In partnership with Independent Liverpool, The Reader is delighted to announce a bumper programme of family fun, crafts and community activity to celebrate Heritage Open Days at Calderstones Park this September.
Showcasing the vibrant creative culture of the city, Independent Liverpool will bring a selection of their craft and retail partners, such as Jazz Stan and The Leather Satchel Co, to The Reader’s Courtyard Fair, alongside free family fun at The Storybarn and Ice Cream Parlour.
Independent Liverpool’s David Williams said:
“Over the last few years we’ve had the absolute pleasure of getting to know and supporting so many local artists, cheesemongers, candlemakers and more. Just about anything handmade and heartfelt. Liverpool is an incredible city with so much home talent and it’s going to be really special for us bringing that all together in one of our favourite parks in Liverpool. The chance to work in partnership with The Reader is also very important to us – they’re pretty much proof that not all heroes wear capes.”
The day’s events, which coincide with the national Heritage Open Days festival, will include guided tours exploring the rich history of Calderstones Park, incorporating a visit to the Mansion House Garden and the Neolithic Calder Stones currently housed in the Harthill Glasshouse. This will be the last opportunity for the public to view the stones and Mansion House in person before conservation and refurbishment work begins.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn more about the future of the Mansion House as The International Centre for Shared Reading with a first look at the architect’s impressions and information about how to get involved and support the charity’s work at Calderstones and the wider North West area.
Jane Davis, founder and director of The Reader said:
“At The Reader we consider ourselves very lucky to call this beautiful park home and to be part of such a wonderful local community. We have exciting plans for the future of the Mansion House but it’s so important to celebrate the history of the park too.
This place is full of stories and we want to celebrate them through our Shared Reading activity here at Calderstones.
“Until the doors of The International Centre for Shared Reading are ready to open, days like this are a fantastic opportunity to bring everyone together and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Independent Liverpool to bring such a wonderful day to life!”
Families can enjoy free storytelling fun at The Storybarn with regular sessions with The Storyhunters throughout the day, the big children’s book swap (remember to bring along a book on the day), demonstrations and a workshop with our Knit and Natter group.
For those interested in learning more about The Reader’s recently announced Shared Reading North West project, the team will be welcoming visitors to join Shared Reading taster sessions and explore volunteering opportunities across the region.
George Hawkins, The Reader’s Heritage Manager, said:
“We are very excited to be part of Heritage Open Days again this year – it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to come together to celebrate the unique and ancient history of Calderstones Park, especially before our refurbishment work begins. Stories about the Allerton Oak and Jet the Rescue Dog may be well known to local residents but visitors from across the city and further afield may be surprised to discover so much history in one place!
There will certainly be something for everyone.”
Limited parking will be available in the park’s public car parks so why not travel by bus? Plan your visit now with Merseytravel and Better by Bus:
http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/
https://betterbybus.org/
