Learn new crafts at the Shakespeare Houses

From Monday 17 – Friday 21 May The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is inviting as many adults as possible to try out a new skill or craft for free! The initiative forms part of Adult Learner’s Week, the UK’s largest and longest running learning campaign.

Held each May, it encourages thousands of adults, whatever their age and background, to give learning a go.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is offering free taster sessions showcasing some of the skills people can learn through volunteering at the Shakespeare Houses. Sessions are practical and informative, with experts and academics on hand to take people through the various skills and crafts. Whether you missed out on learning opportunities in the past or simply want to expand your horizons, now’s your chance to do something for yourself for free.

Three activities will take place during the week at New Place, The Shakespeare Centre and Mary Arden’s Farm. A conducted tour of ‘Dig for Shakespeare’ will take place at New Place at 10am on 18, 19 & 20 May. Learn about this exciting archaeological project, find out about opportunities that exist for volunteers and meet people already performing the range of tasks.

Adults can also learn about ancient crafts used in running a Tudor farm such as brewing, cooking, gardening, milking and looking after animals. Tours will take place at 2pm on 18, 19 & 20 May at Mary Arden’s Farm. The Shakespeare Centre is hosting a series of talks on ‘Collections care’, which will take place from 10am - 11am on 17, 20 & 21 of May. Find out about the conservation work and how it helps keep the collections in top condition.

Dr. Paul Edmondson, Head of Learning & Research at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said: “Adult Learners' week is a reminder of the range and variety of activities people can share and enjoy with us. I hope people will sign up to some of the free activities we are offering and try out something new. If people enjoy the sessions they can find out about how to get involved as a volunteer. Even if they do not have time for regular volunteering we would urge them to come along and find out about some of the work that goes on here”.

For full details of all the events and activities during Adult Learner’s Week, visit: shakespeare.org.uk