September - December 2014

What’s OnCalderstones Mansion

Get in Touch

Visit our website: www.thereader.org.ukEmail: calderstones@thereader.org.ukPhone: 0151 729 2200

Follow us on Twitter: @thereaderorg & @caldiesmansion Follow us on Facebook: /thereaderorg & /calderstonesmansion

Sign up to our mailing list by emailing: calderstones@thereader.org.uk

The Reader Organisation Calderstones Mansion, Calderstones Park Liverpool L18 3JB

© Davis Jones (Front / Inside Cover)

Welcome to the Autumn/ Winter guide for Calderstones Mansion House. We hope you’ll enjoy the variety of events we have lined up to bring this great building to life. As ever, the purpose of our being here is to support the work of The Reader Organisation, a national charity aiming to bring about a Reading Revolution connecting people and communities through shared reading of great literature.

Our aim is to turn Calderstones Mansion into the International Centre for Reading and Wellbeing. It’s a big task, but we’re excited to be making a start. If you’d like to know more about what we do or are keen to support us then feel free to contact us - there are plenty of contacts to choose from throughout this booklet; and we’d certainly love to hear from you. If you haven’t had a taste of shared reading yet – please do! Our doors are always open to anyone wanting to take part in our groups – there’s no pressure to read aloud, you can simply enjoy being read to. We have groups for all ages and the days and times are now at your fingertips… Autumn and Winter are creeping in and we hope our events compliment the changing seasons with something for everyone. Whether you’re a serious reader and fancy a day delving into one of our short courses, a (very) brave ghost hunter spending the night at our Halloween ghost hunt, or gleefully counting down to the Christmas festivities with visits from Santa and local choirs carolling through the house. There are plenty more events to enjoy and some particularly good heritage days if you’d like to know a little more about the house itself.

Most of all I’d encourage you to come on in and talk to us – we want to spread the word about the work we do and to welcome you into our home here.

JaneDr Jane Davis MBE,Director and Founder

“Come in, come in! and know me better, man! I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Look upon me! You have never seen the like of me before!” - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

House Tours10:30am every Monday1:30pm every ThursdayCost £3 – Tours last approximately 1 Hour

Now we’ve told you a bit about what we do - come and see where we are! Join our Heritage Stories Maker Richard for tours of The Mansion House every Monday and Thursday. Tour numbers are limited and pre-booking is advised.

Heritage Open DaysThursday 11th – 14th September10:30am & 1:30pm daily

Celebrate the history of our beautiful building with free tours of the House and surrounding park each day at 10.30am and 1.30pm culminating in our very own 1940s Tea Dance.

1940’s Tea DanceSunday 14th September 1pm – 5pm Free Entry

Re-live a 40’s Holiday at Home. In the 1940s the Mansion House became a community hub for war-weary public to let their hair down. Entry is free, swing dance taster sessions, 1940s - style live music and a selection of teas, coffees, cakes and sandwiches will be availa-ble to purchase.

Heritage WalksCalderstones Time WalkSunday 5th October1pm – 2:30pmCost £5

Join local environmental historian Ken Sloan for this interactive time walk around Calderstones Park, entering the vestibule of the Stones and connecting with Liverpool’s oldest heritage monuments.

Calderstones to CunardSaturday 15th November1pm – 2:30pm Cost £5

Join Richard as he takes you on a fantastic journey through the history of Calderstones Park, from the Stones themselves through to Liverpool Shipping magnate Charles Maclver.

For more information on any of our heritage offerings contact Richard Macdonald on: 0151 729 2200 or email richardmacdonald@thereader.org.uk

Historical Calderstones

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Special Eventsat Calderstones

North West Conker ChampionshipSaturday 4th October10am - 4pmEntry Fee: £4 adults / £2.50 child & concession / Spectator: Free

They came, they saw – they conkered! Join us at the Mansion House for our newly launched North West Conker Championship! If you’ve always wanted a gold medal but haven’t quite managed to get to the Olympics, this is your chance to join us and reign victorious. Bring along your conkers and face the competition for a great fun filled day with some brilliant prizes…

Liverpool Irish Festival at the Mansion HouseTuesday 28th October1pm - 2:30pm£4 per child (for ages 5-10)

Celebrate Liverpool’s Irish Festival by coming along to Calderstones Mansion for a special Celtic story session. For the bravest readers among you, we will be jumping into fantasy worlds filled with giants, monsters and untold terror, created by your favourite Irish authors. We will then finish the session with a gruesome Monster Making Workshop, where we will be making models and masks. Find out about availability and booking at: http://www.thereader.org.uk/eventsFor more Information contact Abigail Leader:abigailleader@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200

Weekly Shared Reading Groups for Adults

MONDAY10:00am - 11:30amBook at Breakfast

Start the week with Beth and a hearty breakfast of stories, poems and discussion, along with a generous helping of tea and crumpets.

WEDNESDAY10:00am - 11:30amBook at Breakfast

Join Siobhan for the second breakfast shared reading session of the week, delving into some fantastic short stories and poems.

1:00pm - 2:30pmBook A Break(for people with a long term health condition)

Take some time for yourself and relax with a cup of tea and some great stories. Each week we’ll have a chat while sharing stories in a friendly informal group.

3:00pm - 4:30pmTime To Unwind(For carers and those they care for)

Take some time for yourself and escape into a book with our reading group. Whether you come alone or with someone you care for, this group is a place for you to relax and unwind.

6:00pm - 7:30pmTime for Me

The perfect end to a busy day. Read aloud or listen as the group explores a wide range of literature, from classic novels to modern poetry.

THURSDAY1:00pm - 2:30pmRelax With a Book(For Over 50’s)

Whether you’re a bookworm or a reluctant reader, this group is for you. Come along to share stories and poems over a cup of tea.

FRIDAY10:00am - 11:30amFriday Morning Reading group

Join Jane Davis for this Friday morning, shared reading session currently reading Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens. All welcome.

2:00pm - 4:00pmFamily Matters

Join Esther for this weekly shared reading group and enjoy some literary greats, all exploring the idea of family.

There is no need to book on to any of our adult groups - just come and join us! Our shared reading groups for adults are free but donations are welcome.

Weekly Shared Reading Groups for Children and Young People

TUESDAY4:00pm - 5:30pmThe Book Thieves(Age 10+)

Explore some explosive stories and get creative with crafts at this weekly group for older and teenage readers.

THURSDAY3:45pm - 4:45pmCaldies Explorers(Age 5 - 10)

Join Siobhan in this after school reading session. Explore new books, make adventurous crafts, and have lots of fun!

FRIDAY10:00am - 11:00amTiny Reads(Under 5’s and parents/carers)

An hour of picture books, fairy tales, rhymes and songs to entertain the little ones - and you!

SATURDAY10:00am - 11:30amCaldies Creatives(Age 7 - 12)

Packed with the funniest stories, thought provoking poems and tons of crafts and games, our shared reading groups for children and young people are full of energy and excitement.

A suggested donation of £2 covers craft materials for each event

A suggested donation of £2 covers craft materials for each event

For more information on any of the reading groups call 0151 729 2200 or contact siobhanmealey@thereader.org.uk

Read to Re-charge Led by Clare EllisSaturday 20th September10am - 4pm£30 (£15 concessions)

The summer holidays may feel a million miles away, but there’s always a haven for you to retreat to here at Calderstones! Sink into the luxury of a day of reading for pleasure, reading for relaxation, reading for you! The perfect opportunity to re-charge your batteries, and return better to face all that your busy life brings your way.

Feel the Fear and Read it Anyway Led by Helen WilsonSaturday 25th October10am - 4pm£30 (£15 concessions)

Halloween’s on the horizon, and it’s hard to turn for spooks and scares. With sales of horror fiction as high as ever, it seems that many of us seek out a readerly fright in our book choices. But beyond the ghouls and the gore, is there a different kind of fear that reading tunes us in to? And can great literature help us face our demons?

Around the World in 80 Pages Led by Casi DylanSaturday 22nd November 10am - 4pm£30 (£15 concessions)

Intrepid-explorer, world-adventurer, time-traveller: a reader is all of these things. Come join us this November on a wonderous day’s tour of the best writing from across the globe. From prose to poetry to the finest travel fiction, this course will convince you that every book is in fact a travel book.

“It’s like going on holiday without packing your bags.” - George, vfull-time carer, on his experience of shared reading

Dickens at Christmas Led by Angela MacmillanSaturday 13th December 9:30am - 12:30pm£15 (£10 concessions)

As Christmas is all about family, there is probably none better than Dickens, who practically invented Christmas, to throw light on the concept of family. Drawing on extracts from some of his finest books, we will consider the meaning of family not just for Christmas but for life.

Short Courses for Serious Readers

For more information on upcoming courses, or to book a place please contact Jennifer Kelly at: jenniferkelly@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200

HalloWeen at CaLDERSTONES!Night Vision InvestigatesFriday 24th October8pm until late...£30 (suitable for ages 18+)

Dare you join us for this late night ghost hunt beneath the Mansion? Have you ever wanted to step into the shoes of a ghost hunter? Join Night Vision Investigations as they give you a crash course in ghost hunting. You’ll learn the skills and knowledge to conduct a paranormal investigation and using their scientific equipment you will hopefully capture evidence of paranormal activity. No actors are involved, this is a REAL investigation.

Pumpkin CarvingSaturday 25th - 31st October11am - 4pm £5 Head into our spooky garden, pass the ghosts and ghouls and pick your own pumpkin. Carve or paint it at the Mansion, then take it home to scare your friends…

Prizes for best fancy dress!

SoMEtHing Goes BuMp in the ManSioN!Tuesday 28th & 30th October at 7pmFriday 31st October at 8pm90 mins (suitable for ages 14+)£5

Not for the faint of heart! Join Dr Grimm as he takes you on this theatrical ghostly tour of the Mansion House – will you encounter ghosts of times gone by and what is it going bump in the night? A fun filled evening with plenty to make you jump!

Find out about availability and booking at: http://www.thereader.org.uk/eventsOr contact Roisin Hyland roisinhyland@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200

HalloWeen at CaLDERSTONES!The Book ThievesTuesday 28th October 4pm - 5:30pm

For the most fearless among you only! Come in your best Halloween get-up to our special Haunted Mansion session especially for teens. We will be quivering through some Anthony Horowitz classics before embarking on a Spooky Scavenger Hunt around the house.

CaLdies ExploRersThursday 30th October Special Edition: 4pm - 5:30pm

Welcome to the Calderstones Academy for Witches and Wizards! Put on your best Halloween face and come for a session of mind-boggling trickery and witchery as we read The Worst Witch and conduct our wand-making workshop.

Tiny ReadsFriday 31st October Special Edition: 10am - 11am

Bring your tiny terrors along with you to our crafty story session! We will be reading some of our favourite toe-tingling stories – Room on the Broom, Meg and Mog and the Funnybones, and creating some pointy hats for tiny witches and wizards.

CAldies CreaTivesSaturday 1st November 10am - 11:30am A special Saturday at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Read all about the latest goings-on in the world of wizards and come and take part in Professor Snape’s Potion Class, deep in the dungeon of Hogwarts Castle…

Find out about availability and booking at: http://www.thereader.org.uk/eventsOr contact Siobhan Mealey siobhanmealey@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200

PERfect for Half Term HorRors! A suggested donation of £2 covers craft materials for each event

City of Readers

‘Readers are astonishingly creative. Danny Boyle and I created the Olympic Opening Ceremony from all the thoughts and imagination books had given us over the years.’ - Frank Cottrell Boyce, Writer

City of Readers is the Liverpool Learning Partnership’s campaign to transform Liverpool into the UK’s foremost reading city.

City of Readers is here to develop a generation of readers who will take the power of great books into the future. Nationally, more than 22% of children rarely or never read a book in their own time. Yet we know that people who read for pleasure not only do better at school but are also more creative.

We want every child who has the ability to do so to learn to love reading. That means growing up with reading as an enjoyable part of every day life, sharing stories, talking about books, and surrounded by adults who love reading.

We’re going to highlight reading and readers everywhere across the city, bringing books and people together in public, so we can all see who is reading what, where!

It’s Liverpool - so carry a book!

www.cityofreaders.org

To help build a City of Readers, we’re asking everyone in Liverpool to Give Us 5 for reading.

Give Us 5 Minutes The most important way you can help build a City of Readers is to give 5 minutes every day and read to someone you care for - a child or grandchild, brother or sister, friend or neighbour.

Let us know what you’re reading on Twitter: @LivCityReaders

Give us £5 (or £50 or £500 or £5000!) You can donate safely and securely online to the Reader Organisation’s Virgin Money donation page.Log on here at: www.thereader.org.uk/make-a-donation

Please email Emma Melling after you have donated so we can make sure your money goes towards our City of Readers Campaign.

You can also send a cheque to:City of ReadersCalderstones Mansion HouseCalderstones ParkLiverpool L18 3JB

Your donation will help us bring books and people together across Liverpool.

Give Us 5 BooksIf you’ve got books sitting unread on your shelves gathering dust, then why not bring them back to life and donate them to City of Readers?

You can drop books off at Calderstones Mansion House between 9 - 5, Monday - Friday.

Give us 5 Online Record yourself reading your favourite story or poem aloud, see our website for more details.

Give us 5....? If you’ve got any more ideas about what you can give us get in touch by contacting Emma Melling emmamelling@cityofreaders.org

The Reader Organisation is proud to be a partner of Liverpool, City of Readers.www.cityofreaders.org

Give us 5

Depictions of Land and Seaby Carol Miller and Jackie WaggThursday 4th - 11th September10.00am - 5.00pm daily

Private ViewThursday 4th September6:00pm - 8:00pm

‘Before we take to the sea, we walk on land... before we create we must understand’- Ernest Hemmingway

A new and beautiful exhibition showcasing the work of local artists organised by dot-art.Please see www.dot-art.com or call 0845 017 6660 for more details.

Above and BeneathPaintings by Josie Jenkins and Peter Appleton Saturday 13th - 28th September11:00am - 5:00pm daily

Private ViewFriday 12th September6:00pm - 9:00pm - open to all

Both artists are drawn to the less glamorous parts of the landscape; wasteland, industrial units, lonely, maybe even sad places. The focus is not just to impart an image but also a feeling for a place - a sense of place. Not just what you can see on the surface but what lies underneath the things we see; hence Above and Beyond.

Threading DreamsTextiles from destitute Women at the Sreepur Village also local mothers in rural BangladeshMonday 29th September - 5th October11:00am - 4:00pm daily

An exhibition of Textiles including traditional Bangladesh Kantha quilts all made by the women who live at the Sreepur Village Orphanage and Women’s Refuge also the mothers from the local villages in rural Bangladesh. The work is beautiful and very colourful, all worked by mothers who have lived in adverse poverty

Art from the squareAutumn ExhibitionMonday 6th - 19th October10.00am - 5.00pm daily

Local professionally trained artists show an eclectic selection of their latest work including paintings, drawings and their own manually produced prints.

Merseyside Artists AssociationAutumn ExhibitionMonday 20th October - 3rd November10:00am - 4:00pm daily

The Association welcomes painters from all over Merseyside. We will be showing some of the pictures they have worked on since our Spring Show.

Sunflowers Charity Monday 4th - 9th November10:00am - 4:00pm daily

A beautiful showcase of work, from artists using art as an outlet for emotion and creativity.

The Reader Gallery

South Liverpool Arts GroupWinter ExhibitionMonday 17th - 23rd November10:00am - 4:00pm

A welcome return to The Reader Gallery for this well-established local arts group and their diverse and eye catching work.

A Calidad ChristmasTuesday 25th - 30th November10am to 5pm daily

Private ViewTuesday 25th November5pm to 7pm - Open to all

Mike of Calidad Canvas is a Liverpool artist who captures local landmarks and landscapes in watercolour, acrylic and oils.

Jan of Calidad Creations designs and makes contemporary, handmade jewellery using Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Join them both in the Gallery, in the run up to Christmas, to browse and buy quality gifts for the festive season.

See their work at: www.calidadcanvas.co.uk and www.calidadcreations.co.uk

Art from the squareWinter ExhibitionMonday 1st -14th December10:00am - 4:00pm

Local professionally trained artists show an eclectic selection of their latest work including paintings, drawings and their own manually produced prints.

Find out about availability and booking by contacting Roisin Hyland at: roisinhyland@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200

Christmas at CalderstonesSanta Claus is coming to town!Every Weekend£7.50 per child

Every weekend in December you’ll have the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto. Enjoy some merry shared reading with Santa’s trusty elves and join in some Christmassy crafts while you wait. If you’ve been very good you’ll have your own gift to take home too!

Merry MusicEvery WeekendFree entry

Step inside the Mansion House each weekend for a different musical treat– filling the air with all your favourite music for the festive season.

Christmas Craft FairSaturday 13th DecemberFree Entry

Join us for this Christmas craft fair and pick up the perfect gift or treat yourself to something special!

Wreath Making WorkshopsSaturday 20th December£10

Get into the festive spirit and create something special this Christmas.Come and escape from the hustle of Christmas preparations and indulge yourself in a creative experience. Join Roisin in this craft workshop making your very own wreath to take home and decorate your door with pride. All materials are provided and included in the cost. Don’t forget your wreath will also make a great gift…

Find out about availability and booking at: http://www.thereader.org.uk/eventsOr contact Roisin Hyland roisinhyland@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200

Christmas at CalderstonesPenny Readings Festival at St Georges HallSunday 21st December

The Penny Readings is our incredibly popular annual event, holding true to a well-established Victorian tradition, popularised by Dickens. They have become a staple of the festive season in Liverpool, with a spectacular show of reading, music and entertainment, including star names such as David Morrissey, Janet Suzman and Alexei Sayle, all for the price of a penny. Since 2004, the Penny Readings have reached over 500 people every year: from residents in care homes and hostels, to keen theatre goers. In 2010, the Penny Readings became accompanied with the Ha’penny Readings, our family-friendly reading and entertainment event for children.

Tickets will be available soon and more information will be released on The Reader Organisation website.

For more information about the Penny Readings please contact Abigail Leader on: abigailleader@thereader.org.uk

© Tim Murray

Treat yourself at the Reader Cafe

Offering seasonal homemade breakfast, lunch, soups and specials with hot drinks from £1. The cafe is open:

Monday - Sunday8:30am - 4:30pmthroughout Autumn / Winter

Treat yourself at the Reader Cafe Support Us:

Calderstones Patron£95 per year

All the benefits of standard membership plus:A private tour for up to 4 people of the House and Garden.A subscription to The Reader magazine.Recognition in the annual report.10% discount of room and garden hire. You can find out more or register for either membership at the Mansion House.

Calderstones Membership£25 per year

Benefits:A free tea or filter coffee every month in The Reader Café.Receive a copy of our What’s On Guide mailed through your door.Discounted rate on a wide range of events at the Mansion and Garden.Welcome gift of one of either ‘Minted’ or ‘Poems to Take Home.’

You can support the work of The Reader Organisation and our plans for the Mansion House by joining our membership scheme.

Monday

10:00am - 11:30amBook at Breakfast

10:30am - 11:30amHouse Tour / £3

1:00pm - 2:00pm Yoga with Liz Miller / £5

Tuesday 4:00pm - 5:30pmThe Book Thieves (ages 10+)

Wednesday

10:00am - 11:30amBook at Breakfast

1:00pm - 2:30pmBook a Break(For people with a long term health condition)

3:00pm - 4:30pmTime to Unwind(For carers and those they care for)

6:00pm - 7:30pmTime for Me

Thursday

1:00pm - 2:30pmRelax with a Book(for over 50’s)

1:30pm - 2:30pmMansion Tour / £3

3:45pm - 4:45pmCaldies Explorers(ages 5 - 10)

Friday

10:00am - 11:00amTiny Reads(under 5’s and parents/carers)

10:00am - 11:30amFriday Morning Reading Group

2:00pm - 4:00pmFamily Matters

Saturday

10:00am - 11:30amCaldies Creatives(Ages 7 - 12)

Calderstones Calendar

Weekly Events

September

5th September7:00pmPurple coat Productions presents Twelfth Night £10, £8 concessions

11th - 14th September10:30am -11:30am / 1:30pm - 2:30pmHeritage open days house tours (free)

14th September1:00pm - 5:00pm1940’s Tea dance (free)

20th September10:00am - 4:00pm Read to Re-charge £30, £15 concessions

October

4th October10:00am - 4:00pm North West Conker Championship £4, £2.50, spectators (free)

5th October1:00pm - 2:30pmKen Sloan’s Calderstones Time Walk £5

24th October 8:00pm - lateNight Vision Investigates £30

25th October10:00am - 4:00pm Feel the Fear and Read it Anyway £30, £15 concessions

25th - 31st October11:00am - 4:00pmPumpkin Carving£5

28th October1pm - 2:30pmLiverpool Irish Festival£4 per child (suitable for ages 5-10)

7:00pm Something Goes Bump in the Mansion House£5

4:00pm - 5:30pmBook Thieves Halloween Special

30th October4:00pm - 5:30pmCaldies Explorers Halloween Special

7:00pm Something Goes Bump in the Mansion House£5

31st October 10:00am - 11:00amTiny Reads Halloween Special

8:00pm Something Goes Bump in the Mansion House£5

November

1st November 10:00am - 11:30amCaldies Creatives Halloween Special

14th November 1:00pm - 2:30pmCalderstones to Cunard £5

22nd November10:00am - 4:00pm Around the World in 80 Pages

December

13th December9:30am - 12:30pmDickens at Christmas

6th - 7th / 13th -14th / 20th December10:00am - 4:00pm Santa Claus is coming to town £7.50

10:00am - 4:00pm Merry Music at the Mansion House (free)

13th December 10:00am - 4:00pmChristmas Fair (free)

21st DecemberPenny Readings

Calderstones Calendar

Events by Month

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village, though;He will not see me stopping hereTo watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queerTo stop without a farmhouse nearBetween the woods and frozen lakeThe darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shakeTo ask if there is some mistake.The only other sound’s the sweepOf easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,But I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep.

- Robert Frost

The Reader Organisation

0151 729 2200info@thereader.org.ukwww.thereader.org.uk

Registered charity number: 1126806