Heritage Open Days 2022 page 4

St Mark's Church, Shelton - Under One Roof

Saturday 10th September

11:00 to 15:00

Booking: not required

Website: facebook.com/UnderOneRoofProject

Stoke Minster

Stoke Minster
Glebe Street
Stoke on Trent
ST4 1LP

Saturday 10th September

10:00 to 14:00

Stoke Minster is a treasure trove of interesting things to see including Minton and pre Minton tiles in the sanctuary, and various plaques featuring the leading potters of the city such as Wedgwood and Spode who's graves can be located in the churchyard. The memorial tiles around the walls provide information on much of the social history of the time. Stained glass windows on the north and south sides are worth a look - particularly the WW1 window in the south gallery which was restored to commemorate the 100th anniversary with the aid of Heritage Lottery funding. If you can climb the spiral staircase to the belfry (only 32 steps) you will be able to see demonstrations of ringing in the traditional style and may be allowed have a go (safety measures in place).

Booking: not required

Website: stokeminster.org

Trentham Through Time

Saturday 17th September

10:00 to 16:00

Trentham Mausoleum, Stoke on Trent’s only Grade I listed building, is the venue for an exhibition of paintings and beautiful Arts and Crafts silver and silver plate. Learn more about Millicent Sutherland Leveson Gower, the last Duchess and her family, who lived at Trentham Hall and enjoy discovering about the history of the Duchess of Sutherland Cripples Guild, one of the many enterprises that Millicent set up to help the poor of the six towns. A rare opportunity to visit the resting ground of some of the members of one of the wealthiest families in the country at the time, Trentham Mausoleum gives a fascinating insight into the history of the family whose members helped shape the history of the Six Towns. The pebble drive around the Mausoleum is unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Booking: not required

Trentham's War

Discover how Trentham contributed to the national war effort between 1939 and 1945 and what was life was like on the home front. Films and displays will tell the story. Talks include: 'Grandma flew Spitfires' by John Webster about women ferry pilots and 'Mum Flew Spitfires' by Caroline Speirs about her mother Rita Baines from Trentham, who also flew Spitfires. 'Make Do and Mend' by Kath Reynolds looks at the effects of war on clothing and cooking. Other displays include an Anderson Shelter, wartime toys and games, 1940s weddings and rationing.

Booking: not required

Events hosted by our friends just outside Stoke-on-Trent

In With The New - Kidsgrove Innovations

Meet at Kidsgrove Town Hall

Tuesday 13th September

11:00

Max 20 people

Join us for a fascinating walking tour that will bring Kidsgrove to life in a whole ‘new’ way, showcasing the innovations and forward thinkers that have sprung from the area. From the first long canal tunnel of the industrial era and nifty systems for towing canal boats, to post-WWI housebuilding and social care, to one of the earliest 'industrial estates' from which computers spread out to conquer the world! Our entertaining local historian will take you around the town, the canal and nearby areas to regale you with stories of the high tech industries from the 18th to the 21st centuries. The walk is about 2 miles long (round trip).

Booking: not required

Website: https://bit.ly/3AdQp0J

Medical Mysteries & Scientific Wonders

Brampton Museum, Brampton Park

Saturday 17th September

Tours at 11:00, 13:30 & 15:00

We're opening our cabinet of curiosities to get up close and personal with Medical Mysteries & Scientific Wonders that are normally kept locked away. Spend an hour with our Collections Officer Clare to learn intriguing stories from our past and be able to pick up and touch medical marvels from year's gone by.

Booking: Pre-book online: ticketsource.co.uk/brampton-museum/heritage-open-days-medical-mysteries-scientific-wonders/e-rxplyb

Website: newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/museum

St Margaret's, Draycot: Ancient Tombs and Dragons

St. Margarets Church, Church Lane, Draycott

Saturday 17th September

10:00 - 16:00

Tours at 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00

This is a rare opportunity to see a church that is usually closed. On the day, there will be tours and paper-quizzes (for both children and adults) available, as well as refreshments. Set on a hillock above the village, the church dates back to the 13th century. You'll see the ancient chapel, with Draycott family tombs going back to the Crusades, one-thousand year old yew trees in the churchyard - and discover dragons!

Booking: not required

Website: draycottinmoors.wordpress.com/history/

Unitarian Meeting House

Unitarian Meeting House, Lower Street

Saturday 17th September

10:30 - 15:30

A chance to view the oldest non-conformist Meeting House in North Staffordshire. The building has an interesting history, the original building on the site believed to date from around 1650. This was burned down by a drunken/rioting mob in 1715, having been incited to do so by a town councillor. It was rebuilt only 2 years later with Government grant.
In 2017 we celebrated our 300th anniversary with a series of events & the creation of 3 embroidered wall-hangings which show our history in pictorial form. The building is still used today by a Unitarian faith community, & also provides a home for other local groups.

Booking: not required

Website: newcastlestaffsunitarians@gmail.com