Museum and Libraries Unveil Half-term Activities

IT’S green for go for Green Planet, an exciting programme of free half-term holiday activities at Tameside’s libraries between 27 May and 7 June, coinciding with World Environment Day (5 June).

Ideal for children aged four to 11 and their grown-ups, the sessions comprise crafts, games and a treasure hunt. There’s no need to book, you can just come along on the day.

The sessions are:

• Tuesday 28 May, 10.30 to 1.30am – Dukinfield Library.
• Thursday 30 May, 2 to 3pm – Hattersley Library.
• Friday 31 May, 10.30 to 11.30am – Mossley Library.
• Friday 31 May, 2 to 3pm – Droylsden Library.
• Monday 3 June, 10.30 to 11.30am – Hyde Library.
• Wednesday 5 June, 2 to 3pm – Stalybridge Library.
• Thursday 6 June, 2 to 3pm – Denton Library.
• Friday 7 June, 3 to 4pm – Ashton Library.

Alternatively, there are artist-led Make, Do and Play craft sessions at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, with artist Caroline Coates. All of them take place from 11am to 3pm and cost £1.35 per child. Again, there’s no need to book, just drop in.

Monday 27 May: Butterfly Fun – Create a butterfly puppet and let your imagination take flight with your colourful creation.

Tuesday 28 May: Canada Geese – Grab a square of paper. Follow the step-by-step instructions and get creating.

Thursday 30 May: Folk Art Decorations – Learn how to paint your own canal art rose.

Tuesday 4 June: Love Letters Straight from your Art – Make your own colourful love letter to send to someone special.

Thursday 6 June: Sweet Treats – Make some colourful toffees from brightly-coloured card and paper.

Portland Basin Museum (open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays) is free to enter and well worth a visit in its own right for a family day out.

Standing in a picturesque canalside location it has attractions for all ages and is a great place for a picnic.

Details of walking trails around Tameside can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside

“Glorious Gorse Hall” is a heritage and nature audio walk for families which encourages you to slow down and enjoy the outdoors and exercise. Created by 2 Boards & A Passion Theatre Company, with support from the Friends of Gorse Hall Park and Tameside Historical Society, it’s available to download at www.2baap.co.uk/glorious-gorse-hall

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture and heritage, said: “Whether you like getting into the fresh air or prefer something that takes place indoors, like crafts or a museum visit, there’s lots for the whole family to do and enjoy over the half-term break.”