pm everyday, except December 24th – 26th and January 1st.

Is There Somewhere To Eat?

You have a choice of:

•    Recharge Café

•    Loft Restaurant

Is It Disabled Friendly?

There are smooth paths linking the five buildings and 98% of the complex is wheelchair accessible.

Toilets are provided for the Disabled.

Some Disabled Parking Spaces are available to Blue Badge Holders.

Lifts are available in most buildings.

There is also access for visually impaired visitors.

Hearing Dogs are welcome – water bowls are available on request.

Be Sure To Visit Our Shop

We have unusual gifts made from recycled materials. Glasses made from wine bottles, clocks and tea lights made from beer bottles to recycled pens and mousemats.

There is sure to be something for everyone.

Eva