This year Retford Heritage Day on Saturday 9th September will be even bigger, better and more exciting than ever!
Bigger and better because there is a new addition to the venues. Sloswicke’s Almshouse Charity has joined the list of buildings open freely as part of the national Heritage Open Day festival. Visitors will be welcome to the buildings on Churchgate where they will be able to find out about the history of the charity, which was set up in 1658.
Other venues not normally open for people to explore are Trinity Hospital and Retford Masonic Hall. Buildings which are more familiar – the Majestic Theatre, Bassetlaw Museum, St Swithun’s Church, and St Michael’s Church will welcome visitors in to find out more about their history. Other community assets will also be taking part – the Old School House (The Time Machine), Retford Arts Hub, Goodwin Hall and the Denman Library. Look for special displays in these venues.
The Town Hall plays host to local artists and makers demonstrating their skills, in an exciting event called ‘Creativity Unwrapped’, the theme of Heritage Open Days.
Sketching, painting, sewing, sculpting and quilting are just some of the skills on show. Children’s activities include paper crafts, sewing and Lego building with National Lego Champion Nate Dias. In the Council Chamber there are performances by Retford Community Choir, Jo Thorpe and Dean Geary. Stephen Booth, author of the Cooper and Fry novels will give a free talk, tickets available on Eventbrite.
The Town Crier with the Mayor, Councillor Dan Henderson, will open the day at 10.00am outside the Town Hall, accompanied by Retford Community Singers and Dukes Dandy Clog. Throughout the day Morris Dancers will be performing in town.
Outside Bassetlaw Museum, the Retford Civic Society stall will have information, programmes and a children’s prize activity sheet about the Town Hall.
Go and enjoy your town at this once a year event, Heritage Open Day, organised by Retford Civic Society in partnership with Bassetlaw Museum.
What’s on
10.00am – 4.00pm: Art Event in Retford Town Hall
Take part as 25 invited local artists demonstrate their work. Children welcome.
10.00am: Outside Town Hall
Opening Ceremony by Mayor Dan Henderson and Town Crier for the day David Bean. Short performances by Retford Community Singers and Dukes Dandy Clog.
10.45am: Town Hall Council Chamber
Retford Community Singers Workshop led by Janet Wood
11.00am: St Swithun’s Church
Retford u3a Recorder Group
There will also be organ recitals at other times during the day.
12.30pm: Town Hall Council Chamber
Dean Geary and Jo Thorpe – local poet and songwriter
2.00pm: St Michael’s Church
Retford u3a Recorder Group
2.00pm: Town Hall Council Chamber
Talk by local author Stephen Booth. Free event. Tickets available from Retford Arts Hub, Bassetlaw Museum or on Eventbrite. Limited tickets – apply soon.
Venue Tours
Available on the hour at the Masonic Hall and Trinity Hospital. No booking needed. Book Majestic Theatre tours on 01777 706866. Sloswickes Almshouse Charity will have an information point all day.
Seth Ellis Trips
Book on the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.
Exhibitions
Will be held at Retford Library, Retford Arts Hub and Goodwin Hall.
Refreshments
Available at: Trinity Hospital, Denman Library, St Michael’s Church, St Swithun’s Church, Masonic Hall, Goodwin Hall, The Old School House, Retford Arts Hub and the Buttermarket.
Look out for Rattlejag Morris Dancers and Dukes Dandy performing throughout the town during the day