Heritage Open Days return this September. Brought to you by the National Trust and supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Run by thousands of small local organisations and volunteers, Heritage Open Days gives everyone free access to experiences and events across England. This year HOD’s honour the English inventions and innovations we simply can’t live without. Each year, places right across the country throw open their doors and give people the chance to see hidden places and try new experiences for free. Many events will adopt this year’s theme ... Astounding Inventions. Alongside stories of wonders, the festival will also highlight some of the blunders, fads and outright failures that pepper England’s rich history of innovation. Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager says: ‘We’re thrilled to be focusing on inventions for this year’s festival, as they offer such an exciting lens for examining heritage. From the humble chocolate bar to the WorldWide Web, England has an incredibly diverse history of innovation and discovery.We wanted to celebrate this by sharing stories from across the regions to really showcase the ingenuity and hard work behind them. Once again, we’re very excited to see what our community put together!” Events registered so far include: Tilehurst Bell Ringing, Reading, Berkshire - celebrating the great British invention of church bell change-ringing, The British Lawnmower Museum, Southport, Lancashire - At the cutting edge - the astounding invention of the lawnmower. The History of Gas - Beverley, North Yorkshire - Internationally acclaimed historian of gas, Professor Russell Thomas, will present for a talk on the origins and development of the industry. Great Linford Manor Park, Milton Keynes, Berkshire - Learn more about its fascinating history, including at the time of the Industrial Revolution and the coming of the Grand Union Canal. British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum - London From rare pre-war radios to the television sets you might recall seeing at your grandparents’ house. Last year more than 44,000 local organisers and volunteers ran 4,000 events across the country. Festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area (80%) and felt events were a great way to bring communities together (70%). Every Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission. , HERITAGE OPEN DAYS CELEBRATES ASTOUNDING INVENTIONS For further information and to register your event visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk. Raring2go! Heritage Open Days 12 raring2go.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDA0NjA=