News Archive

Woodcraft Day and Worm Hunt at Museum of English Rural Life – University of Reading

Woodcraft Day at The University of Reading on Saturday, 7th June will feature special demonstrations by skilled craftsmen – plus the launch of 'Worm Hunt' – an exciting new interactive trail for families. There'll be an opportunity to watch a sign-writer at work and to find out how fences were made in the traditional way. Lathe and bead turners will also be giving skilled demonstrations using hand-powered machinery in the manner of past generations living and working in the countryside. For younger visitors, 'Worm Hunt' will give opportunities to try feely boxes, turn an interactive wheel to discover the wheelwright's skill, or spin the lathe to generate a moving image of the 'worm that turned.' There will also be new information panels about different types of wood and woodcraft techniques. The new displays will remain on show until 2004. The event and trail have been sponsored by SEMLAC – the South East Museums, Libraries and Archive Council – as part of a special programme of events and new displays at the Museum prior to the move to its new £10.5 million home at the former St Andrew's Hall in Redlands Road. Construction work has just begun on the new Museum, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will feature state-of-the-art displays and greatly improved visitor facilities. 'Woodcraft Day' on the 7th June will run from 10am to 4.00pm, with the Museum closing at 4.30pm. Normal opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 1pm and 2 – 4.30pm. Admission is £1, (OAPs 75p, children and students free). The Museum of English Rural Life is located on Whiteknights Campus at the University of Reading, close to the main University entrance on Shinfield Road (A327). For further information, please contact the Museum of English Rural Life on 0118 378 8660, or contact Richard Statham, Audience Development Officer, Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 229, Reading RG6 6AG 0118 378 8671 r.i.statham@reading.ac.uk