Event - Ancient fossil is star of exhibition (Creswell Crags)

HISTORIC Cresswell Crags is hosting a ‘groundbreaking’ new temporary exhibition this spring – focusing on a giant prehistoric dragonfly discovered nearby.

The specimen was found underground at the old Bolsover Colliery more than 30 years ago and is being loaned for display at the crags by the Natural History Museum.

Known locally as ‘The Beast of Bolsover’ the dragonfly had a wingspan of over 20cm and belongs to the now-extinct variety of dragonflies known as ‘Protodonata.’

The fossil dates back to the Carboniferous Period and would have been flying around 300 million years ago.

For the first time in over 20 years, this nationally important geological specimen returns to the region and is being celebrated in a series of events and exhibitions at Creswell Crags.

In 1978, two miners working in Bolsover’s Colliery discovered a fossil of the oldest dragonfly known in the United Kingdom. Creswell Crags are now looking for people to come forward with any information to help tell the story of its discovery in an exhibition that will launch in April.

Contact Cresswell Crags project officer, Rebecca Clay, by calling 01909 720378 or emailing Rebecca.clay@creswell-crags.org.uk.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/ancient_fossil_is_star_of_exhibition_1_4036274

Event - Wollaton Hall in Nottingham – Steaming Sundays and Daily Tours

Wollaton Hall is a Grade 1 Listed Elizabethan Mansion, it stands on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre and is surrounded by five hundred acres of gardens and parkland. 

Following a major programme of restoration visitors of all ages are very welcome to visit the hall and park.  In addition to the magnificent hall, and its grounds, visitors to Wollaton Hall will also find Nottingham’s Natural History Museum  and Industrial Museum, (open the last Sunday of each month), and the Yard Gallery, (open for special events).

The Hall and park are open daily throughout the year, (apart from 24-26 December and 1 January), admission is free to the Hall, park and museum, although there is a £2 car parking charge.  The Hall is open from 11 am to 4 pm November to March, and 11 am to 5 pm April to October.  For details of park opening times please visit www.wollatonhall.org.uk .

The Industrial museum is only open on the last Sunday of each month when The Arkwright Society hold ‘Steaming Sundays’, experience the golden age of steam as you witness early combustion engines working.  Admittance to ‘Steaming Sundays’ costs £1 for adults, children free.  The next ‘Steaming Sunday’ event will take place on 27th February.

45-minute guided tours of Wollaton Hall take place each day, costing £2.50 for adults, (concessions available).  Join the experienced guides to find out all the stories of Wollaton Hall’s fascinating history.

Weekdays:

11.30 am – Hall and Prospect Room

2.30 pm – Kitchen and Admirals Bath

Weekends:

11.30 am – Hall and Prospect Room

2.00 pm – Kitchen and Admirals Bath

3.00 pm – Hall and Prospect Room

Wollaton Hall has a stylish café, serving a range of hot and cold refreshments.  There is a shop, situated in the courtyard stables, selling a range of souvenirs, books, crafts and gifts.

For further information see www.wollatonhall.org.uk or telephone 0115 915 3900.

 

From http://www.guide2nottingham.com/news/714/Events-at-Wollaton-Hall-in-Nottingham--Steaming-Sundays-and-Daily-Tours