A winter's tale of medieval mysteries

Runcorn locals took a trip back in time on workshops aimed at reviving ancient winter traditions – and the results – a display of artwork, is on show in the local community centre.

Riverside Housing paid £1,300 towards the Winter’s Tale workshops, working with Four Estates, who encouraged local schools to get involved. Outreach staff from Runcorn’s Norton Priory medieval museum led the workshops for toddlers, teens and grandparents. Riverside spearheaded the workshops as part of its regeneration mission, improving people’s local history knowledge and providing social activities throughout the autumn and winter.

Locals took part in arts and crafts workshops based on themes ranging from Halloween to Bonfire night, picking up skills such as willow weaving, puppet crafting and making bird feeders.

Mark Browne is community initiatives officer at Riverside Housing. Mark said: “The art and craft work has been on display at Norton Priory for the last few weeks but we thought it would be a good idea to put it on show in Halton Brook for the whole community to see. Everyone that took part has thoroughly enjoyed his or her experience. And we hope to continue to work with Norton Priory on community initiatives in the future.”

Ancient folk tales, including spooky stories told in the medieval cellar at Norton Priory, and the origins of the green man – a pagan woodland creature and symbol of regeneration associated with the beginning of spring, captured the imagination of children and adults alike.

Claire Broadhurst from Norton Priory learning and community team added: “At this time of year cold and dark winter evenings can be a bit of a bore. Creating the exhibition with Halton Brook families has been an enjoyable highlight and a great opportunity for people to get together and be creative.”

Children enjoyed willow weaving so much that they have requested more sessions – to be funded by Riverside Housing.