Aurora is a local cancer charity providing support in Bassetlaw for people living with cancer or a long-term health condition. It is located in the old Library Building in Worksop and offers a safe environment for everyone — whether they are feeling lonely, looking to meet new people or take up a new hobby. The centre also serves as a community hub, offering a range of heritage and wellbeing activities. The charity shop stocks a variety of pre-loved items, and the tearooms serve home-cooked food at reasonable prices.
Spotlight on… Heritage Hub
The Heritage Hub tells the story of Worksop and the Old Library Building through physical displays, mini-exhibitions and a Virtual Museum. Staff have recently updated the Virtual Museum console — an interactive display featuring historic objects from Worksop’s past.
Bassetlaw Museum has generously shared time and expertise to help ensure more of the objects from the former Worksop Museum are accessible to visitors. The Virtual Museum project is the latest collaboration.
There are now 19 new objects available to view on the Virtual Museum console, each presented with high-quality images that can be zoomed in on for detailed exploration. This digital access allows visitors to get a closer look at the items without risk of damage.
Highlights include:
- A 1908 catalogue of products and services by Eyres and Sons, produced three years before their shop on Newcastle Avenue was destroyed by fire.
- One of Worksop’s first street signs, made in 1858 for Potter Street.
- An oak carving of the coat of arms for the former Borough of Worksop, with explanations of the symbols — including the curious story of the two squirrels atop the shield.
Volunteer’s Week at Aurora – Sunday 1st to Friday 6th June
Volunteers are at the heart of Aurora’s work and essential to delivering its services. To celebrate them, a mini-display will showcase volunteers past and present. A tea party will be held on Friday 6th June, with scones and cakes to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Interested in volunteering? Enthusiasm and an interest in supporting the local community are all that’s needed. Application forms are available at Reception.
Forthcoming events at the Old Library Building
- Tuesday Market @ Aurora – Tuesday 3rd June, 10.00am to 2.00pm. A chance to browse local crafts. Tearooms, charity shop and Heritage Hub all open.
- Object Encounters – Explore Worksop’s fascinating history through personal encounters with the heritage collection. Held in the Heritage Hub on the first Thursday of every month, from 10.00am to 11.30am. £1.00 entry, including refreshments.
- Art Club – Experiment with different techniques and mediums in a relaxed environment. Every Monday, 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Community Room. £3.00 per session. All materials and refreshments provided.
- Stitch Club – Learn to sew in this hands-on, beginner-friendly class. Sew a different item each week. Every Thursday, 1.00pm to 4.00pm in the Community Room. £10.00 per session, including materials and refreshments.
- Father’s Day Temporary Exhibition – A celebration of all things ‘Father’s Day’. Bring your dad or grandad and explore the garden shed!
- Armed Forces Weekend – Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, 11.00am to 4.00pm. Join Aurora at Worksop Rugby Club for a craft and information stall and celebrate our armed forces past and present.
- Pimms & Canapés Ladies Night – Thursday 24th July, 6.30pm to 9.30pm. A social evening with a glass of Pimms on arrival, over 20 craft stalls, live music from Anne Fotheringham, buffet, hand massages, and access to Valerie’s Tearooms and the charity shop. Tickets £15.00, available from Reception or by emailing hospitality@aurorawellbeing.org.uk.
For more information about Aurora, visit them at The Old Library Building, Memorial Avenue, Worksop S80 2BJ – Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Alternatively, you can email admin@aurorawellbeing.org.uk, call 01909 470985, visit www.aurorawellbeing.org.uk or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.