What’s On at Calderstones this Winter

2014 is off to a very busy start at Calderstones Mansion House, where there is a packed schedule of reading and activities ahead to stave off the winter blues. Whether you're searching for a new creative hobby, want to discover more about local heritage or read something new or something you love, you can do it all in the beautiful surroundings of Calderstones.

Here's a round-up of all that's happening at the Mansion House soon:

Calderstones Time Walk with Ken Sloan, Saturday 25th January, 1-3pm
Passionate about local history? Always wanted to know more about the heritage of Calderstones Park? Join environmental historian Ken Sloan as we embark on this captivating Time Walk in the park, including a journey to the Calderstones vestibule to connect with Liverpool's oldest heritage monuments. Donation £3; booking required. To book your place, contact roisinhyland@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 724 5000.

Crafternoons, 2-4pm (second Friday of the month)
Show your artistic flair at our new, friendly craft sessions on the second Friday of every month. With guidance from Creative Practices Coordinator Roisin we'll make something beautiful to treasure - including Valentine's Day garlands (14th February), felt fox brooches (14th March) and tealight paper houses (11th April). Materials and refreshments provided; £5 session. Contact roisinhyland@thereader.org.uk/0151 724 5000 to book your place, and find out more on our website.

The Divine Comedy for Beginners or the Bewildered, Saturday 1st March, 10am-4pm
Discover a 700 year old poem in the company of fellow inquistive readers as Jane Davis, Founder and Director of The Reader Organisation, takes us on an exhilarating journey through The Divine Comedy by Dante - one of humanity's greatest and most relatable works. No need to be daunted or any former experience needed - just your enthusiasm to read, together with others. Cost: £30 (including lunch)/£15 concessions; to book your place contact sophiejohnson@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 207 7207.

New groups
There's a range of new, free weekly shared reading groups for all ages starting at the Mansion House - come along and enjoy stories, poems, a biscuit and a cuppa and take some time for yourself. We have groups for carers and people with long-term health conditions to relax with a read, a group for the over 50s and a new tots and parents group all coming soon, ensuring it's never too early or late to start reading. Full details of all of our groups at Calderstones can be found on the 'Connect at Calderstones' section of our website.

There's also the small matter of our 48 hours of reading this Saturday 25th January and Sunday 26th January at Calderstones at our Impact48 weekend. We're looking to get Liverpool reading by bringing eager readers to the Mansion House to share their favourite poem or story on film, as well as collecting books to fill the shelves at Calderstones. Come along from 11.30am-4pm on Saturday and 11.30am-3pm on Sunday and read us something you love from anything lasting between 2 and 25 minutes long. Email bethpochin@thereader.org.uk for more information and to book your slot. Everyone is free to drop into the Mansion House during these times over the weekend to have a look around, chat with us, share a cuppa and experience the buzz of Calderstones in action.

As well as starting to build a City of Readers, we'll also be beginning to decorate our City of Readers office at Calderstones during the Impact48 weekend. If you're handy with a brush or know anyone who is, then you can help us out between 11am-1pm, 1-3pm or 3-5pm (or all three slots if you're feeling particularly creative) on Saturday 25th. No need for painting expertise, you just need to be willing to lend a hand. Interested? Contact bethpochin@thereader.org.uk.

Tons in store to keep you warm this Winter - we hope to connect with you at Calderstones very soon!