The sun has been shining, and we’ve been looking forward to a May filled with family activities, walks, talks, and lots of opportunities to engage with our wonderful collections both in person and online!
May Half-Term Family Activities @ The Castle
Head down to the Castle Courtyard and into the world of Alice in Wonderland this half-term!
- All activities are free, with all materials included
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
- Sunday 28 May, drop in 1.30-3.30pm
Discover the world of Alice in Wonderland and create your own Mad Hatter’s hat.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
- Wednesday 31 May, drop in 1.30-3.30pm
Discover the world of Alice in Wonderland and create your own Mad Hatter’s hat.
Grin Like the Cheshire Cat
- Thursday 1 June, drop in 1.30-3.30pm
Delve into Wonderland and make a mischievous mask of the Cheshire Cat.
Grin Like the Cheshire Cat
- Saturday 3 June, drop in 1.30-3.30pm
Delve into Wonderland and make a mischievous mask of the Cheshire Cat.
Wonderland Adventures
- Sunday 4 June, drop in 1.30-3.30pm
Fall into the secret world of Alice in Wonderland and create your own wonderland scene.
Activities suitable for ages 4 to 12 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
May’s half-term activities are inspired by some wonderful sculptures from our collection. Made in c.1910-1920, these intricate scenes by Sir Frank Crisp were inspired by John Tenniel’s original illustrations for ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ by Lewis Carroll. You can see these wonderful models as part of the toy displays in the East Wing of Bruce Castle Museum.
Reminiscence Café
Memories from the Big Screen (and the Little Screens)
- Tuesday 16 May, 2-4pm
Free, refreshments provided
Today, it seems, we get much of our entertainment through something called ‘streaming’. Major films and TV series can be viewed on TV and laptops when, where and as much as is wanted. But I can’t help feeling today’s viewers are missing something. We enjoyed films on the large screen. It meant going out and experiencing an occasion in company with others, sharing the drama and romance.
We made special time for the TV series we loved – comedies, entertainment shows, and of course the soaps. Let’s go full nostalgia for those great films, the film idols they created, the TV series that kept us fixed to our sofas and discussed enthusiastically at work or school the next day. What were your favourite memories of the cinema or family sofa viewing? Bring any pictures of your favourite stars or shows.
This month’s reminiscence coincides with the ‘History Begins at Home’ May theme, which is TV and film. History Begins at Home provides the tips and tools for sharing memories with loved ones, and helps foster wellbeing through conversations about the past.
Find out more on their website: https://www.historybeginsathome.org/
Image: ABC Cinema Turnpike Lane, 1982. From the collections and © Bruce Castle Museum & Archive
History Walk
Spooky Stories, Sacred Sites, and Workers’ Strikes – A Walking History Tour of St Ann’s Road
- Saturday 20 May, 11am
Free, all welcome
Join Oona Kelly, local historian, as she takes you for a walk along St Ann’s Road, where you will discover beautiful architecture and the hidden histories of the people who lived in the area. You will hear about a bride in a box, a lady novelist, striking workers at the church, a man called Shirley, and much more.
The walk will start at the junction of St Ann’s Road and Seven Sisters Road and end at the cafe in Chestnuts Park. The walk will include a trip to St Ann’s Church enroute and will last approximately 2-2½ hours.
Meet at the junction of Seven Sisters Road at 11am.
Please dress for the weather and wear sensible footwear for walking.
Please book your free ticket for this walk via Eventbrite, as there are limited spaces available. As these walks are very popular, if you are no longer able to attend the walk, please let us know as soon as possible to reallocate your ticket.
This walk is organised by Bruce Castle Museum & Archive with Oona Kelly, local historian and a Friend of Bruce Castle (FoBC).
Donations on the day of the walk to FoBC welcome.
For any queries, please email [email protected]
Image: St Ann’s Road looking west, c.1975. From the collections and © Bruce Castle Museum & Archive
In-Person Talk
Curator’s Pick: Special Visit to St Bartholomew’s Church, Stamford Hill
- Thursday 25 May, 11am-12pm
Free, all welcome
Join our special visit to the beautiful Grade II* Listed church of St Bartholomew’s in Craven Park Road, Stamford Hill, N15. Built in 1903-04 by William Caroe, a leading Arts and Crafts architect, the church’s origins date back nearly 800 years, having been built and rebuilt in different locations in the City before moving to South Tottenham.
Amongst its exquisite Arts and Crafts interiors, you will see an unexpected special decorative feature – an ancient font cover of 1680, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and carved by his chief joiner William Cheer. This is a wonderful chance to see this and other architectural gems as well as the hidden delights of the vicarage garden side of the church.
Meet at the Church. Doors will be open to go inside.
Please book your free ticket for this in person visit on Eventbrite.
For any queries, please email [email protected]
Art Classes for Adult Beginners
Drop in & Draw @ The Castle
- Saturday 20 May, 10.30am-3.30pm, £40 per ticket
- Saturday 27 May, 10.30am-1pm, £12 per ticket
Interested in learning something new? Join local artist and tutor Susan Bryan for a lovely, relaxed workshop for absolute beginners in drawing.
These classes provide a great chance to release your inner artist, all in the unique and inspiring setting of a Grade 1 listed building.
All art materials plus refreshments included within the ticket price!
Book your tickets via Eventbrite. Or pay on the door.
For any queries please text Susan on 07535 676276
As always, make sure to check for all upcoming events on our website: Events | Bruce Castle
And if you don’t already, please follow us on social media for event publicity and digital engagement with our museum and archive collections!
Links below:
We will be launching a new social media campaign as part of the ‘Hi Culture!’ project, using our exceptional archival resources to explore the diverse, multicultural influences that have shaped, and are still shaping, the life of Tottenham High Road.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bruce Castle Museum & Archive soon.
With best wishes,
The Team @ Bruce Castle
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