Information on Loughborough

Coins, carrots and card-making at Charnwood Museum this half term

Posted on 10/02/2012
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VISITORS to Charnwood Museum can get up close and personal with some of the amazing haul of Iron Age and Roman coins from the Hallaton Treasure.

The collection was discovered in 2000, when treasure hunter Ken Wallace used his trusty metal detector to discover items, leading to the excavation of one of the most important Iron Age sites in Britain. It is now believed to be a significant Iron Age shrine.

The Hallaton Treasure haul includes over 5,000 gold and silver coins, the remains of an ornate Roman helmet and some mysterious silver items. The collection is based at Harborough Museum.

Charnwood Museum is running three coin handling sessions on February 15, 2012 suitable for adults and children over eight years of age only. Booking is essential.

Councillor Paul Harley, cabinet member for Leisure and Culture said: “I’m thrilled that Charnwood Museum is to host part of this incredible collection.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to take a trip back in time and find out more about the Iron Age and Roman histories of Leicestershire.”

The coin handling sessions are part of a series of events, activities and exhibitions on offer at Charnwood Museum during half term (February 13-17).

Visitors can learn more about healthy eating with a week-long look at food which includes a talk by local farmer Brenda Featherstone and some fun craft activities for the kids.

Love is in the air for visitors who will hunt for clues hidden around the galleries in order to solve a Valentine mystery from February 11-19. The day itself, Tuesday February 14, also offers the chance to make a Valentine’s card for a special someone.

Charnwood Museum Operations Manager Alex Gasson said: “There are plenty of activities on throughout the week to help kids banish holiday boredom.

“We’re especially looking forward to visitors being able to see and touch some of the Hallaton Treasure for themselves and learn more about this incredible find.”

Full details of all the activities and events available can be found at http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/leisure_tourism/museums/charnwoodmuseum/charnwood_museum_events.htm

For more information please contact Alex Gasson, Operations Manager at Charnwood Museum on Loughborough (01509) 233754 or at Alex.gasson@charnwood.gov.uk