Celebrating creativity at Pittville Pump Room’s Sunday artisan market
IT’S hard to beat the experience of browsing and choosing the handmade, bespoke and beautiful. Cheltenham, and Gloucestershire, boast a wealth of artisanal creatives, makers and producers, bringing an eclectic and unique mix of pieces and products for those who like something that little bit different, something individual and handmade with care and imagination.
Pittville Pump Room’s monthly Sunday artisan market has established itself as a must-visit destination where visitors can find a treasure trove of locally made pieces, from scented candles, cute bandanas for your pooch, block-printed lampshades and cushions made with reclaimed fabric, to bunting for every occasion, original cards, prints, produce and hats.
This month’s market is on Sunday (August 14), from 10am to 5pm, and entrance is free. Come and meet the makers, browse the stalls and take in the beautiful surroundings of the Pump Room and park.
Don’t forget to visit the Heritage Deco Café for coffee and patisserie, or maybe beat the heat with a gelato, iced latte or glass of cooling fizz?
Some of the artisans may inspire you to create your own pieces, from artwork to textiles.
It’s widely recognised how beneficial creating and learning something new can be to our mental health, wellbeing and positivity, and there’s plenty of inspiration and ideas to be found at this month’s market.
Sophie, at Mindful Mantra, has beginners’ kits for making beautiful embroidered pieces, while Christine, of Cards by Christine, will bring out your creative side with her card-making and stamping sets.
The crafters from the Gloucestershire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers will also be on hand to chat about the traditional skills of dyeing, spinning and weaving.
Throughout the summer months there’s something to keep everyone active, engaged and fulfilled at The Cheltenham Trust.
Every weekend, the Garden Bar Orangery hosts live music and on Sunday, August 21 the popular Honeymoon Swing Band will be playing from 2pm to 5pm.
They always draw an audience including a dancer or two!
We’re heading to the beaches of Hawaii on bank holiday Monday, August 29, where it’s a party in the park at Pittville Pump Room from 2pm, with music from DJ Rob Mcelvanney, cocktails and themed food.
Dig out those Hawaiian shirts, leis and skirts because there’s a prize for the best dressed.
If you’ve still to visit the redesigned Wilson Art Gallery and Museum following its reopening last month, there’s much to explore, from the children’s WOW gallery and the re-displayed Arts and Crafts collection to the new Wilson Kitchen café with its programme of live music at the weekends, which launches soon.
Don’t miss the free nationally acclaimed exhibition Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk, produced by National Museums Scotland, and The Wilson’s community exhibition Break The Cycle, which worked with young people reimagining denim that would otherwise have ended up in landfill.
Over at Leisure at Cheltenham there’s swimming to keep everyone cool and the £15 summer special family soft play pass to keep the children happy and entertained throughout the holidays.
Summer is a time for exploring, experiencing and enjoying, a time to kick back, to try something new or just to enjoy more of something special.
You can find our full summer programme at www.cheltenhamtrust.org. uk/events_/ and book activities at Leisure at Cheltenham at www.leisure@ cheltenham.com
That is not to diminish in any way the huge strides the ladies’ game has made in recent times.
It is particularly joyous to see our youngsters so enthused by the ladies. Long may it continue.
Adrian Bird Cheltenham