EVENTS 2015 At the Ancient High House Stafford Castle and Izaak Walton’s Cottage
Stafford’s Museums Stafford Borough is steeped in history, from its Stone Age origins, through Roman and Medieval times to modern industrial life. Admission to explore the sites is free. For opening times and a full list of events visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage. Stafford Castle Newport Road, Stafford | 01785 257 698 First built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious population, the Castle has dominated the Stafford skyline for over nine hundred years. Uncover the secrets of the site through Norman times, the medieval period, the English Civil War, right up to the present day. The Ancient High House Greengate Street, Stafford | 01785 619 131 Four hundred years of history are waiting to be discovered within the walls of England's largest timber framed town house. Step inside and embark on a journey from Elizabethan days through the turbulent Civil War era to the more refined Edwardian period. Izaak Walton’s Cottage Worston Lane, Shallowford | 01785 760 278 This thatched cottage was once owned by Izaak Walton, the celebrated author of the Compleat Angler. The cottage has witnessed over three hundred years of rural life. Nestled in beautiful countryside, its tranquil environment is perfect for a quiet, rewarding afternoon. Please call before visiting to check seasonal opening hours.
17 March - 25 April
Hoof-Prints in the Desert history exhibition
Ancient High House
Following the men and horses of the Staffordshire Yeomanry as they prepared for War in East Anglia and then joined the Cavalry Division in Egypt and Palestine. See how soldiers coped with looking after horses at sea and in the harsh environment of the Middle Eastern Desert as they pursued Turkish forces through a barren and inhospitable landscape. Supported by the Trustees of Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum.
Saturday 4 April | 10am - 4pm
Easter Bunny Hunt
Ancient High House Search for the Easter Bunny to claim your chocolate surprise. Hunt activity including children’s craft workshop £2. No booking necessary. Free admission to the Museum.
Sunday 5 April | 11am - 4pm
Easter Dinosaur Hunt
First Sunday of the Month April to October | 11am - 4pm
Stafford Castle Seek out the hidden dinosaurs’ eggs around the Castle site and claim a chocolate treat. Hunt activity including children’s craft workshop £2. No booking necessary. Free admission to Visitor Centre and Castle.
Have a Go Archery
Stafford Castle Learn the ancient skills of the bowman. No booking necessary. Six arrows for £2. Supported by Itz Archery.
Friday 17 April | 7pm - 9.30pm
Murder at White Bell Hall: Murder Mystery
Ancient High House The hall has traditionally hosted the local village fair to celebrate the coming of spring. But the Lord of the Manor and the villagers have different ideas of what activities should be included. Jealousy and unease develops and when hidden secrets come to light a dastardly murder ensues. Will you uncover the name of the murderer? £19.95 per person pre-booking essential. Reception 7pm with complimentary wine, two part performance, buffet supper, coffee and mints. Performed by the Creative Arts Theatre
Saturday 25 April | 10am - 4pm
St. George’s Day Celebrations
Ancient High House Meet St. George England’s patron saint. Learn how to ‘arm a Knight’ and try on arms and armour and period costumes. Children’s fun activities including ‘drop in’ dragon making. Workshops £2. Free admission.
Sunday 26 April | 11am - 4pm
St. George’s Day Celebrations
Stafford Castle Meet St. George England’s patron saint. Learn how to ‘arm a Knight’ and try on arms and armour and period costumes. Children’s fun activities including ‘drop in’ dragon making. Workshops £2. Free admission.
Sunday 3 May | 1pm - 5pm
Life in the 17th Century
Izaak Walton’s Cottage Learn about life and times in the Stuart and Commonwealth periods through the eyes of our period lady in residence. And for our first open day of the season join us on a guided walk from the Cottage to Shallowford House at 1.30pm and 3pm. No booking necessary. Free admission.
Tuesday 5 May to Saturday 18 July | 10am - 4pm
VE Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration: Stafford’s Role in the Victory in Europe history exhibition
Ancient High House
A look back at the vital role played by the county town and its inhabitants during the dark days of the Second World War. Highlighting the work of local people on the Home Front and within the armed services. Supported by local collections.
Sunday 10 May | 11am - 5pm
Wildlife and Country Craft Fair
Stafford Castle Shire horses and ponies, sheep dogs, ducks and birds of prey. Meet the experts from the Wildlife Trust, the Bat group, RSPB, and other environmental organisations. Enjoy country craft demonstrations and activities. With children’s workshops and pets corner, craft stalls and traders. Join themed guided walks along the Woodland Trail. Enter your dog in the PADS dog show. Event admission free. Car Park £3. Supported by PADS dog training.
Saturday 16 May | 8.30pm to 1am
Ghost Hunt!
Ancient High House Den Siegertsz and the PPI team invite you to spend a night at the Ancient High House, the largest surviving Elizabethan timber framed town house in England. Investigate paranormal activity using ouija boards, séances, live EVP, scrying, and other paranormal experiments. Face your fears with a team you can trust… £30 per person (over 18s only). Free refreshments. Pre-booking essential. Call 07838 435 646 or visit www.ppistoke.co.uk.
Saturday 23 May | 11.30am and 1.30pm
The Treasure Trial
Stafford Castle What happens when children find treasure on somebody else’s land? See the New Vic Youth Theatre (aged 10 - 15 ) perform in the Castle Keep. The production playfully explores the politics of ‘finders keepers’ and some of the history of Stafford Castle, seen from a child’s perspective. Free tickets. Limited availability. Pre-booking essential. Call 01785 257 698 or ask at the Visitor centre A New Vic Theatre Production.
Saturday 23 May | 8.30pm start Staffordshire
Bat Walk
Bat Group
Stafford Castle Search for bats in the Castle grounds with experts from Staffordshire Bat Group. Pre-booking essential. Call 01785 257 698. Adults £3, Children £2. ©Hugh Clark / www.bats.org.uk
Supported by Staffordshire Bat Group.
Saturday 6 June | 10am - 4pm
Mouse Hunt
Cheese and Ale Festival STAFFORD
Ancient High House Children’s mouse trail and arts and crafts workshops. Can you find the mice hidden in the museum mouse-holes? Mouse trail free. Workshops £2. Free admission to museum. In support of the Stafford Cheese and Ale Festival.
Sunday 7 June | 1pm - 5pm
Meet the ‘Compleat’ Editor
Izaak Walton’s Cottage Professor Marjorie Swann editor of the latest publication of Izaak Walton’s The Compleat Angler is available at the Cottage to talk about Stafford’s most famous son. No booking necessary. Free admission
Saturday 27 June | 10am - 4pm
Vintage Fair
Ancient High House Mid-century, vintage, retro and kitsch. Browse the stylish range of clothing and accessories, gifts and collectables. With pop up make up sessions, 20s to 70s music, vintage tea room; and period fashion parade. Free admission
Thursday 25 June to Saturday 11 July 2015.
Much Ado About Nothing
stafford festival shakespeare
Stafford Castle Much Ado About Nothing will be performed against the striking background of Stafford Castle, in a purpose-built auditorium under the stars.Tickets available from Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Box Office on 01785 254 653, or book online at www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk.
Sunday 12 July | 12noon - 10pm
Live @ the Castle, Music Event part of stafford festival
Stafford Castle Enjoy the very best of local live music on the main stage and in the acoustic marquee. Admission £2. Car park £5. For details visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/staffordfestival.
Sunday 12 July | 12noon - 5pm
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Izaak Walton’s Cottage Enjoy family fun and games in the cottage garden, with puppet show, face painting, teddy making workshops, story telling, craft stalls and a bouncy castle for the younger family members. Bring along a picnic and don’t forget your teddy! Free admission if accompanied by a teddy bear
Supported by the Izaak Walton Cottage Chapter.
Saturday 17 July | 7pm - 9.30pm
Murder at Stamford House: Murder Mystery
Ancient High House The owner of this historic house decides to sell a family heirloom and invites renowned collectors to bid. When they gather to open the sealed bids one of the guests is missing, and then discovered murdered! Can you deduce who the killer is? £19.95 per person pre-booking essential. Reception 7pm with complimentary wine, two part performance, buffet supper, coffee and mints. Performed by the Creative Arts Theatre
Sunday 2 August | 11am - 5pm
Classic Car Show: 11th Anniversary
Stafford Castle A classic car treat and vintage fun for all the family. Classic, vintage and collectors cars on display, with trophies for best vehicle in class. Children’s games, quizzes and activities, including mini Land Rover rides. Vintage cycles, auto mart and craft stalls. Free admission. Car Park £3. Sponsored by: RPH Motor Repairs Ltd.: www.rphmotorrepairs.co.uk 01785 253 999 and AA Sport: www.aasport.co.uk Tel. 01785 213 500.
Sunday 2 August | 1pm - 5pm
Fly-casting and Fly-tying
Izaak Walton’s Cottage Expert angling tips and tuition for visitors of all ages. Free admission
Supported by the Izaak Walton Cottage Chapter.
From 5 August | 1.30pm - 3.30pm Wednesdays (5 - 7 years) | Thursdays (8 - 12 years)
August Summer Fun
Stafford Castle Children’s summer holiday workshops at Stafford Castle. £5 per session including refreshments. Pre-booking essential. For details visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stepinto.
Sunday 16 August | 11am - 5pm
Magna Carta: 800th Anniversary
Saturday 1 August to Sat 5 September
Stafford Castle Glimpse the medieval world with costumed characters and hands on activities. Witness the sights and sounds of the medieval world; with sword play, music, dancing and games. Meet peddlers, peasants, knights and damsels. History trail, guided tours, hands on arms and armour, coin minting and brass rubbing. Create your own medieval document in our calligraphy workshops. Free admission. Car parking £3.
Resonance: Reflections on the Great War through artworks inspired by Staffordshire collections
Ancient High House Ceramicist and printmaker Stephen Dixon’s new ceramic work inspired by objects, photographs and documents relating to the First World War from archive and museum collections in Staffordshire. Stephen's work explores our responses to the Great War a hundred years on. Free admission. Funded by Arts Council England.
Saturday 5 September | 10am - 4pm
Stafford Arts Festival 2015
Ancient High House A programme of exhibitions, artists in residence, adult’s and children’s arts and crafts workshops. Now celebrating its 5th year. The town’s arts festival has over 40 town centre venues with a full programme of arts, crafts, music and literary workshops and activities. Free admission. Supported by Stafford Town Partnership
Saturday 5 September | 10am - 4pm
Resonance: Reflections on the Great War through artworks inspired by Staffordshire collections. Family workshops.
Ancient High House Stephen Dixon is artist in residence for the day. Help contribute to an installation of commemorative mugs, which will feature in the touring exhibition. Participants are encouraged to bring along historic photographs and documents of family members who took part in the Great War (whether on the Front Line or on the Home Front) to be printed onto ceramics. Free admission. Funded by Arts Council England.
Saturday 5 September to Saturday 13 October
The Changing Face of the Ancient High House exhibition
Ancient High House An exhibition revealing the history of the Ancient High House and the story of its rescue and renovation. Free admission.
Saturday 12 September | 10am - 4pm
History of the High House heritage open day event
Ancient High House To support ‘The Changing Face of the Ancient High House’ exhibition, the author of the House’s guide book will be on hand to answer questions about the building and sign copies of her book. No booking necessary. Free admission. In support of Heritage Open Days.
Sunday 13 September | 11am - 4pm
Hands on Arms and Armour heritage open day event
Stafford Castle Try on armour and costumes from the medieval period. With guided tours of Stafford Castle’s Keep. No booking necessary. Free admission. In support of Heritage Open Days.
Tuesday 15 September to Saturday 31 October
The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain: A Salute to the Few
Ancient High House Bringing into sharp focus the role of Fighter Command's finest and illustrating stories of local pilots and air crew. Free admission. Supported by local collections.
Friday 2 October | 7pm - 9.30pm
The Evil Face of Murder: Murder Mystery
Ancient High House
A retired film star and his flibbertigibbet mistress, new owners of an Elizabethan house, feel they need to get to know their neighbours. They arrange a masked party but the animosity between the couple and their local guests develops into arguments and then murder! Can you detect the identity of the culprit? £19.95 per person pre-booking essential. Reception 7pm with complimentary wine, two part performance, buffet supper, coffee and mints. Performed by the Creative Arts Theatre.
Saturday 17 October | 10am - 4pm
Chocoholics Fair
Ancient High House A delicious treat for all the family. Indulge your senses in our chocolate heaven, including the irresistible chocolate fountain. Free admission.
Saturday 24 October | 10am - 4pm
Hallowe’en ‘at the Haunted High House
Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October | 11am - 4pm
Ancient High House Go bats at our childrens 'drop in' Hallowe'en workshops. £2 per session.
Hallowe’en Hands on Horror
Stafford Castle
Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October Creepy creations ‘drop in’ craft activities. £2 per session. Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October Children’s ‘drop in’ pumpkin carving workshops. £3 per session.
Saturday 31 October | 10am - 4pm
Hallowe’en Festival of Fortune
Saturday 31 October | 6pm - 7.30pm
Ancient High House Is there anybody there? Visit our spiritualists, mediums, crystal ball, rune and tarot card readers. Practitioners of various disciplines will be on hand to give you their interpretation of the past, the present, and the future. This event is for entertainment purposes. Free admission. Charges for readings apply.
A Night of Fright!
Ancient High House A spine chilling and thought provoking talk by Den Siegertsz from Potteries Paranormal Investigations. Learn about the reported supernatural happenings in one of Stafford’s most iconic buildings. And visit some of the notorious rooms! Be there if you dare! £5 per person (over 18s only). Pre-booking essential 01785 619 131.
Saturday 31 October | 8.30pm - 1am
Ghost Hunt!
Ancient High House Join Den Siegertsz and the PPI team for a night at the High House, one of Stafford’s oldest and most prominent properties, the largest surviving Elizabethan timber framed town house in England. Investigate paranormal activity using ouija boards, séances, live EVP, scrying, and a range of other paranormal experiments. Face your fears with a team you can trust… £35 per person (over 18s only). Free refreshments. Pre-booking essential call 07838 435 646 or visit www.ppistoke.co.uk.
Tuesday 3 to Saturday 21 November | 10am - 4pm
Stafford Arts Festival ‘Artists in Residence’ Exhibition
Ancient High House A show of works by various artists depicting scenes from the town’s annual arts festival submitted for the annual competition. Organised by the Ancient High House and sponsored by Stafford Town Centre Partnership.
Tuesday 3 November to Saturday 2 January 2016 10am - 4pm
Stafford Through the Ages
Ancient High House A look at some of the people and events that helped to shape Stafford’s history. Free admission. Supported by SAHS, County Records Office, the Trustees of the William Salt Library and local collections.
Saturday 21 November | 10am - 6pm
Christmas Craft Fair
Saturdays and Sundays 28 November to 20 December | 11am - 4pm
Ancient High House Browse the wide range of traditional craft stalls for that exclusive festive gift. Visit Santa in his grotto and try our mince pies and mulled fruit punch. Free admission.
Christmas Tree Sales and Christmas Family Fun at the Castle
Stafford Castle Combine a visit to the Castle with choosing your Christmas tree from the dozens of ‘real’ examples on display at the visitor centre. See the wide range of traditional and unusual gifts in the Visitor Centre. Take a walk through the castle woodland and solve our Christmas riddle (answers can be entered into the free prize draw). Children’s Xmas decoration workshops £2. Cookies and hot chocolate available in the visitor centre throughout this period. Free admission to museum and Castle site. Supported by Greenways - All trees are from sustainable sources.
Tuesday 1 December to Saturday 2 January (2016) 10am - 4pm
VITs: Very Important Toys
Ancient High House Cherished childhood toys from the early to mid 20th century. On loan from local dignitaries and influential members of the local community.
Saturday 5 December | 10am - 4pm
Christmas Through the Ages
Ancient High House Meet our costumed characters and learn about Christmas in the Tudor, Stuart, Georgian and Victorian periods. Stir a traditional pudding and sing carols in the Victorian Room. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Children’s Christmas craft workshops and family entertainment. Mince pies and hot fruit punch available in the Edwardian Shop. No booking necessary. Free admission.
Sunday 6 December | 11am - 4pm
Christmas at the Castle
Stafford Castle Adult holly wreath making and children’s Christmas decoration making workshops. Cookies and hot chocolate available. ‘Drop in’ sessions throughout the day. Adult workshops £10, Children's Workshops £3.
The Ancient High House Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2JA tel 01785 619 131 email heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk web www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage Stafford Castle Newport Road,Stafford, ST16 1DJ tel 01785 257 698 email heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk web www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage Izaak Walton's Cottage Worston Lane, Stone ST15 0PA tel 01785 760 278 email heritage@staffordbc.gov.uk web www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage
SBC_Heritage Stafford's Heritage Sites
If you need this information in large print, Braille, other language or in audio format please contact 01785 619 000 or email info@staffordbc.gov.uk All information correct at time of going to print.