YOUNGSTERS visiting a Northwich museum will be able to get their hands on a host of replica Viking and Saxon objects.
The Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse has bought more than 100 items, including jewellery, gaming pieces, musical instruments, swords, spears and an ash bow.
The items were offered for sale by a long-serving member of the museum’s award-winning education team, who has kindly allowed them to be used for many years.
Purchasing the items was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse group.
Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I am very grateful to the Friends of Weaver Hall for their generous donation.
This will enable children from west Cheshire and beyond to experience history first hand by handling these objects and learning about the heritage of the local area.
“Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse is a wonderful museum and a terrific place to visit, in addition to the museum it is also the temporary home for Northwich Library as repairs are carried out to the library building.”
Thee items are the basis for the museum's Viking and Saxon sessions, which are among the most popular held there.
Pupils taking part in the sessions investigate an ancient burial and spend time with a costumed character who shows them around their homestead and introduces everyday items used for cooking and hunting.
Dr John Glaister, chairman of The Friends of Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse group, added: “Thanks to the support of our members, the Friends are delighted to purchase for the museum a large range of artefacts to further the education programme for the many school children who visit Weaver Hall every year.”
The Friends of Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse arrange monthly talks and film screenings for its members. For further information or to become a member of the Friends group please visit: fowhm.org.uk.
To find out about sessions for schools at Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse contact: helene.murphy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 5pm.
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