The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) is opening its doors to Hall’s Croft for free as it runs its first ‘’New Wave’’ co-curated event on Friday 15 September. Developed in collaboration with a local young person for Heritage Open Days, the event explores the concept of Tudor health and wellness and creates a safe space for attendees to meet new people and reduce social isolation.
On Friday 15 September, 16–25-year-olds from Stratford and across Warwickshire are invited to relax, get creative, and enjoy a mocktail as they explore the beautiful grounds of Hall’s Croft, once home of William Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna Hall, and her husband, Dr John Hall.
Mixing with History and Wellness, developed in collaboration with a local young person, Menna Jones, democratises the SBT’s spaces by opening the doors for young people to connect with heritage, both as creators and visitors.
Through the New Wave project, Menna devised, planned, and developed the event with support from the SBT team. For Menna, this has been a great opportunity to develop essential skills, increase confidence and learn more about the heritage industry.
‘’Heritage Open Days is a once in a year opportunity for us to showcase our remarkable culture and history. Working with Menna and holding this event is important as it helps to connect young people with Shakespeare and reduce social isolation by bringing local youth together.
‘’As an organisation we are committed to making our spaces more inclusive and broadening our appeal to audiences that we’ve previously found challenging to connect with. This year, it was vital that we gave young adults a voice, inviting them to co-create an event tailored to their interests.
‘’It was fantastic working with Menna to co-curate an event that pushes the boundaries of people’s expectations. We’re now looking forward to extending a warm welcome to 16-25-year-olds from across Stratford and Warwickshire to Hall’s Croft to relax, rewind and renew!’’
Commented Jennifer Shufflebotham, Creative Programme Manager at the SBT.
During Mixing with History and Wellness, expert herbalist Katie Beswick will join guests as she delves into the use and potential of everyday herbs. While discussing the power of herbs, Katie will invite guests to think about what they can learn from healers of the past to support wellness today.
Mixing with History and Wellness draws inspiration from the property’s rich medicinal past. Hall's Croft was integral to John Hall's medical practice as a site to grow herbs, create medicines, and research illnesses.
‘’Through the New Wave project, it’s been great to work with the team from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to create a heritage event that people my age will enjoy and engage with. I’ve loved learning all about the property’s past and getting to meet new people along the way whilst creating the event.
‘’Following a long week of work or study, the event is a perfect chance for young people to come together, form new friendships and unwind in the garden with a delicious mocktail. It’s an event not to be missed!’’
Added Menna Jones.
Other activities include a flower crown-making workshop where guests are invited to get creative with fresh blooms whilst exploring the language of flowers. There will also be designated ‘’chill out’’ zones accompanied by a Midsummer Night's Dream-inspired soundscape, where visitors can sit if they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Mixing with History and Wellness is taking place on Friday 15 September from 5:30pm- 8:30pm. This is a free event, but pre-booking is essential.
For more information about Heritage Open Days and to book your free ticket, visit https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-on/mixing-with-history-and-wellness/ and www.heritageopendays.org.uk.