Everyone from near and far will get the chance to take part in a range of exciting one off events taking place between September 7 and 10, Barton’s Heritage Open Days 2017. From walks and talks to special openings and children’s quizzes, it’s all there.

These two special blogs will give readers a sneak preview of what is to come over the long weekend, so you can decide which events to put at the top of your list.

This blog will take a look at some of the buildings that are being opened to the public for this weekend only, as well as some of the one-off events and experiences that are exclusive to the Heritage Open Days.

Film archive shorts night – The Ropewalk – Thursday September 7, 7.30pm

Unless you’re a Hollywood celebrity, it’s rare that you get to go to a special film screening in the place where it was made. On the first night of the open days, guests will be able to see several short films about Barton’s industrial heritage in the Ropery Hall. This was once at the heart of Barton’s industry, allowing guests to get a real feel for what they are watching.

 Comic Capers: Desperate Dan at 80 – Wilderspin National School Museum – Sunday September 10, 10am – 4pm

A cow pie for every meal and muscles like anvils – Desperate Dan is doing well for 80, isn’t he? To celebrate the big day, we’re getting together for a celebration, with comics, drawing and a special appearance by Desperate Dan and the local man who drew him for 25 years, Ken Harrison.

Open building – Joseph Wright Hall – Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, 11am – 3pm

It has been a Methodist chapel, a Salvation Army Citadel and an entertainment venue. Now it is being opened for members of the public to go behind the scenes and learn about the Joseph Wright Hall first hand.

Display – Barton Library – Saturday September 9, 9am – 1pm

Barton’s Library will be putting on a display about the colourful history of Providence House, the building that houses it. The building has been a home for a family of philanthropists, a refuge for orphans after the war and a scene for the grisliest of deaths. Now, the library is a great place to learn about history, and this weekend is no exception.

Baysgarth House Museum – The Life of the Wright Taylor Family – September 7 – 10, 12 – 4pm

Get down to The Baysgarth House Museum in central Barton to explore the life of the Wright Taylor family at Baysgarth House Museum through displays, trails, guided tours and more!  Trails from Thursday to Sunday, costumed interpretation, and tours Saturday and Sunday.

The Big Barton Pitman Puzzle – Pick up from the Wilderspin National School Museum and The Ropewalk – From Thursday to Sunday

To commemorate 120 years since Isaac Pitman passed, leaving his shorthand system as a legacy, we’re bringing his teachings back to Barton where they began. Children will be able to have fun decoding secret messages in Pitman shorthand to win a prize.

Look out for our next blog when we will be looking at the exciting walks and talks that will let you explore the history and heritage of Barton, learning as you go.

Don’t forget to check the relevant pages for more information and to ring up and book where necessary on the numbers below.

• Barton Tourism – barton-upon-humber.org.uk – 01652 660380
•  Barton Civic Society – bartoncivicsociety.co.uk – 01652 635172
• Heritage Lincolnshire – heritagelincolnshire.org/heritage-open-days – 01529 461499
• The Ropewalk – the-ropewalk.co.uk – 01652 660380
• The Wilderspin Museum and Joseph Wright Hall – wilderspinschool.org.uk – 01652 635172
• Baysgarth House Museum – champltd.org/baysgarth-house-museum –  01652 637568