New age for stone centre

An educational centre wants to build a better future with a new exhibition explaining the history of stone.
Wirksworth national stone centre. Trustees with new exhibition launching next week as first phase of overall revamp. Albert Benghiat chief exec, mike Ratcliffe chairman trustees, trustees julian Smallshore, Anthony Elgey, Geoff selby-sly, Roger gilbert, John Reynolds, Ian Thomas, Tracey Atkinson, Anita Hollinshead museum freelancer.Wirksworth national stone centre. Trustees with new exhibition launching next week as first phase of overall revamp. Albert Benghiat chief exec, mike Ratcliffe chairman trustees, trustees julian Smallshore, Anthony Elgey, Geoff selby-sly, Roger gilbert, John Reynolds, Ian Thomas, Tracey Atkinson, Anita Hollinshead museum freelancer.
Wirksworth national stone centre. Trustees with new exhibition launching next week as first phase of overall revamp. Albert Benghiat chief exec, mike Ratcliffe chairman trustees, trustees julian Smallshore, Anthony Elgey, Geoff selby-sly, Roger gilbert, John Reynolds, Ian Thomas, Tracey Atkinson, Anita Hollinshead museum freelancer.

The National Stone Centre, in Middleton–by–Wirksworth, has will launch its Building Britain exhibition on this Sunday (May 4).

Albert Benghiat, chief executive of the centre, said: “It’s everything from what we use rocks for to how we get them out of the ground. Then we have got displays on topical things, for example fracking.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added that there will also be displays on local geology and a children’s section.

The exhibition has been aided by a £5,000 grant from the Headley Trust and marks the start of a project to improve the stone centre.

Further improvements will include changes to the outside of the facility, such as new signposting, interpretation panels and information boards. There will also be improved access for visitors.

The work on the outside will be helped by a £14,000 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust’s Landfill Communities Fund.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Albert added: “We are looking forward to unveiling the new exhibition and getting the trail improvements underway.

“The project will improve our visitors’ understanding of the geology of the Peak District, attract more visitors to the area and increase commercial opportunities for Wirksworth Town.

“Opportunities for volunteers, school and work experience placements will also be created.”

Plans for the project were developed in response to feedback from visitors requesting better information and access. The enhancements will help the centre promote public understanding of geological principles, the history of the Earth, industrial archaeological heritage, and native wildlife.

Entrance will be half price on Sunday – £2.50 for adults and £1 for children. It will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Related topics: