Erewash's museum is throwing down the gauntlet to visitors – to get up close to birds of prey.
A local falconry centre will be bringing along its birds as part of a fun-packed schedule of autumn events at the heritage and culture hub.
Risley-based BB Falconry is run by Ben Breward and his wife Lisa. The couple have two dozen specimens including falcons, hawks, owls and a Russian Steppe eagle called Boris.
The half-term “Birds of Prey Experience” at Ilkeston’s Erewash Museum is on Wednesday 30th October from 11am to 4pm. It is billed as suitable for all ages. Tickets are £2 to attend a talk and learn about the creatures.
The museum will next day be handing out Halloween treats to families as one of the stops on Ilkeston’s celebrated Trick or Treat trail. Children in their thousands don spooky costumes to wind their way through town from 3.30pm to 5pm on October 31 in what has become an annual spectacle.
Music and autumn poetry will be part of a Harvest Harmonies event at the museum from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Crafting and gardening will accompany the “Hum, Strum and Say” performances.
More craft sessions plus an autumn trail and bulb planting will take place on Friday 1st November from 11am-4pm.
Earlier in the month the museum is hosting exciting new workshops. The first – on Saturday 12th October – offers the chance to create decorative autumn wreaths using locally-sourced flowers and foraged foliage.
The session, which is suitable for adults, runs from 1pm to 3pm. Refreshments are included in the £30 price for the crafting school, which will see museum-goers fashion “a beautiful decoration to take home”.
For a similar price there is an opportunity on the following Saturday – 19th October – to “create a pumpkin-filled flower arrangement using dried foliage and fresh blooms”. This too runs from 1pm to 3pm and includes refreshments.
To book for either event email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0115 907 1141.
Erewash’s Deputy Leader Cllr Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:
“Our award-winning museum has lots going on as we get into autumn – with heaps to keep children occupied during half-term. The highlights are undoubtedly the new autumn workshops teaching residents and visitors new skills in a unique historic setting. Each workshop will use natural and sustainable materials – with a focus on reducing waste. We are delighted as a council to offer these engaging experiences.”
The normal opening hours for the Erewash Museum near Ilkeston Market Place are 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is free to visit – with refreshments on sale at its Dalby House Café and Gift Shop.
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