11/07/2013 - Permalink

Weekend of geology, dragonflies and classic cars at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms is holding an exciting and varied weekend of events on Saturday 20 July 2013 and Sunday 21 July 2013. 

On Saturday 20 July 2013 from 10am to 4pm there will be a chance to take part in a range of geological activities for all ages. 

Available throughout the day will be geological displays, experts available to identify your own geological samples, gold panning, and the chance to make your own plaster cast fossil to take home. 

You can also find out how difficult it is to become a fossil by playing the Fossil Game Secret Stones GPS Trail around the meadows. 

There will also be a range of guided walks to suit all ages, abilities and interests on the Saturday and Sunday.

These include “Rocks, Fossils and Landscapes on Halford Hill” with Dr Peter Toghill looking at Silurian limestone scenery; a hunt for fossils from the 425-million-year-old Aymestry Limestone on top of Halford Hill; and “Wart Hill and the Onny Valley:  Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Sandy Seas” with Keith Hotchkiss, looking at some of Shropshire’s most ancient rocks. 

On Sunday 21 July 2013 from 1pm to 3pm you can join Sue McLamb of the British Dragonfly Society on a free walk around the Onny Meadows, which will introduce absolute beginners to the fantastic world of dragonflies. 

Also on the Sunday, the Knighton Historic Vehicle Club are holding a charity classic car show at the Discovery Centre from 10am to 4pm in aid of Macmillan Nurses and Air Ambulance.  Entry is free, but donations will be welcomed. 

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and culture, said:

“This promises to be a great weekend of interesting, educational and fascinating activities for people of all ages.” 

David Evans, a Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:

“We would like to welcome visitors to enjoy a busy and spectacular weekend of exciting events at the Discovery Centre.  The causes that the events are put on for are two that need plenty of support, so please come along and enjoy a family weekend for all ages.  We hope the weather is going to be kind with plenty of sunshine on your visit; enjoy a walk around the Onny Meadows and take advantage of Craven Arms’ free parking.”