Rossendale Free Press

THE WHITAKER MUSEUM AND GALLERY

- KIM RAMSAY

SO here at the Whitaker we are excitingly getting prepared for a busy summer making sure there are lots for all the family to get involved with in the house and around the park.

We know how difficult it can be to keep the little ones entertaine­d for six weeks and that’s why throughout August we are going ‘Wild for Nature’ and offering daily workshops for your little explorers here at the Whitaker every Wednesday to Friday from 1pm to 3pm.

The content of our sessions will change from week to week, but essentiall­y it is an opportunit­y for all involved to explore the park and uncover its secrets. There will be lots of crafts, messy play, field journals and much more to create for a summer of fun inside and out.

As we are a not-forprofit community organisati­on we never charge extortiona­te prices for any of our activities, so it’s just £3 per child per day to cover our costs for each activity.

Our weekly sessions start on Wednesday, August 2, and finish on Friday, August 25, and we do expect them to be popular so make sure you give us a call to book your session in advance.

But don’t worry, we’re not just thinking of the kids – our current exhibition is an exquisite collection of contempora­ry art by London-based artist Gordon Cheung, kindly loaned to us by the Elspeth and Imogen Turner collection with kind permission from Dr M and Mrs S Turner.

Gordon’s work captures the virtual and actual realities of a global world and civilisati­ons where moral, economic and environmen­tal crises have spun out of control.

His work utilises stock listings from The Financial Times, spray paint, oil, acrylic, pastels and ink. Gordon is a graduate of two of the most celebrated art schools, achieving BA from St Martin’s College of Art, London and an MA from the Royal College of Art, London, and we strongly encourage everyone to visit when they can.

This summer will also see our popular Live Lounge event move to select Friday evenings, and we’re excited to be kicking off the summer with the talented folk singer Eliza P, who will be in session on Friday, July 21, from 7.30pm. Her hilarious and highly intelligen­t material is not to be missed. Often described as a lyrical genius, an evening with Eliza is sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Finally, what would summer be without a bit of alfresco dining?

Our menu is perfectly curated to be enjoyed inside or out, with plenty to choose from.

Sliders and sharing boards, light bites and locally-sourced ingredient­s make for a delicious treat for you to enjoy with family and friends, and if you’re feeling in a celebrator­y mood, don’t forget to ask at the bar about our refreshing pitchers, so you can relax and enjoy the day Whitaker style.

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