Summer Social 2022

Join us for our annual Summer Social at Erewash Museum and later moving on to Bennerley Viaduct on Thursday, 25th August 2022 from 3-5pm. This will be a social, informal event to allow us to catch up with one another and meet another Forum – the Derbyshire Museums and Heritage Forum. It will be the first time our two Forums will gather for a joint event, and as we’ll be gathering at the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border, it will prove to be a historic, symbolic event! Whether you are already a Forum member or interested in learning more about the Forum, you’re welcome to attend. Teas and coffees will be provided at Erewash Museum, but please bring a snack – or even cake – to share.

Programme:

3.00pm  Meet at Erewash Museum

Tea and coffee will be available on arrival and any treats that you bring will be made available for sharing. Toilet facilities are available. You will have the opportunity to meet other Forum members, to socialise and see the museum.

Erewash Museum: Address: High St, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5JA https://www.erewashmuseum.co.uk/

Parking around Erewash Museum:

The Museum car park is small with only one space for Blue Badge holders. There is a pay and display car park opposite owned by Erewash Borough Council.  There are also plenty of car parks in the town centre within walking distance of the museum.  You can view the Museum’s car parking map to find the closest location to park your car. Car parking prices may vary so please check the Tariff informationon the Council’s website. The Erewash Borough Council town centre car parks are free for one hour.

3.45pm Leave Erewash Museum and move on to Bennerley Viaduct

Bennerley Viaduct: Address: Awsworth Rd, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8PX

Options:

It is about a 20-30 minute walk to Bennerley Viaduct from Erewash Museum. You can also go by car (under 10 minutes to drive), but parking is limited around the viaduct. Parking on site, underneath the viaduct, is for exhibitors and Blue badge holders only and is accessed from the Awsworth Road, so it would be good for people to car share if possible. Car sharing can be worked out on the day. Please refer to the access information on the Visiting Bennerley Viaduct webpage for details about parking and accessing the viaduct.

4.15pm
We will gather at 4.15pm in the middle (on top) of Bennerley Viaduct (best because people walking and people driving will arrive at opposite ends of the viaduct), where you’ll be welcomed to the viaduct and Kate Crossley, Bennerley Viaduct’s Heritage and Engagement Officer, will give a short talk about the viaduct and the points of interest. This will be followed by a photo opportunity for the two Forums and the chance to walk and explore the viaduct from 4.30pm.
4.30pm
Explore the viaduct in your own time and socialise with other Forum members.
5pm Close of Summer Social
Bennerley Viaduct is open all the time, so you are welcome to stay on as long as you would like, but may need to make time allowances to return to your car (if leaving your car near Erewash Museum).
Important Information:

You should wear sensible shoes; there are uneven paths leading to the viaduct and underneath it.

The viaduct is very exposed – to wind, rain and sun, so please dress according to the weather conditions.

There are no toilets or refreshments at the viaduct – or any shelter if the weather is bad (other than underneath the viaduct).

The viaduct is – sadly – not fully accessible. From the end closest to the car parking, you have to climb a steep set of steps to the deck. There is a ramp at the end that meets the towpath of the Erewash Canal, but the towpath itself isn’t fully accessible.

There is very limited parking near the viaduct, so we do encourage car sharing, or walking.

Bennerley Viaduct staff will be on hand to give people information on the day – such as where to park, and explain the meeting point more carefully.

There is no fee to attend the Summer Social, but donations are always welcome. No need to book – just show up on the day.
The 25th of August is officially ‘Nottinghamshire Day’, but we want both counties’ Forums to feel welcome and want to stress that this is a time for coming together and celebrating heritage and the people who work, volunteer and champion heritage.

Hope to see you there!