Hilda got her first break in Macclesfield!

Above: A young Jean Alexander (seated second from left) with the Macclesfield Adelphi Guild

Exhibitions at The Old Sunday School and The Silk Museum

Click on image to enlarge

Jean Alexander: Becoming Hilda

The Old Sunday School, 3 July – 23 September

Born Jean Hodgkinson in 1926, she went on to become one of the most beloved characters of our longest running TV soap, and it all started here in Macclesfield. Jean Alexander’s professional acting career began with the Adelphi Theatre Guild who had their base in the town and toured the North West. Packed full of photographs illustrating her life and work, this display recounts the story that led her to play Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street.

Click on image to enlarge

Inspired by India

The Silk Museum, until 8 September

An exhibition and activity programme celebrating the UK/India year of culture,

Exploring the museum’s significant and beautiful textile collections; the exhibition uncovers the work of Macclesfield’s Thomas Wardle who taught artist William Morris about natural dyes; both men being ‘inspired by India’. The legacy of Indian silk comes through in the work of students at the School of Art, at the Embroidery Schools and through the Arts and Crafts movement.

Artist Nikki Parmenter has worked with local community groups and schools to illustrate the colour and imagery of this creative relationship. Her centrepiece is the ‘Silk Peacock’, the national bird of India, which incorporates Indian symbolism, Wardle’s designs and Morris’ patterns.

Inspired by India Events at The Silk Museum:

Meet the Artist
Saturday 29 July and Tuesday 22 August, 2-4pm

Meet the artist Nikki Parmenter to find out more about the inspiration behind the exhibition. Free entrance

Indian Storytelling with Peter Chand
Thursday 3 August, 7-9pm

Peter has entertained audiences all over Britain with his tales from the Indian Subcontinent. His parents migrated to Britain from the Punjab region in the 1950s, and though he was born in the Midlands, Peter grew up using Punjabi as his first language. He combines these two cultures seamlessly to tell stories full of life, wisdom, and humour. £5 per person, to book contact 01625 612045 or pay on the door

Printed Silk Lanterns
Thursday 3 August, 1.30-3.30pm, family drop-in

Inspired by the shape of India’s Taj Mahal and Indian paisley shawls, you can create your own pattern, print onto silk and produce a beautiful flickeringly lit lantern. £5 per person

An Introduction to Natural Dyeing
Saturday 5 August, 10am-12noon or 1-3pm

Discover the basics of natural printing in this introductory workshop. You can bring along your own foraged plant material to experiment with and uncover the beautiful colours you can make from your own garden. £10 per person, booking essential as places are limited, telephone 01625 613210 or book in person at the Silk Museum

Elephants and Peacocks
Thursday 10 and Thursday 31 August, 1.30-3.30pm, family drop-in

Come and discover the colourful world of Indian elephants and peacocks with artist Nikki Parmenter! Make your own mixed media peacock feather or elephant using a range of exciting materials. £5 per person

Inspire Macc Activities and Events at The Old Sunday School:

Crochet for Beginners with Teal and Tangerine, The Old Sunday School
Saturday 12 August, 1.30-3.30pm

Create a timeless, yet traditional crochet granny square. £25 per person

To book contact Lisa, teal-and-tangerine@virginmedia.com

Family History for Beginners, Wilmslow Guild, The Old Sunday School

Starts 21 September for 10 weeks, 1-3pm

Tutor Gill Rossini will help you to discover more about your family history. This course is designed to give the beginner a solid background to their research, but is also an ideal revision course for those with a bit more experience. There will be 2 further follow up courses in January and April. £88. For more information and to book contact Wilmslow Guild on 01625 523903 or www.wilmslowguild.org/history

Website: macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

More info: events@silkmacclesfield.org.uk

The Old Sunday School and Makers’ Place

Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm, closed Bank Holidays

Admission Free

Access: Step-free access to ground floor, lift to first floor meeting rooms and second floor Cinemac, stairs to basement displays

The Silk Museum

Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm

Museum Admission, including special exhibitions: £4.50, £4, children free

Admission to Special Exhibition only: £2

Access: Steps at the main entrance to the museum, step free access available on request, step-free access around ground floor, lift to first floor special exhibition gallery

Paradise Mill

Open: Mon-Sat. Guided Tours at 11.45am, 1pm, 2.15pm

Mill Tour: £5, £4.50, children free

Joint Visit Silk Museum and Paradise Mill: £8, £7, children free

Access: Three flights of stairs, no wheelchair access; if you need to use the lift then please speak to a member of staff when booking your ticket

West Park Museum

Open: Tues-Sun, 1-4pm (until 12 November), Weds-Sun, 1-4pm (from 15 November), closed on Bank Holidays

Admission Free

Access: Step-free access