Join us for a delightful morning of creativity at our next Cappuccino & Casual Crafts session! Get inspired by our current exhibition, "The Sheep Ate Up The Fairies," as you learn decoupage techniques to transform a glass vase with beautiful folk-themed designs. These relaxed craft mornings are held in our comfortable picnic area, designed for a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere. Your ticket includes all materials and your choice of a delicious cappuccino, latte, or tea to fuel your creativity. Come relax, craft, and connect!

Cappuccino & Casual Crafts: Needle Felted Nature Scene Join us for our next Cappuccino & Casual Crafts morning and immerse yourself in the art of needle felting! In this relaxing session, you'll create a beautiful needle felted nature scene, inspired by the natural world around us. This unique piece will be perfectly sized to mount on a card or display in a small frame, making it a wonderful keepsake or gift. Our craft sessions are held in the comfortable and relaxed setting of our picnic area. Perfect for beginners and adults aged 16+. Your ticket includes all the fleece and equipment you'll need, plus your choice of a delicious cappuccino, latte, or tea. Come unwind, get creative, and take home a piece of handmade art!

Craving a creative escape? Join us for another delightful Cappuccino and Casual Crafts morning! In this relaxed workshop, you'll get to sculpt your very own air-dry clay tealight holder. It's the perfect way to unwind in our comfy picnic area, surrounded by a laid-back crafting atmosphere. Your ticket includes everything you need: all materials for your beautiful tealight holder, an electric tealight to go inside, and your choice of a delicious cappuccino, latte, or a comforting cup of tea. Please note: For safety, these handmade holders are designed for electric tealights only, as air-dry clay is flammable. This workshop is ideal for beginners and open to all adults aged 16 and over. Come relax and get crafty with us!

Join us for another delightful Cappuccino and Casual Crafts morning, where you'll explore the magical world of printmaking! In this relaxed session, held in our comfortable picnic area, you'll create a mystical-themed print using easy-to-learn polyprinting techniques. It's the perfect way to unwind and unleash your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Your ticket includes all materials needed to craft your unique print, plus your choice of a delicious cappuccino, latte, or a comforting cup of tea. This workshop is suitable for beginners and open to adults aged 16 and over. Come discover the joy of printmaking with us!

Our new series of Afternoon Arts workshops for ages 12+ explores different approaches and techniques to creating 2D and 3D artworks. This series of workshops cover abstract art, Pen & Ink, clay, Life Drawing, screen printing and Landascapes. Workshop 1: Abstract Art - Using the medium of acrylic and the inspiration of abstract art, well explore the use of colour to create different moods and effects. Workshop 2: Pen & Ink -An introduction to the technique of creating images using pen and ink. Includes the use of ink, pens and biros! Workshop 3: Mythical Creatures in Clay - Using this years museum exhibition theme of folklore, we thought it would be great to create a mythical creature in clay. To allow more time we have split this session over two consecutive days, and have charged this as pay for one day and get the second free! Workshop 4: Life Drawing - Explore the human form and how to draw a person. Model will be clothed! Workshop 5: Pop Art Screen Printing - Taking inspiration from the Pop Art movement, well use the screen-printing technique to create a t-shirt. This session will be slightly longer to allow for the use of two colours in the printing. 4-6.30pm. There will be a small charge to cover the cost of the t-shirt. Workshop 6: Landscapes - For this session we will be out on location (most likely at the town park) with a variety of media to enjoy creating in the outdoors. This session will be slightly longer and run from 4pm-6.30pm and subject to good weather. Therell be an indoor option if its raining! The workshop cost includes all materials and resources excluding the t-shirt for workshop 6, however, you are very welcome to bring your own sketchbooks and artists materials. You are welcome to accompany your child if they are a little lacking in confidence.

Your First Stitch & Beyond: Introduction to Crochet Ready to discover the relaxing and rewarding world of crochet? Our Introduction to Crochet workshop is the perfect starting point! Whether you've never picked up a hook or it's been years since you last crocheted, this session is tailored for you. We'll cover everything you need to know to get started, including: Holding your hook and yarn with ease Mastering the essential chain, double crochet, and treble stitches Understanding basic pattern reading Learning how to turn your work for neat rows By the end of this workshop, you'll have the foundational skills and confidence to begin your very own crochet creations! Crochet hooks and yarn will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have some - double knit yarn and 3.5mm or 4mm hook. The places are limited to allow all students to benefit from tuition. Tea and coffee will be provided. This workshop is aimed at 14 years old plus though we have been known to include younger attendees on a case-by-case basis - please contact Hannah at [email protected] if you have any questions

Dive into the fun of crafting with our interactive workshop where you and your child will learn to make beautiful bath bombs and bath melts from scratch! This beginner-friendly session is perfect for a memorable day out together. You'll get to unleash your creativity, choosing from a vibrant array of colours and delightful scents to customize your creations. By the end of the workshop, you'll have two unique bath bombs and four luxurious bath melts to take home. They're perfect for a relaxing soak or as thoughtful, handmade gifts! This workshop is designed for children aged 7 and over, and each child must be accompanied by one guardian. The price covers both one adult and one child.

Folklore & Felting: An Evening of Needle Art Join us for a magical evening of folklore needle felting, uniquely inspired by our captivating folklore exhibition, 'The Sheep Ate Up The Fairies'! Led by our very own talented Nikki Ritson, this workshop offers a chance to create your own piece of felted art. Your ticket includes all necessary materials and refreshments to fuel your creativity. Important Venue Information: Please note that The Shires shopping centre closes its doors at 6:00 PM. To ensure you don't miss out, please arrive before 6:00 PM as we regret we cannot offer refunds for late arrivals who are unable to gain entry.

Curious about the art of hand weaving or ready to pick up a new craft? This taster day is the perfect introduction! You'll dive into the basics of hand weaving, learning essential techniques like setting up a loom (putting on a warp). By the end of the day, you'll have created your very own woven sample to take home, a tangible start to your weaving journey. This workshop is ideal for complete beginners or anyone with just a basic knowledge of weaving. Come discover the satisfying world of textiles with us!

Its the summer holidays and its t-shirt weather (possibly), which can only mean one thing Tie Dye T Shirts are back!!! Join us for a day of folding, scrunching, twisting and tying as we dunk, dip and squirt to make amazing and unique Tie-Dye T-Shirts. 4.50 per child and includes T-shirt. Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 8 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

Create a cyanotype photograph and a decorative frame to display your artwork. Bring along your own leaves, flowers, and feathers, etc., to create your own unique image. Please note the different timings of the sessions. Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 5 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

Release your inner aeronaut with our exciting origami craft sessions. In the morningwell be making a squadron of simple aeroplanes (suitable for ages 5+), whilst in the afternoonthings get more challenging when we make a realistic jet fighter with an elastic band-powered launcher(suitable for ages 8+). Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 5 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

Take 4 boxes of scrap materials, several large piles of cardboard, a few metres of tape, the odd squirt or two of glue and oodles of imagination and youve got an amazing, possibly enormous, probably a little precarious, Junk Model of your own. No theme, come and make whatever you like! Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 5 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

More mechanical engineering today with a simple, but very effective Gymnast Automaton. Using scrap cardboard, paper straws and a wooden dowel and decorated in a fancy leotard (maybe even glitter! oooh!) your finished gymnast will tumble and spin all day long. Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 5 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

Our final holiday craft of the summer is a nice, simple hot air balloon design decorated using woven ribbons. Simply add a wicker basket for the crew, a stick to dangle the balloon from and your balloon can sail away into the sunset. Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 5 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

Weave got a lovely craft to start the final week, as we make wonderful, woven tropical fish using wool. The finished fish is very impressive and rather sweet, but it is a little more challenging so suitable for ages 8. Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 8 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

More animated animals today as we make flying creatures that flap furiously. Well be making birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and maybe even a Pterosaur. Please note that the minimum age for the activity is 5 years old - we can usually accommodate under 5s, we have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied but they will not be able to complete the activity. Large child-minding groups (6 or more children) please call in advance. Our workshops are very popular. If you do book and can't attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reissue the tickets, Thanks!

Wiltshire Folklore A fascinating look at the development and evolution of folklore, with examples of Wiltshire myths, tales and remedies. This talk includes a look at the origins and reasons for folklore and tales with examples from around the county, and a run through folklore in each season. This talk is presented by Julie Davis, Archives & Local Studies Lead (Development, Wellbeing and Local Studies) at Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre

For an enthralling journey into the spectral, we'll delve into the fascinating history of English poltergeists. Drawing directly from his newly published book, The Rise of the English Poltergeist, our speaker will illuminate how these boisterous spirits have manifested through the centuries. The talk will spotlight a renowned local incident from the Selwood/Wiltshire area, alongside other famous historical cases, offering a chilling and insightful look at these often-mischievous entities and their place in our past. Dr Andrew Pickering who has lived in Selwood Forest for over 30 years, initially in Frome and more recently in Bruton. He is a University of Plymouth associate lecturer and the author of a wide range of papers and books including The Witches of Selwood: Witchcraft Belief and Accusation in Seventeenth-Century Somerset (The Hobnob Press, 2023). He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Chairman of the Bruton Museum Society.

Prepare to be captivated by the powerful and poignant story of Thomas Helliker, often known as the Trowbridge Martyr. In an age of industrial upheaval and fierce labor disputes, Thomas, a young man barely out of boyhood, found himself caught in the crosshairs of powerful, wealthy clothiers. Accused of the dramatic act of setting fire to Littleton Mill, Thomas's fate was sealed amidst the heated conflict between the Shearmen and their employers over the relentless march of new machinery. His journey from accusation to execution is a gripping and heartbreaking account. Join Rosie MacGregor, a renowned local historian and a dedicated member of the White Horse Trades Union Council, as she brings Thomas's short, impactful life to vivid detail. Discover the events that led to his trial in Salisbury and his ultimate, tragic end hanged on his 19th birthday at Fisherton Gaol.

This talk explores "The Witches of Selwood", which plunges into the dark heart of 17th-century witchcraft in the ancient Selwood Forest, a region notorious for its supernatural tales across Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset. Unearthing long-forgotten cases, including a chilling 1689 incident in Beckington, Pickering reveals how local fears intertwined with broader demonological beliefs, offering a gripping look at this extraordinary chapter in social history. Dr Andrew Pickering who has lived in Selwood Forest for over 30 years, initially in Frome and more recently in Bruton. He is a University of Plymouth associate lecturer and the author of a wide range of papers and books including The Witches of Selwood: Witchcraft Belief and Accusation in Seventeenth-Century Somerset (The Hobnob Press, 2023). He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Chairman of the Bruton Museum Society.

This ticket is for all four talks taking place on our History Highlights conference. For details of the specific talks please go to the individual listings. Andrew Pickering, Selwood Witches 10.30-11.15am Andrew Pickering, The Rise of the English Poltergeist 11:45am- 12.30pm Lunch Break Rosie Macgregor, Thomas Helliker 1.30- 2.30pm Julie Davis, Wiltshire Folklore 3.00-4.00pm

When Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Trowbridge, like every other town, city and village in the country was put on a war footing. On this walk we trace the stories, people and locations and find out the part Trowbridge played in the defeat of Hitler.