Calder Stones – history and future collide at Heritage Open Days

Take a guided tour of Calderstones Park and view the architects’ impressions of the refurbished The Mansion House at The Reader’s Courtyard Fair this Saturday, September 9. 

This Saturday, The Reader will be celebrating Heritage Open Daysat Calderstones Park with a bumper programme of family fun, crafts and community activities. 

The day’s events will include guided heritage tours exploring the rich history of Calderstones Park, taking in the Allerton Oak, Jet’s Memorial and the Neolithic Calder Stones – the earliest evidence of human settlement in the area. This will be the last opportunity for the public to see the stones up close before vital conservation work begins. 

George Hawkins, The Reader’s Heritage Manager, said:

“We are very excited to be part of Heritage Open Days for the fourth year – it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to come together to celebrate the unique and ancient history of Calderstones Park, especially while the Mansion House is closed for refurbishment.” 

Visitors can also enjoy a first glimpse at the architect’s impressions for the future of the stones and Calderstones Mansion House. The historic building, which is now closed for refurbishment, will reopen in 2018 as The International Centre for Shared Reading, a community hub of Shared Reading and well-being activity. The plans include new businesses, an expanded café and opportunities for people to reach their full potential through employment, volunteering and training. 

The Reader’s Courtyard Fair will also feature regular Shared Reading taster sessions throughout the day, alongside poetry readings and a pre-loved book stall. Reader staff will be on site throughout the day to talk to visitors about ways to get involved and support the charity’s work at Calderstones and wider North West region.   

Families can enjoy free storytelling fun at The Storybarn, the big children’s book swap (remember to bring a book to swap along on the day!), free children’s mindfulness sessions with Little Sunshine Yoga and crafty workshops with The Reader’s Knit and Natter group. 

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.” 

The Reader’s Courtyard Fair in partnership with Independent Liverpool is set to run between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, September 9 with specially curated market stalls, a bouncy castle and face painter. 

Limited parking will be available in the park’s public carparks so why not travel by bus? Plan your visit now with Merseytravel and Better by Bus.