We’ve mixed things up a bit – combining refreshments with the school museum experience!
We think it’s pretty unique and we are grateful for the support of the Humber Museums Partnership.
And we’re really proud our efforts have been recognised with a “Volunteers for Museum Learning” award by the Marsh Charitable Trust in conjunction with the British Museum. Click here for more details.
The project aimed at encouraging people who might appreciate a little conversation or perhaps they live alone or find getting out and about more of a challenge than it used to be.
Getting everyone chatting was at the heart of it – and to help get conversations going we looked through our store to find some interesting things that rarely get displayed, and have boxed them up for visitors to unpack and chat about.
Since the project started we’ve gone on to even better things – our Chatty Cafe has brought folk together to meet share memories.
If you’d like to know more, click on the YouTube link to watch the video about our project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgtLH1xw41U&list=PL6l5lP4YK8jSto127N0YPaTZfxQCdm0hQ&index=6
Or click here for a summary: Wilderspin Memory Cafe Project Case Study
While the Museum is only open one day a month during the winter we’ve suspended our regular Chatty Cafe sessions but we are busy planning other things during the closed period as part of the Barton Heritage Project.
Please get in touch by phone (01652) 635172 or email (wilderspinschoolmuseum@gmail.com) if you, someone you know, or a group you’re involved with might like to get involved.
Friends & Family
Buy your tea or coffee and more from The Old School Canteen then relax on the School Staffroom sofa in our Reminiscence Classroom.
Delve into a Memory Box of things from our store and unpack those childhood memories at the Chatty Table or take a box through into the coffee shop.
Treat an older person to a birthday afternoon tea – the Chatty Table can be booked on Thursdays and Fridays, and some weekends, by phoning The Old School Canteen on (01652) 636053, or you can phone / email the museum office and we’ll get back to you.
Sharing Memories
If you or someone you know would enjoy a chance to come to the museum and swap stories with others about the past over “a cuppa” we’re scheduling some regular drop-in sessons. Details are just being worked out but we’ll post them here very soon.
Learning Together
One of our first events this summer was with residents from Beech House care home in Barton and children from Barton St. Peter’s Primary School. They swapped stories with each other and had a great time.
If you are a carer or know of a group or someone who would love to meet and chat with youngsters please get in touch so we can arrange it.
Show & Tell
Apart from talking about the past we’ve also got a table for crafters, collectors and hobbyists for pop-up displays, demonstrations and sales.
There’s no charge – and the table can be borrowed for a morning, afternoon, day or weekend.
Just so long as it’s a talking point!
Get in touch if you’d like to “set up your stall” in the Chatty Café – on (01652) 635172.
