Learning - the heritage way in north Wales

Four of north Wales’ most well known monuments, Denbigh Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Criccieth Castle and Plas Mawr Conwy will throw open their doors to a range of learning festivals as part of Adult Learners’ Week, the UK’s largest festival of adult learning which runs from Sunday 16^th - Friday 21^st May. The Learning Festivals are part of Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service’s ongoing commitment to lifelong learning.

On Monday 17^th May and Tuesday 18 May, 10.30-3.30pm, meet the medieval architect Master James of St George at Caernarfon Castle or listen to Llion Williams telling traditional Welsh folk tales and stories and Cass Meurig playing the crwth, a traditional Welsh musical instrument. How about learning about traditional building skills using conventional techniques and tools. Have a go at shaving an oak peg or carving a  moulding!

Get plastered on Wednesday 19^th May at Plas Mawr, Conwy!  There will be an opportunity to learn traditional decorative plastering skills and techniques from master plasterers  involved in the conservation of the Elizabethan town house. Find out how to make Tudor potions, take part in ceramic workshops or ask the Master of Plas Mawr about life in the Elizabethan age.

How about creating a greeting card in the style of a medieval manuscript at Criccieth Castle  on Thursday 20^th May or learn about the local sea life with the North Wales Wildlife trust?  The Samhain Medieval Society will also be on hand to tell you everything you need to know about medieval life.

Time to demonstrate your weaving and spinning skills at Denbigh Castle on Friday 21^st May with the Clwyd Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. Join in the creation of a collaborative poem about the castle or learn about the life and times of a medieval knight with the Age of Princes.  

Co-ordinated by NIACE Dysgu Cymru and core-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, and the European Social Fund, Adult Learners’ Week is a campaign which combines national promotion with local action. The campaign offers adults an opportunity to learn something new through hundreds of free taster sessions across Wales, which also enable learning providers to showcase their provision.

Adrienne Goodenough, Cadw’s Lifelong Learning Manager, said, “We hope the Castle Learning Festivals will not only attract and engage locals, but also allow visitors to enjoy learning activities as part of their visit to the sites. We look forward to welcoming as many adult learners as possible and believe there’s no better place to start learning than at these inspirational ancient historic monuments.”