Craft Open Days

The museum regularly opens for craft open days when old and young can see and learn new skills.

Two craft open days were held at the Garvagh Museum and Heritage centre recently. Schools and community groups were given a taste of the rich heritage which is contained in its collection. They also had the opportunity to watch skilled crafts people demonstrate a range of fascinating activities. Spinning, basket weaving, lace making, stick making, wood turning and story telling all featured on the programme of activities. Feedback from those who came was extremely positive and many hope to plan a return visit with their groups in the near future. Funding permitting it is hoped to repeat the Open Days next season.

A new guide prepared by local collector and museum director, Wilbert Patterson to introduce the collection has just been published and is available at the museum. New leaflets are also available in local libraries and tourist offices. Any groups or schools interested in finding out more should contact the museum through the normal contact routes.

Craft Days for schools

Group of school pupils try their hands at basket weaving

Basket weaving demonstration

Explaining the process of carding wool in preparation for spinning

Simple spinning using a spindle

Showing samples of lace

Adult craft days

A community group learn the intricacies of lace making

The woodturner working on his lathe

Storytelling

Pupils are captivated as Maurice recounts another story