The first in a series of get-togethers for older people with an interest in history takes place at Leicester’s New Walk Museum & Art Gallery on Thursday (31 October).
Local History Cafés have been running across the East Midlands since October 2017, providing tea, cake and a warm welcome to those aged 50 and over, but it’s the first time that social enterprise Crafting Relationships has brought the idea to Leicester.
Katherine Brown, director of Crafting Relationships, said: “Local History Cafés are a great way to meet new people and find out more about the history and heritage of your local area
“People come to the cafés for many different reasons. You may be recently retired, new to the area, or looking to make new friends.
“Whatever your reason, you are very welcome to join us.”
Local History Cafés were set up to help older people keep loneliness and social isolation at bay, providing a friendly environment where people can come together through a shared interest in history and heritage.
The New Walk Museum Local History Café is a Health Matters initiative, supported by the University of Leicester.
Alison Colledge, health and wellbeing officer at Leicester City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Crafting Relationships and the University of Leicester on a series of Local History Cafés at New Walk Museum.
“Our first event on Thursday (31 October) will provide an opportunity for those aged 50 and over to meet new people and learn more about the museum and its collections over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
“I hope that our activities and events over the next few months will not only be fun, but they’ll also make a big difference to our visitors’ mental and physical wellbeing.”
Places at the Local History Café must be booked in advance by calling New Walk Museum on 0116 225 4900.
Admission is £3 and the event runs from 10.30am-12.30pm on Thursday (31 October).
The second Local History Café will take place at New Walk Museum on Thursday 21 November.
More information about the Local History Cafés is available from New Walk Museum or at www.facebook.com/umatterevents
