Latest news with #BeaconMuseum
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Giant Soft Bricks Playland coming to Whitehaven this summer
The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is inviting families to discover a new play experience this summer. The museum will host Giant Soft Bricks Playland from June 21 to September 14, transforming its Harbour Gallery into a "colourful indoor playground" for children aged six months to eight years old. Packed with hundreds of giant foam bricks, the experience is designed to offer kids the chance to build, and explore. Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for vibrant and healthy places at Cumberland Council, said: "Giant Soft Bricks Playland is a wonderful addition to The Beacon Museum's summer programme, offering something truly special for local families and visitors alike. "It's great to see spaces like this being used in creative ways that bring joy, encourage learning, and make Cumberland a destination for fun, family-friendly experiences." Children can build and explore castles, wander through rainbow caves and enjoy sliding down a giant inflatable slide. The playland also features trampolines, a foam brick house, mega blocks, and puzzles. Sessions last one hour and run throughout the day at 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm, and 3pm. Each session costs £5 per child and is priced separate from museum admission. Families who only want to visit the playland do not need to purchase a museum ticket. Heather Holmes, customer and visitor experience manager at The Beacon Museum, said: "We are transforming how our younger visitors experience The Beacon Museum – using our gallery space in a bold, unexpected way to spark curiosity and fun at every turn." With the aim of ensuring a safe and consistent experience, the playland will be cleaned and reset between each session. Advance booking is recommended, and can be made through the Beacon Museum's website. Walk-ins will be limited and cancellations require at least 48 hours' notice. The playland is also available for parties, with a package for £130 that includes a one-hour play session for up to 20 children, followed by 30 minutes in the Portal room for food and cake. Full payment is required at the time of booking. To reserve a session or find out more, visit the Beacon Museum website.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Students explore Whitehaven's history through 'Street Life' project
Mayfield School students have been delving into Whitehaven's history as part of the 'Street Life' project. The initiative, in collaboration with the Beacon Museum, allowed the KS4 students to explore the historical influences behind the town's street names. Under the guidance of Alan Gillon, the Beacon's learning and exhibition engagement manager, the students researched how historical events, industrial growth, and cultural shifts shaped the names of Whitehaven's streets. The project offered a practical, visual approach to learning about the town's past. By examining artefacts, historical sites, and industrial landmarks, the students gained a deeper understanding of Whitehaven's evolution. This hands-on experience sparked discussions and a 'greater appreciation' for the town's history, while also providing the students with work experience as they took on the role of tour guides. Through research and public speaking, they presented their findings, with the goal of building confidence and improving their social interaction skills. The project also included a creative element, where the students produced pop art representations of images from Whitehaven's past using felt tips and newspapers. The students also collaborated on constructing a 3D model of Whitehaven Harbour, recreating artefacts from the town's industrial history. These artefacts were arranged within a timeline, highlighting the harbour's role in the region's economy through its import and export activities. The project finished with an exhibition at the Beacon, where the community had the opportunity to view the students' work. In addition to exploring local history, students developed work experience by taking on the role of tour guides (Image: Supplied) Mr Gillon said: "The Street Life project has been invaluable for the KS4 pupils' development. "I am so proud of what they have all achieved over the past three months. "Working in partnership with Mayfield School and Lynn Kelly has demonstrated the strengths of community engagement. "The exhibition which the pupils have created is fantastic and their individual development as tour guides has been overwhelming. "This has been a brilliant and rewarding journey for everyone involved." Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "It's wonderful to see the students of Mayfield School working alongside the Beacon Museum to explore Whitehaven's rich heritage in such a creative and hands-on way. "The students have not only deepened their understanding of Whitehaven's rich history but also gained practical skills that will serve them well in the future. "I commend everyone involved in making the Street Life project such a success."
