HAPPY PLANET WEEK

Residents are encouraged to channel their inner David Attenborough as Erewash Museum holds a week all about looking after our planet. From Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th August, the museum is hosting a range of activities for people of all ages focusing on eco-friendly practices. Throughout the week, there will be a trail running throughout the Georgian house in which children can match actions which harm the planet to environmentally friendly alternatives. There will be crafting sessions in The Hayloft which teach sustainable practices by having visitors create origami animals with waste paper. Children will also be able to write positive messages to Earth about their hopes for the future of the planet – these posts will be displayed in the museum to spread the word about helping our planet.

On Tuesday 23rd August Treehuggery will be hostin eco-conscious crafting sessions. Visitors can build a sculpture using household recycling, take a picture to preserve the experience, then knock the sculpture down so others can use the materials or leave for others to admire. The session will run from 11am until 2:30pm.

 On Wednesday 24th August local group Spiral Arts will be delivering workshops where children can build bug houses which can be taken home to give safe habitats for the smallest local wildlife. The session is £2.50 per participant and can be booked in advance by emailing museum@erewash.gov.uk. Also on Wednesday, children can bring in unwanted toys and book to exchange with others. Visitors are encouraged to bring in good condition items to swap with others and take home something preloved to enjoy. No electrical items please.

 Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “It is incredibly important that we all take steps to be more environmentally conscious so it is wonderful that Erewash Museum is holding a whole week dedicated to looking after our planet. With all the exciting and innovative activities, children will be able to have tremendous fun while learning some vital practices on how to protect their future.”

Erewash Museum is just a short walk from Ilkeston Market Place. Admission is free. For more information, call 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk  or visit the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum.