National Brewery Centre Calls for Victorian Household Items
Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, UK – 14th April 2010 – Ahead of the much-anticipated opening of the new National Brewery Centre on the 1st May 2010, the Burton attraction is on the lookout for Victorian household items that can be used as part of its educational work with groups of school children. Formerly the Bass Brewing Museum and more recently the Coors Visitor Centre, The National Brewery Centre is a world-class visitor attraction that tells the story of brewing, from its ancient origins through to when Burton revolutionised the way beer is brewed – bringing the story right up to the present day. Burton’s influence is still very-much in evidence and it has had a profound effect on brewing techniques throughout the world. Paula White, education manager, explained: “We have a fully-equipped classroom here and we work with all sectors of education, from infants and juniors through to colleges and universities – all dovetailing into the relevant parts of the National Curriculum.” ”As part of the work that we do with the younger children, we give them an insight into Victorian life - particularly from a child’s viewpoint. “We do this in a number of ways and this can include dressing up in children’s clothes from that era so that children can experience what it really felt like to be a child in Victorian times. We also have what’s known as a blanket dig – where we put a variety of Victorian household objects, toys and games under a large blanket and all of the children take turns at ‘digging’ under the blanket to retrieve one of the items. “We then talk about the item, which could, for example, be a lamp, an old teddy bear, a toy, etc. “The children discuss the history and science of the object, including the materials it’s made from, where it will have originated from and how it was used. They are encouraged to compare what contemporary objects would fulfil the same role and how they differ. “We open on the 1st May 2010 and a lot of the items that we have used in the past are worn out. We are calling on the public to donate any unwanted Victorian items that we could use for our blanket digs as they really help us tell the story of past times. We are also looking for a selection of wartime objects for a World War II visit we are planning in the future.” Paula went on to add that anyone with an item would firstly need to contact her to check its suitability, by telephoning 01283 532 880 or emailing education@nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk Besides the visitor attraction elements, the centre is also home to an unrivalled array of historical collections that relate to brewing. This includes an extensive archive of ledgers, books, photographs and film from the breweries that once occupied the site; a library containing brewing-related books and journals and objects that include paintings, ceramics, glass, bottles, cans, beer mats. When open later this month, the revitalised centre will contain the visitor attraction, a tour of the White Shield micro-brewery, beer tasting, Shire horses, a vintage vehicle collection, interactive exhibits and character performers in full period costume who will bring the history of brewing to life – alongside the latest in multi-media technology, including holograms. The site will also have a café, bars and a restaurant serving a high-quality ‘gastro-pub’ menu, including a special menu of ‘Beer Bites’ that are similar to Spanish Tapas – designed to be eaten alongside the special range of real ales on offer. Further details can be found at the website www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk ENDS Notes for News Desk: Planning Solutions Ltd Planning Solutions Ltd is privately-owned British company that specialises in the operation of leisure businesses, which includes the popular Conkers visitor attraction in the National Forest. Based in Hampshire, the company employs around 100 people and in the year ending 2009 had a turnover of approximately £4m. Founded by Mike Stickland, the Company’s Chairman, Planning Solutions can trace its history back to the Rank Group, where it was the former Rank Holidays and Hotels Developments division and was responsible for developing the Oasis Forest Holidays product which was acquired by Center Parcs. Its sister company, Planning Solutions Consulting Ltd, specialises in consultancy for the development and planning of all types of leisure, tourism and regeneration projects and works for clients throughout the world. More details can be found on the company’s website: www.pslplan.co.uk
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