Become a ‘tourist’ in your home town
RESIDENTS are encouraged to become tourists in their own town as local landmarks open up to visitors.
Heritage Open Days encourage people to explore their country’s most unusual, interesting and historic buildings which are not normally open to the public.
From Thursday to Sunday (September 8-11) seven local landmarks will be throwing their doors open to visitors, including: Charles Roe House; Christ Church; Macclesfield Town Hall; King Edward Street Chapel; Macclesfield and Bollington United Reformed Church; Mac- clesfield Library; Silk Museum and Paradise Mill; St Michael’s Church and Park Green House.
And historian Dorothy Bentley Smith will be leading a special medieval walk around Maccles- field at 1.30pm on Sunday, which can be booked through the Visitor Centre.
Christ Church, on Bridge Street, will be open 11am-4pm over the weekend, when members of The Roe-naissance Project – set up to support the church – will be on hand to help people explore the buildings.
And both days, between midday and 2pm, there will also be free indoor treasure hunt for children aged four and over from local artist Helen Wright.
Musicians are also invited to come and play the impressive organ – last used in the family theatre show ‘The Astronomer’s Story’ as part of the Barnaby Festival.
There will be a rare opportunity to see the bell tower at St Michael’s Church which will be open to visitors on Saturday, September 10.
Mel Curwen, from the church, said: “It is unusual for the bell tower at St Michael’s to be open.
“If you’ve ever heard them ringing and wondered what happens in the ringing room – please visit and find out.
“You can see how a bell is rung and watch the bells ringing by CCTV. Hear about the history of our bells and the role they play in the church’s and community’s heritage.”
Children must be 10 years old or over and accompanied by an adult.
For a full list of events go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk.