Medieval tile making

One of the several very successful activities organised in the park over Easter by the rangers and others was medieval tile making. There were two sessions on Thursday 24th April, both of which were full, and everyone enjoyed the experience - both the children and the accompanying adults. Many thanks to Karen Slade who ran both the sessions.

Some more pictures from the event will appear on the new web page "Art in the Park" - when I get round to producing it!

Volunteer gardening team

Park Ranger Mark with two members of the Saturday volunteer gardening team in Priory Park.

Easter bunnies

I went to the Pavilion today to photograph some of the paintings of the park for the 'Art in the Park' web page I'm working on. The weather was wonderful, and I have never seen more people enjoying the park except when there is a special event on, and the Pavilion was full of children obviously enjoying one of the many Easter Holiday activities. The organisers are to be congratulated for running such a popular event - in fact they were expecting to have to run it a second (unplanned) time later in the day as it was very over-subscribed! The theme was 'Easter bunny crafts' - not what I had intended to photograph, but I already planned to include a section in the new web page on recent art and craft activities, so this fitted in very well with that.

There are several more special events over the Easter Holiday, including 'Herb collection in a pot', 'Edible planting pots', an 'All new Easter egg hunt', 'Fun with fish', 'Knights and dragons' on St George's day, and 'Medieval tile making' (not limited to children!). You should be able to find more information on these other events elsewhere on the web site - we hope to see you at some (or all) of them.

Thanks again to all those involved in running what seemed to be a hugely successful event.

Wildflowers in the Park

These snakes head fritillaries are in flower in the park at present. They are quire rare nowadays, so it is a real privilege to have some here in the park.  They flowered for the first time last year, but are much more impressive this year. Enjoy them as they are, and please try to avoid damaging them - they should be there to be enjoyed by all.

Easter activities in the park

There are lots of activities organised by the Park Rangers going on in the park over the Easter period. Here is a list, kindly supplied by Lydia, the Senior Park Ranger.

Easter bunny crafts

Tuesday 15 April, 1.30-3pm

Come and join us for this Easter bunny themed session where we will be making a variety of art and craft items for you to take home.

Herb Collection in a pot

Wednesday 16 April, 1-2.30pm

Potting workshop of plug plants for all the family to get involved. Pots will be provided and you can bring* a small container from home to pot up. Egg prize given for the best. Suitable for children of all ages. This session is run by Growing Opportunities – Ideal for all.

All new Easter egg hunt

Thursday 17 April, 10.30am-12pm

The rangers have devised an all new egg-citing Easter egg hunt around the park for the whole family to join in.

Edible planting pots

Tuesday 22 April, 1-2.30pm

Potting workshop of plug plants for all the family to get involved. Pots will be provided and you can bring a small container from home to pot up. Egg prize given for the best. Suitable for children of all ages. This session is run by Growing Opportunities – Ideal for all. *Visit their Facebook for ideas on containers.

Knights and dragons

Wednesday 23 April, 10.30am-12noon

Today is St Georges Day so what better way to celebrate with a variety of knight and dragon themed crafts and activities to keep the children entertained. 

Fun with fish

Saturday 19 April, 2-3.30pm

This art and craft session is themed around fish and fishing. Come and make yourself a model fish and also learn to use a rod and line.

Medieval tile making

Thursday 24 April, 11am-12.30pm  and 1.30-3pm

Our medieval tile expert Karen Slade will be here to run these two tiles making sessions for families. You will get to make your own tile to take home and also learn a little about the history of the medieval tiles found in Priory Park. Open to all ages. Booking is essential on 01384-812474.