Families Go Global at Touchstones

Jessica and Chloe Dawber show off their hand made musical instruments

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Last Saturday saw Touchstones throw open its doors for lots of free Family Fun Day activities to highlight national Refugee Week. The event took on a decidedly international flavour with children eager to try out drumming, henna hand painting, hair braiding as well as numerous arts and crafts activities. It was a great success attracting over 450 visitors!

All ages, young and old, were assisted by staff from Touchstones, volunteers and partner organisations including; The Family Learning Service, New Shamwari Project, NESTAC and M6 Theatre. Children enjoyed a series of fun sticking and making including: African mask making, multicultural peg dolls, friendship bracelets, world music instruments and much more.

Visitor Matilda Spek from Rochdale said: “Today was a very eventful and informational for both the children and myself. We both thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Regular Touchstones visitors, 8 year old Tobias Douglas and 5 1/2 year old Reuben said: “It’s the best ever!”

Father Tristam Douglas said: “Tobias and Reuben were both so enthused by the drumming circle, we now plan to join the group as a direct result of the introduction at the fun day.”

Chloe Dawber aged 12 said: “It was extremely enjoyable and fun for all ages."

Other highlights included a display of artefacts from the Bhutanese Welfare Association who also performed a cultural dance in traditional costume. Young people from NESTAC’s Supplementary School worked with M6 Theatre to create and perform a short drama piece in the Art Gallery called ‘A Place to Call Home’.

Adorning the walls of the Studio was a collection of banners made by clients from the refugee support centre - Rainbow Haven, illustrating and retelling their personal story. The New Shamwari project brought to the event samples of continental food for visitors to try including baklava.

Speaking about the day, the Head of Arts and Heritage, Julian Jefferson said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the event which provided families with the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts activities in a fun museum and gallery environment.

For those who have missed out - don’t worry because at the end of the month we have the  ‘The Big Games’ at Touchstones and Broadfield Park.

In August the ‘Summer Fun Programme’ and in the October half-term ‘Pirates of the Halloween’ providing families with a perfect opportunity to enjoy learning together.