Belgrave Hall & Gardens Events guide 2016 Heritage Talks Family Fun Days Open Gardens visitleicester.info/museums
Welcome to Belgrave Hall & Gardens Join us at Belgrave Hall for a wonderful annual programme of events filled with family fun days, history talks, musical performances, food fairs and seasonal activities. This lovingly restored 18th-century former family home has retained much of its traditional architectural character including original period features and detailing. The hall was originally built between 1709 and 1713 by Edmund Cradock, a hosiery merchant. From 1767 to 1844 the Vann family lived here and ran a thriving hosiery business from the hall. John Ellis, a wealthy businessman famous for bringing the railways to Leicester in 1833 purchased the hall in 1845. The hall is surrounded by two acres of serene walled gardens, which change with each season. The gardens were an important aspect of the hall in Victorian times, a status symbol that showed the family s wealth. A marquee is erected beside the lawn during the summer months and is available for private hire. Over the years the house has been lived in, loved and altered to meet the changing needs of its owners. Today the hall is a superb venue for training days, private functions, corporate events and weddings. From April September the gardens are open every Wednesday and the first full weekend of the month, 11am 4.30pm. The hall is also open for Heritage Open Days and a programme of events. Guided tours may also be available. School and community groups are welcome. For more information call 0116 229 8181 or email belgrave.hall@leicester.gov.uk.
E V E N T S Open Gardens From April September, every Wednesday and the first full weekend of the month, 11am 4.30pm. Visitors are invited to take a stroll around the rock, water, woodland and formal gardens to discover the unusual plants and shrubs that grow here. Bring a picnic to enjoy, and garden games are provided. Eggstraordinary Easter Family Fun Day Wednesday 30 March, 11am 4pm Come and join our Easter bunny trail and storytelling session. You can say hello to gorgeous lambs, donkeys and miniature ponies and enjoy fun craft activities. 2.50 charge for children's craft activities. Car parking available. Victorian Fabric Samplers with Annie Kinchington Saturday 9 April, 11am - 1pm Victorians made samplers to show their skill and creativity with a needle. In this session you will make your own mini fabric sampler using various stitches no experience required. To book your place, contact the WEA on 0116 255 6614 or leicestershirebranch@wea.org.uk The Ellis Sisters of Belgrave Hall: Their Story by Cynthia Brown Wednesday 20 April, 11am 1pm Come and find out more about the inspirational lives of the seven Ellis sisters of Belgrave Hall. As well as their social, family and cultural activities they were actively involved in charitable, educational and political work. Love Food Hate Waste! Cookery Taster with Natasha Johnson- Richards Wednesday 27 April, 11am 1pm and 2pm 4pm The country throws away tons of food each year costing over 12bn. Learn how to turn your leftovers into delicious Victorian soups and other savoury and sweet dishes. Two different taster sessions provide hints, tips and recipes to show how leftovers can be turned into healthy meals. For more information visit www.lesswaste.org.uk To book your place, contact the WEA on 0116 255 6614 or leicestershirebranch@wea.org.uk All our events and activities have free admission unless otherwise stated.
Casual Poisoning in Victorian and Edwardian Leicester Wednesday 4 May, 11am 1pm Today we expect our homes to be safe but 100 years ago common poisons were used in the family home for decorations, colourings, food additives and medicines. Discover the dark secrets of their pantries and cupboards at this talk by Jonathan Ure. Victorian Lavender Hearts and Wands with Annie Kinchington Saturday 7 May, 11am - 1pm The Victorians used the sweet perfume of lavender to scent themselves and linens. In this session you will make your own lavender wand or heart using simple weaving and sewing techniques. Please note, event depends on the seasonal availability of lavender. To book your place, contact the WEA on 0116 255 6614 or leicestershirebranch@wea.org.uk Who Lived at Belgrave Hall? Wednesday 18 May, 11am 1pm Belgrave Hall was built in the early 18th-century, a family home described as a fine example of an early Residence in a delightful setting. Join local historian Cynthia Brown and learn about those who lived and worked at the hall including the Vann, Simon and Ellis families and their servants. Passport to Museums and Heritage: Family Launch Day Wednesday 1 June, 11am 4pm Get a taste of Leicester s museums and heritage in one location as we launch our fantastic new passport for children. Begin your journey at Belgrave Hall and collect small gifts and stamps in your passport as you visit our museums this summer and collect a certificate when you have visited them all! Car parking available. Self- Maid Men described by Jonathan Ure Wednesday 8 June, 11am 1pm This fascinating session will explore how working class women were depended upon and exploited by middle class (often nouveau-riche) men in Victorian times. Learn about the culture of being waited on from cradle to grave as well as the tragedy of nurse-maids and working class malnutrition. All our events and activities have free admission unless otherwise stated.
Family History Workshop with Kevin Brown Wednesday 8 June, 2pm 4pm Are you interested in family history? Discover new sources and methods being used to expand research with particular emphasis on historical context. Meet others researching into family history and share knowledge and ideas. To book your place, contact the WEA on 0116 255 6614 or leicestershirebranch@wea.org.uk Traditional Recipes Saturday 2 July, 11am 1pm Learn about popular foods in Victorian times, how foods were preserved by smoking, pickling or kept in cool basements. Join Natasha Johnson-Richards for a cooking demonstration using Belgrave Hall s home grown produce to make herb marinades, pickles and sauces. To book your place contact the WEA on 0116 255 6614 or leicestershirebranch@wea.org.uk Cooking with Garden Produce Saturday 2 July, 2pm 4pm Join Natasha Johnson-Richards for a cooking demonstration using Belgrave Hall s home grown produce to make fruit salad, fruit sauces and look at home-made jams. To book your place contact the WEA on 0116 255 6614 or leicestershirebranch@wea.org.uk Poetry from the time of the Ellis Sisters with Julia Pritchard Wednesday 6 July, 2pm 4pm Eliza Ellis has been described as having an intense love of true poetry. Come along to listen to the poetry loved by Victorian and Edwardian women and discover what the Ellis sisters might have been reading at home in Belgrave Hall. Indian Print and Embroidery Workshop: From Print to Stitch Wednesday 13 July, 11am 4pm Print on to fabric with hand-carved Indian print blocks, and then learn Indian embroidery techniques such as shisha mirror work to decorate your design, taking inspiration from the beautiful plants and flowers in the gardens. Workshop for adults. Tea and coffee will be provided, but please bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the gardens. Tickets 5, available through Belgrave Library (from 20 June). Pre-booking is recommended. All our events and activities have free admission unless otherwise stated.
Nature Day Wednesday 3 August, 11am 4pm Discover what grows in the gardens at Belgrave Hall. Have a go at pond dipping and search for our smallest inhabitants. 2.50 charge for children s craft activities. Car parking available. Acoustic Gardens II Saturday 13 August, 12noon 8pm Back by popular demand! See and hear the best singer-songwriters from the Midlands in the beautiful setting of Belgrave Hall Gardens. Bring a picnic, relax and listen to superb music. Check out our Facebook page for a list of performers. Entrance 3.50 per person and car parking is available. Pre booking is recommended and tickets are available to purchase from all of our museums and Visit Leicester. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day (subject to availability). Monsters, Witches and Villains Wednesday 17 August, 11am 4pm Dress up as your favourite monster, villain or witch and hop on your broomstick to fly down to Belgrave Hall. Listen to stories, make a monster mask, cast a spell and find out what gruesome, ghoulish terrors are lurking in the garden. 2.50 charge for children s craft activities. Car parking is available. Teddy Bears Picnic Wednesday 19 August, 11am 4pm Bring your favourite teddy down to the Belgrave Hall Teddy Bears Picnic. Take your picture with our giant bear and join in the garden trail, storytelling and craft activities. 2.50 charge for children s craft activities. Car parking available. Belgrave Summer Garden Party Wednesday 24 August, 11am 4pm Join us for our last event of the school holidays. Bring a picnic and enjoy garden games on the lawn, traditional English dancers and sideshows. Make a paper plane and enter competitions for the plane that travels the furthest, the best constructed and best decorated. 2.50 charge for children s craft activities. Car parking is available. Belgrave Village Show Saturday 3 September, 12noon 6pm 2016 sees the welcome return of the popular Belgrave Village Show. Visitors can watch slideshows, listen to music, play games and enjoy seeing the Leicester Morris Dancers perform. Local residents can exhibit their home grown produce, handicrafts and flowers, with competitions judged at 11am. Contact the hall for further details, rules and application form. Entrance 2.50 adults, 1 children and concessions. No family tickets. Car parking is available. Belgrave Hall acknowledges the assistance of the Workers Educational Association (WEA) in arranging some of these events. For more information visit leicesterwea.com.
Plant Remedies in Leicester described by Jonathan Ure Wednesday 7 September, 11am 1pm Explore common plant-based or natural treatments for common Victorian maladies. Learn about scientific developments arising from traditional remedies such as aspirin from willow-bark, as well as looking at customs like taking the waters in spa towns. Heritage Open Day: A Walking Tour of Belgrave Hall Saturday 10 September, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Local history talks - explore the rooms and corridors of Belgrave Hall and hear more about what we know about this remarkable 18thcentury former family home. Heritage Open Day: Discover Belgrave Hall and the Families who Lived Here Saturday 10 September, 12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm Learn how Belgrave Hall was modified by those who lived here over the centuries and about the remarkable local families who lived here from hosiery manufacturers to railway pioneers. Belgrave Hall Good Food Fair Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, 11am 5pm Showcasing organic food, drinks, preserves, cakes and snacks from local producers, sellers and restaurants. Enjoy food on-site or take home to enjoy later. Entrance 2.50 adults and free for children. No concessions. Car parking at Jelsons on Loughborough Road. Charles Dickens, Leicester and London by John Florance Wednesday 21 September, 11am 1pm Looking at aspects of Dickens life and work, when the fast-developing railway system allowed him to carry out tours and provide a compelling description of urban life in this country. Free admission, All our events and activities have free admission unless otherwise stated. A Traditional Christmas Saturday 10 December, 11am 5pm Enjoy a traditional Christmas at Belgrave Hall. Join in the carol singing, meet the reindeer, enjoy festive music, dancing and watch a fascinating magic lantern show. Café available. Entrance 3.50 adults and 2.50 children / concessions. Family ticket 8 (up to 2 adults/ 5 people). Car parking is available.
E V E N T S Eggstraordinary Easter Family Fun Day Wednesday 30 March, 11am 4pm Open Gardens From April September, every Wednesday and the first full weekend of the month, 11am 4.30pm Victorian Fabric Samplers with Annie Kinchington Saturday 9 April, 11am - 1pm The Ellis Sisters of Belgrave Hall: Their Story by Cynthia Brown Wednesday 20 April, 11am 1pm Love Food Hate Waste! Cookery Taster with Natasha Johnson- Richards Wednesday 27 April, 11am 1pm and 2pm 4pm Casual Poisoning in Victorian and Edwardian Leicester Wednesday 4 May, 11am 1pm Victorian Lavender Hearts and Wands with Annie Kinchington Saturday 7 May, 11am - 1pm Who Lived at Belgrave Hall? Wednesday 18 May, 11am 1pm Passport to Museums Family Launch Day Wednesday 1 June, 11am 4pm Self- Maid Men described by Jonathan Ure Wednesday 8 June, 11am 1pm Family History Workshop with Kevin Brown Wednesday 8 June, 2pm 4pm Traditional Recipes and Cooking with Garden Produce Saturday 2 July, 11am 1pm and 2pm 4pm Poetry from the time of the Ellis Sisters with Julia Pritchard Wednesday 6 July, 2pm 4pm Nature Day Wednesday 3 August, 11am 4pm Acoustic Gardens II Saturday 13 August, 12noon 8pm Monsters Witches and Villains Wednesday 17 August, 11am 4pm Belgrave Summer Garden Party Wednesday 24 August, 11am 4pm Belgrave Village Show Saturday 3 September, 12noon 6pm Plant Remedies in Leicester described by Jonathan Ure Wednesday 7 September, 11am 1pm Heritage Open Day: A Walking Tour of Belgrave Hall Saturday 10 September, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Heritage Open Day: Discover Belgrave Hall Saturday 10 September, 12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm The Belgrave Hall Good Food Fair Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, 11am 5pm Charles Dickens, Leicester and London explored by John Florance Wednesday 21 September, 11am 1pm A Traditional Christmas Saturday 10 December, 11am 5pm Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Leicester LE4 5PE E: belgrave.hall@leicester.gov.uk W: visitleicester.info/museums T: 0116 229 8181 @leicestermuseum /leicestermuseums Teddy Bears Picnic Wednesday 27 July, 11am 4pm