HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: THE FULL WARRINGTON LIST
WARRINGTON’S CREATIVITY THROUGH THE YEARS WILL BE EXPLORED WHEN THE HERITAGE OPEN DAYS FESTIVAL RETURNS NEXT MONTH.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture where stories and traditions from the past are brought to life.
This year’s theme is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’ with a fun-filled and family friendly programme of events all over the Warrington area between 8th and 17th September. This year Heritage Open Days also coincides with the Thelwall 1100 Festival celebrating 1100 years meaning there are even more heritage activities going on. Many of the activities will explore the creativity to be found everywhere in Warrington – from artisanal baking to stained glass!
But you can also learn things like: What is missing from the front of the Museum & Library? Whose initials are near the door to the Warrington School of Art? What symbols are carved into the exterior of the County Court and the Warrington Club? What is the significance of the pillars either side of the entrance to the Masonic Hall? Where do the Cairo Street Chapel gates come from?
Last year, several planned activities had to be cancelled due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, so this year will see a return of some of our most cherished events such as the Museum of Policing in Cheshire Open Day – where we’re told even the drone squad will be getting creative!
Warrington Museum and Art Gallery – run by the charity Culture Warrington – is coordinating many of the events.
Craig Sherwood, from the museum, said: “The annual Heritage Open Days festival is always a highlight of Culture Warrington’s calendar, allowing us to collaborate with many of the wonderful heritage groups and sites across Warrington. This year’s programme is jam-packed and we hope that it will showcase Warrington’s heritage.
“The festival’s theme of Creativity Unwrapped allows visitors to celebrate some the stories and work of the artists, architects and craftspeople (and enthusiastic amateurs) who add that something extra to all aspects of our daily lives.
From displays and guided tours of the Cultural Quarter based at Warrington Museum & Library, the restored Warrington Museum of Freemasonry and the Rail Transporter Bridge, to celebrations of Daresbury’s creativity, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Other highlights include an opportunity to take a guided tour of Warrington’s 18th century Town Hall and meet the mayor, or watch a demonstration of artisanal baking at Mamars at the Old Bank.
The Grade I-listed Town Hall was designed by James Gibbs and built in 1750 for entrepreneur Thomas Patten Esq. Originally known as Bank Hall it was stood in open fields on the edge of the town for almost a century until 19th century Warrington expanded to surround it. Everyone is welcome on 16th September, so come and find out more about this beautiful Georgian building and sample the delicious home-made cakes on sale in the Tea Room. There will be 4 guided tours of the building over the course of the day which will be free of charge and will take around 45 minutes.
Based in a beautiful Grade II listed building, Mamars at the Old Bank make & bake all their artisanal bread from scratch, and they are always more than happy to show people! They run classes and workshops, and also host a Bread Club who will be supporting a talk and demonstration on the heritage skill of artisanal baking on 12th September at 2 pm – call 01925 639645 or email [email protected] to book your free place! Attendees will also get to taste the results and visit their basement which has remained unchanged since it was Warrington’s Co-operative Bank – many aspects are included in the Grade II listing including the night safe, money lift and bank vault!
Listings
Online: Bonnets to Boats: The Arts of the Inland Waterways
From the iconic clothes of the canal boaters and the colourful paintwork of the boats, right through to the skilled art of working the boats themselves, join Heatherfield Heritage each day online to watch brand new videos and live streams during Heritage Open Days that demonstrate some of the many Arts of the canals and inland waterways.
Links available during Heritage Open Days at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/bonnets-to-boats
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All Saints Church, Daresbury (Lewis Carroll Centre): Carroll in a Foreign Language
All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury WA4 4AE
The Lewis Carroll Centre at All Saints Church, Daresbury celebrates Daresbury’s world-famous villager, the creator of Alice and all her adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. It also explains his many interests and how his Daresbury childhood influenced the man he became. For the first weekend of Heritage Open Days (September 9th – 10th) the centre is putting on a display in the centre focusing on foreign language editions of Lewis Carroll’s works.
Saturday 9th September: 1000-1900
Sunday 10th September: 1200-1900
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All Saints Church, Daresbury (Lewis Carroll Centre): Daresbury’s Creativity Unleashed
All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury WA4 4AE
For the second weekend of Heritage Open Days the Lewis Carroll Centre is putting on a display in the centre with the theme of “Daresbury’s Creativity Unleashed” including work from the church collection as well as pictures from private homes depicting Daresbury Parish over time, pictures by local artists, the Moore Art Group, exhibits from Moore Camera Club, stained glass from Hatton phone box, and examples of canal art from Heatherfield Heritage at Preston Brook Wharf.
Thursday 14th September: 1000-1900
Friday 15th September: 1000-1900
Saturday 16th September: 1000-1900
Sunday 17th September: 1200-1900
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Baden Lodge (Scout Hut): Family Treasure Hunt
Baden Lodge, Bell Lane, Thelwall WA4 2SX
Get ready for the real adventure! Explore Thelwall village and look for the painted stones hidden by talented community members. Bring your stones to our designated collection point, Baden Lodge (Scout Hut) at 2pm. Part of Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Saturday 16th September 1400-1600
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Cairo Street Chapel: Open Days
4 Cairo Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1ED
The second oldest surviving place of worship in Warrington. Sit and relax in the gardens which are a quiet oasis of calm, peace, and beauty in the centre of Warrington. Look inside the Chapel and learn its 300-year history and how it was instrumental in the development of the town.
Saturday 9 September: 1000-1600
Sunday 10 September: 1000-1600
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Chaigeley School: Picnic & Party in the Park
Chaigley School, 6 Lymm Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TE
Chaigeley School’s 75th Anniversary Big Celebration features the Kalamazoo Dance Band, Kal’s Kats and support acts with music from the 1940’s & 1950’s. Bring your own rugs, chairs & picnic. There will be a cash bar, hot food & refreshments on the field. Part of the Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Saturday 9th September 1500 – 2100
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Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion: Ballads & Blues Folk Night
Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion, Stockport Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TB
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of captivating music and soulful melodies at a night filled with exceptional performances by talented artists. Be transported to a world of heartfelt ballads, bluesy tunes, and mesmerizing folk melodies in an evening of music that will linger in your memory. From toe-tapping rhythms to soul-stirring lyrics, the ‘Ballads & Blues Folk Night’ is a homage to the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Thelwall village. Part of Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Friday 15th September 1900 – 2300 Admission by ticket only £10 available from the venue or email [email protected]
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Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion: Thelwall Railway Walk
Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion, Stockport Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TB
Join Thelwall History Group for a fascinating opportunity to learn about Thelwall’s railway heritage.
Sunday 17th September 1030 and 1400
Booking essential by 15th September latest – contact [email protected] to book your place!
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Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion: History of Weaste Lane Walk
Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion, Stockport Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TB
Join Thelwall History Group for a fascinating opportunity to learn about Weaste Lane.
Sunday 17th September 1100 and 1400 Booking essential by 15th September latest – contact [email protected] to book your place!
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Hatton Show: Daresbury Creativity Unleashed
Next to All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury WA4 4AE
Founded in the 1890s the Hatton Show is an exhibition of home and garden skills, craftsmanship showcasing the very best of rural traditions. This year the theme is ‘Creativity Unleashed’ including examples from the church’s collection as well as pictures of Daresbury Parish from private homes, pictures by local artists, the Moore Art Group, exhibits from Moore Camera Club, stained glass from Hatton phone box, and examples of canal art from Heatherfield Heritage at Preston Brook Wharf.
Saturday 9th September 1330 – 1730
Entrance charge £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions at £4. Family ticket for 2 adults and 1-3 children costs £12. Or become a member at £4.50 for adults and £2 for children.
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Lymm Hall: From Elizabethan Manor House to Research Hub
Meet at Lymm Heritage Centre, Legh Street, Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 0DA
An illustrated talk on the history of Lymm Hall at Lymm Heritage Centre, followed by a site visit to the Elizabethan Hall to learn about Ecospheric’s case study to find solutions for sensitive low energy retrofit for historic buildings, and their landscape project to restore Edward Kemp’s original design.
Thursday 14 September: tours at 1500 & 1700 – booking essential. To book a place visit https://forms.gle/NkESBYqxdmAdxsWR7 or alternatively call 07540 096282 or email [email protected]
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Mamars at the Old Bank: Artisanal Baking Demonstration
Mamars at The Old Bank, 78 Bridge Street, Warrington Town Centre, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 2RF
In support of Heritage Open Days, Mamars are hosting a demonstration and talk on the traditional art of artisanal baking on Tuesday 12th September at 2 pm. Watch as they shape and then bake artisanal bread for you to taste!
Tuesday 12 September: 1400-1600, pre-booking preferred. Call 01925 639645 or email Mamars at [email protected]
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Mamars at the Old Bank: Vault Visits
Mamars at The Old Bank, 78 Bridge Street, Warrington Town Centre, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 2RF
Visit the basement at “The Old Bank”, one of Warrington’s architectural treasures, and see many aspects included in the building’s Grade II listing, including the original Martin’s Bank night safe, money lift and bank vault! NB Access to the vault possible during opening hours only. A member of staff may not always be available to accompany you.
Friday 8 September: 0900-1600
Saturday 9 September: 0900-1600
Monday 11 September: 0900-1600
Tuesday 12 September:0900-1600
Wednesday 13 September: 0900-1600
Thursday 14 September: 0900-1600
Friday 15 September:0900-1600
Saturday 16 September:0900-1600
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Museum of Policing in Cheshire: Open Day
Arpley Street Police Station, Arpley Street, Warrington WA1 1LQ
A free day out for all the family with museum tours available and armed response and other police vehicles on display… as well as demonstrations by the police dog and drone units and performances by the Cheshire police band.
Saturday 16th September 1000 – 1600
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New Art Spaces: Little Nell and Clobber Clinic
As part of Heritage Open Days in Warrington, Little Nell is throwing the doors open of the New Art Spaces in the former M&S building for a sustainable sale of upcycled reworked artwear and vintage and thrift alongside the return of the much-loved Pay as you feel ‘Clobber Clinic’ (16+) – for one weekend only on 16th & 17th September 12-4pm.
Bring down that worn out dress that somebody threw out and I’ll help you fix it up and make it fabulous again! Get help with quick fixes like sewing a pocket back on, creatively repairing a hole OR advice and practical help on entire reworks.
Saturday 16th September 1200 to 1600
Sunday 17th September 1200 to 1600
Drop in during the afternoon for the stall, for ‘clobber clinic’ bookings, please email [email protected]
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Newchurch Parish Church, Culcheth: Secrets of the Stained Glass
Church Lane, Culcheth, Warrington WA3 5ET
Join Heritage & Archives Officer Philip Jeffs as he explores the hidden meaning and symbolism in the stained-glass windows of Newchurch Parish Church in Culcheth. Refreshments will be on sale on the day.
Saturday 16th September 1400-1500
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Padgate Library: Padgate and Fearnhead in Old Photos
Padgate Library, Fearnhead Cross, Insall Road, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 0HD
Look back at the amazing history of Padgate and Fearnhead through historic photographs. Learn about Padgate RAF camp where Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones was once stationed and find out the origin of local place names. Also take the opportunity to find out more about Padgate and Fearnhead Memories Group and maybe even get involved in local heritage.
Saturday 9th September 1030-1230
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Pickering’s Bridge: Experience Fishing
Pickering’s Bridge, Anglers’ Car Park, Thelwall, Warrington
Experience Fishing with Warrington Anglers. For adults and supervised children under 18. Just turn up, equipment supplied.
Sunday 17th September 1400 – 1700
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RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre: NWCC Classic Car Show – Veterans and Heroes
Gulliver’s World, Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ
Car enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Northwest’s leading classic vehicle club will be showcasing more than 250 classic vehicles from across all eras at RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre including cars buses, motorcycles, emergency vehicles and even some military vehicles.
Sunday 10th September 0930–1600
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St John the Evangelist’s Church in Walton: Open Day
St. John the Evangelist’s Church, Old Chester Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6TQ
Located in the conservation village of Walton in Warrington and described as a mini-cathedral, St John the Evangelist is a gothic revival church built of Cheshire sandstone with richly carved oak fittings, originally built for the estate workers of Sir Gilbert Greenall, Baronet.
Saturday 9th September: 1000-1600
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St. Mary’s Church Great Sankey: Open Days
Liverpool Rd, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 1RE
Visit our 18th century grade II listed church building and learn more about this place of worship and its people over the years. A wonderful mix of old and new elements, the building underwent a major restoration in 2008. Come and see our slideshows of our stained-glass windows, former Vicars of the parish, and old photos of the church and the churchyard. Plus, an excellent collection of photos containing more recent events at the church.
Saturday 9th September 1000-1200
Sunday 10th September 1000-1400
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St. Oswald’s Church, Winwick: A historical ecclesiastical collection and local archaeological finds
Golborne Road, Winwick, Warrington WA2 8SZ
Join us at St Oswald’s Church to discover ecclesiastical and archaeological artefacts from the Winwick area, along with documents and photographs linking Winwick with the Titanic disaster. Three local authors will be on hand with books for sale and there will be a display of artwork by local children.
Saturday 9th September: 11.00-16.00
Sunday 10th September: 11.00-16.00
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Thelwall Parish Hall: Thelwall art, heritage crafts & traditions
Thelwall Parish Hall, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2SX
Let’s celebrate the art, heritage, crafts and traditions of Thelwall! Featuring the Thelwall Festival Art Gallery, the North Cheshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers, Fishing & Farming, the Thelwall Rose Queen, the Thelwall Morris Men and Chaigeley School 75th Anniversary. Refreshments available all day! Part of the Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Saturday 9th September 1000 – 1700
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Walton Hall: Open Day
Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN
Walton Hall will be open from 11am – 4pm so that visitors can look around the Hall and visit an exhibition showing the history of the Hall & Gardens. Volunteers will be on-hand to answer any questions. Activity packs will be available for children. Visitors can either wander around the Hall, on their own, or volunteers will be on hand to take them on a guided tour – pre booking not required.
Sunday 10th September: 1100 – 1600
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Warrington Museum & Library: Creative Crafternoons at the Museum
Central Library, Museum & Library, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
Get creative with free craft activities for children at Warrington Museum & Art Gallery. between 1pm and 3pm every Saturday during Heritage Open Days with a new and exciting theme every session. Last admission is 2.45pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult, recommended age 3yrs+. Booking is not required.
Saturday 9th September: 1300 – 1500
Saturday 16th September: 1300 – 1500
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Warrington Museum & Library: Cultural Quarter Heritage Trail
Central Library, Museum & Library, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
Join us for a heritage walk around Warrington’s Cultural Quarter and learn about local history. What are the stories behind some of Warrington’s iconic buildings? What is missing from the front of the Museum & Library? Whose initials are near the door to the School of Art? What symbols are carved into the exterior of the County Court and the Warrington Club? What is the significance of the pillars either side of the entrance to the Masonic Hall? Where do the Cairo Street Chapel gates come from? There will be refreshments afterwards and our Heritage & Archives Officer will be available to answer your questions.
Friday 8 September: Meet at the Central Library at 1100, no booking required.
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Warrington Museum & Library: Mystery of the Willow Skeletons
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
A small display featuring willow sculptures created by young people at Warrington Youth Zone, who took inspiration from the story of the mysterious three skeletons discovered on the Youth Zone site!
Friday 8 September: 10000-1630
Saturday 9 September:1000-1600
Sunday 10 September:1100-1500
Wednesday 13 September:1000-1630
Thursday 14 September:1000-1630
Friday 15 September: 1000-1630
Saturday 16 September: 1000-1600
Sunday 17 September: 1100-1500
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Warrington Museum & Library: Thelwall Morris Men 50th Anniversary
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
This small display marks 50 years since the Thelwall Morris Men – Warrington’s famous Morris Men side – were formed in 1973. The display features photos, kit and awards including the fabled “Silver Shoes”.
Friday 8 September: 10000-1630
Saturday 9 September: 1000-1600
Sunday 10 September: 1100-1500
Wednesday 13 September:1000-1630
Thursday 14 September: 1000-1630
Friday 15 September: 1000-1630
Saturday 16 September:1000-1600
Sunday 17 September:1100-1500
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Warrington Museum of Freemasonry
15 Winmarleigh St, Warrington WA1 1NB
Visit the newly extended Museum, with tours of the Masonic rooms and new exhibitions Warrington’s creative Freemasons, the building of the Masonic Hall and 300yrs of Anderson’s Constitutions. Join us for refreshments in the bar area. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and cake.
Saturday 9 September: 0930 – 1530
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Warington Transporter Bridge: Guided Walks of Warrington Transporter Bridge
Meet at Dunkys Day Nursery, 47 Old Liverpool Road, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 1AF
Visit Warrington’s best kept secret – the world’s only rail transporter bridge. This Grade II* listed building crosses the river Mersey, tucked away behind Warrington Bank Quay station on the West Coast Mainline. Five tours available each day on Saturday 9th and 17th September.
Saturday 9 September: 1000, 1130, 1300, 1430, 1600
Sunday 17 September: 1000, 1130, 1300, 1430, 1600
Pre-booking essential see http://www.warringtontransporterbridge.co.uk/ for details.
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Warrington Town Hall
Warrington Borough Council, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 9SD
Warrington is a place that is steeped in history and there’s so much to discover in Warrington’s most iconic building. Meet the Mayor and discover its fascinating history as a family home! Everyone is welcome, so come and find out more about this beautiful Georgian building and sample the delicious home-made cakes on sale in the Tea Room. There will be 4 guided tours of the building over the course of the day which will be free of charge and will take around 45 minutes.
Saturday 16 September: 1000-1600, free tours of the town hall at 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1400