Heritage Open Days takes place on the second weekend in September each year. Properties that are not normally open to the public, or which usually charge an admission fee, open their doors free of charge so that visitors can get a unique and special insight into places of historic, artistic or cultural interest. The weekend also includes guided walks or special exhibitions.
Events in South Derbyshire, arranged by date
An Historical Walk around Hartshorne with Janet Spavold
Summary: Janet Spavold edited a popular history of Hartshorne and its Parliamentary Enclosure in 1984, written by a research group under her leadership. As Janet will explain, the Group's findings threw new light on this interesting and diverse South Derbyshire village.
Directions: Meet at the Dethick Hall car park, Manchester Lane, Hartshorne, which is off the A514 to the left of the Bulls Head Inn. Hartshorne is on the A514 two miles north east of Swadlincote.
Date: Thursday 11 September, 2pm – 4pm
Maximum number: 24
Booking: Please pre-book by telephoning South Derbyshire District Council on1283 228706 or by e-mail to: planning@south-derbys.gov.uk
Melbourne: From Farming Village to Industrial Town. A Guided Walk with Philip Heath
Summary: Melbourne was a significant medieval settlement, but grew rapidly in the Georgian and Victorian ages for the production of hosiery, silk gloves, boots and shoes, fruit and vegetables. This walk explores the evidence that remains visible from all ages of the town's development.
Directions: Entering Melbourne from A514, follow signs to parish church; Castle Square lies opposite. Meet by small monument/lamp post in Square.
Date: Thursday 11 September, 6pm – 8pm
Maximum number: 20.
Booking: Please pre-book by telephoning South Derbyshire District Council on1283 228706 or by e-mail to: planning@south-derbys.gov.uk
Aston on Trent: Guided Village Trail with Bob Read
Summary: An hour's walk around the village, which is a conservation area, followed with tour of Grade I listed parish church and refreshments. Free village trail issued to every participant.
Directions: Meet at the lychgate of the parish church. Aston is off the A6, 4 miles SE of Derby
Date: Friday 12 September, 1.30pm
Maximum number: 12
Booking: Pre-book with Bob Read on 01332 792565
Elvaston: A Tour of Remarkable Trees with Peter Wood
Summary: Despite a flat and unpromising site, the Earl of Harrington created remarkable gardens and pleasure grounds at Elvaston in the mid 19th century. The grounds remain impressive and full of interest today, with a large lake, rockwork, garden buildings and a wide variety of trees which are the focus of interest in this guided walk.
Directions: Tour begins at giant hollow oak tree by main car park. Elvaston is a few miles south east of Derby, off the A6 between Derby and the M1 at Junction 24
Date: Friday 12 September, 4pm – 6pm
Maximum number: 24
Booking: Please pre-book by telephoning South Derbyshire District Council on 1283 228706 or by e-mail to: planning@south-derbys.gov.uk
Twyford: Church, Parish and People
Summary: Local history display at Grade I listed church including old pictures of the ferry, family trees, census records, school logbook, maps and plans, transcriptions of memorial inscriptions, church registers etc.
Directions: Twyford is off the A5132 which runs east-west to the south of Derby, and is midway between Swarkestone and the A38.
Date: Saturday 13 September, 10am – 4pm
Just turn up!
Melbourne Hall Gardens
Summary: Melbourne Hall Gardens are a remarkable survival, little changed since their creation by the Rt. Hon Thomas Coke (1674-1727) between 1704 and c1710. They have a timeless atmosphere and the emphasis is on grass and gravel walks and vistas, punctuated by pools, fountains and lead statuary, and enclosed by yew hedges and mellow brick walls.
Directions: Entering Melbourne from the A514, follow signs to parish church; the Hall Gardens are entered from the Church Close.
Date: Saturday 13 September, 1.30pm – 5.30pm
Just turn up!
Repton Village and Church - A Guided Walk
Summary: A guided walk around historic Repton, capital of the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, including the church and its crypt, one of England's most important Anglo Saxon survivals.
Directions: Meet at the lych gate of the parish church. Repton is off the A38, a few miles south west of Derby.
Date: Sunday 14 September, 2pm - 4pm.
Maximum number: 25
Booking: Please pre-book by telephoning South Derbyshire District Council on 1283 228706 or by e-mail to: planning@south-derbys.gov.uk
For further information, please contact Philip Heath, Heritage Officer, south Derbyshire District Council, on 01283 595936 or log on towww.heritageopendays.org.uk
September 13 and 14 is also the weekend of the Melbourne Festival Trail, when historic properties in the town centre are open as hosts of art displays as well as for their architectural interest.