Spring Spectacular at the Museum of English Rural Life – University of Reading
03 June 2008The Museum of English Rural Life, which is owned and managed by the University of Reading, is preparing for its biggest family day of the year – the Spring Spectacular on June 7th.
This fun and exciting annual event is to take place in the Museum's (MERL) beautiful gardens and this year's theme is Rural Crafts, to tie in with the current film-based exhibition, Rural Crafts Take Ten.
Visitors will be able to watch craft demonstrations by blacksmith Kath Shortland, from Kew Steam Museum, a pole lathe turner, a trug maker, members of the Berkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, a willow weaver, a hedge layer and even have a go themselves by taking part in drop-in felt-making workshops with MERL Learning Manager, Bekky Moran.
As well as craft demonstrations there'll be music from a steam barrel organ, performances by the Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers, face-painting and garden games. Refreshments will be served throughout the day and a locally sourced light lunch will be available between 12pm and 2pm. Visitors also have the opportunity to pedal their way to a deserved drink by 'cycling their own smoothie', an activity which proved extremely popular the previous year!
Bekky Moran said: "The day is a great opportunity for adults and children to learn about some rarely seen traditional rural crafts and to try their hand at felt making. The event is open to everyone, and with the relaxed setting and entertainment guaranteed for all, families are in for a fun day. MERL has the facility to hold almost all of the activities indoors, so visitors needn't be put off by any bad weather!
Admission is free and the event runs from 10am to 4pm. For further information visit www.reading.ac.uk/merlor call 0118 378 8660.