More heritage open days
SOME of Sandwell’s most interesting and historical buildings are still offering free events and behind-the-scenes tours as part of this month’s national Heritage Open Days programme.
There is a medieval encampment and activities at Bromwich Hall with Buckingham’s Retinue historical interpretation group on Saturday, 17 September, and Sunday, 18 September: 11am-4pm, last admission 3.30pm.
At Haden Hill House and Park there is a display of arts, crafts, photographs and memories inspired by a hundred years of Haden Hill Park. Thursday, 15 September: 10am-5pm; Friday 16, September: 10am-5pm; Saturday, 17 September; 2pm-6pm and Sunday, 18 September; 2pm-6pm.
In addition, there is a tour of the attic at Haden Hill House, an area not usually open to the public, on Thursday, 15 September: 11am and 2.30pm. That will be followed by a tour of the cellars on Friday, 16 September: 11am and 2.30pm.
At the Oak House Museum, West Bromwich, visitors will be able to meet costumed characters and learn how the Turtons and other West Bromwich families made their wealth in the 1600s. Thursday, 15 September: 11am2pm and Sunday, 18 September: 11am2pm.
You can see fantastic objects, clothes and scooters on display, as well as photographs by Anthony Mcfarlane, documenting experiences of the scene in the 1980s as part of the Soul Trail Northern Soul exhibition at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, Wednesday, 14 September: 11am-3pm; Thursday, 15 September: 11am-3pm; Saturday, 17 September: 11am-3pm.
What’s weird at Wednesbury Museum delves into the darkest corners of the collection, with some strange, weird and wonderful objects are on display. Wednesday, 14 September: 11am -3pm; Thursday, 15 September: 11am-3pm; Saturday, 17 September: 11am-2pm.
Councillor Laura Rollins, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days programme – England’s largest festival of history and culture.
“All events are free and it’s a chance to revisit an old favourite that you’ve not been to for a while or visit a hidden place that’s not normally open to the public and try out a new experience.”