Explore the fascinating world of needles, thread, thimbles, awls, brads, looms, sewing machines, knitting machines, lasts, patterns and all sorts of intriguing equipment and devices. Learn about the trades that relied on them, and the hobbies and pastimes that used them. Do you know your Singers from your Brothers? Almost every home used to have one!
The programme of events for 2014 is coming together nicely, and to kick off the year in fine style we have arranged a series of illustrated evening talks by local presenters.
All talks will take place in Castlehill Heritage Centre at 7.30pm.
With the exception of the talk on Wed 12th February, all talks are in being staged association with Caithness Archaeological Trust.
The Castlehill Spinners Group are planning to hold a series of five spinning classes aimed at the beginner. Under the tutelage of Ann Johnson, delegates will participate in hands-on workshops where all the basic techniques will be revealed and put into practice.
The workshops are keenly priced at £5 per session. For those unable to bring their own wheel and materials, wheels will be available to hire for £10 for the whole five weeks, including materials.
The Annual General Meeting of the Castletown Heritage Society will be held in the Castlehill Heritage Centre on Wednesday 23 April at 7.30pm.
Guest speaker: Catherine Paterson on Family History Research
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served thereafter. All welcome.
In support of our current exhibition theme 'Our Maritime History', the Wick Coastal Rowing Club will be showing and demonstrating their skiff Spirit O Wick which was built by them and launched in July 2013.
Weather permitting, enjoy a trip in Dunnet Bay in this superb example of a St Ayles skiff.
Castlehill Heritage Centre will be open throughout the day where light refreshments will be available.
Two day paper making workshop by internationally renowned textile artist Joanne Kaar, featuring the inclusion of local wild plants and flowers in the paper. Every sheet unique!
The theme explored the rich social history linking our community to the sea - from early Caithness settlers to and villains, heroes, wrecks and rescues from the 16th century to modern day.
This exhibition has now closed - see above for details of the Flagstone Heritage Exhibition, now running.
Learn about how the Flagstone Industry shaped the social history of Castletown and the Parish of Olrig.
Discover life as a flagstone worker in the 18th and 18th century, when the robust, high quality flagstone from the local quarries was exported as far afield as Argentina and Australia! Also on display is a special feature on the work of the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.
Once again, Castlehill Heritage Centre will be hosting a series of events in support of the Wild North Festival.
The Caithness Moths group are also holding events at the Castlehill Woodland on the 29th, 30th, and 31st.
In parallel with the Summer Exhibition, from 9th to 30th July there will be a special exhibition of all the postcard sized artworks created as part of the Postcard SEA challenge.
All the postcards will be available for purchase via a secret silent auction. Click on the poster (left) for further details.
All funds raised from the sale will be given to Brough Bay Association and Castletown Heritage Society, both of which are run by volunteers.
Angus Dunn, highland poet and novelist presents a reading of his works. He will be joined by local writers Catherine Byrne and Margaret Wood
Admission free - all welcome.
Event funded by Scottish Book Trust Live Literature.
Limited places are also available for a writing workshop, led by Angus Dunn, on Sunday 27 July, 1pm - 4pm.
On every Sunday in August we will be serving afternoon cream teas at Castlehill.
Unique, locally themed home baking, such as Flagstone Biscuits, Primula Scotica Cup Cakes, and Dunnet Head Layer Cake. Guaranteed to get the taste buds dancing!
A perfect way to complement a Sunday afternoon stroll round the Flagstone trail or a meander round the Heritage Garden.
Live demonstrations by the North Highland Woodturners Association of wood turning techniques.
Local woodturner and renowned international demonstrator Michael O'Donnel, will show how to turn Japanese Spinning Tops and Fungi, and professional demonstrator Alex Mutch will explore the art of segmented woodturning.
Returning by popular demand. Internationally renowned Elaine Lindsay from the Guild of Straw Craftsmen will lead a hands-on workshop demonstrating how to make 'corn dollys' and other traditional handicrafts using straw as the base material.
Due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been cancelled.
A new event at Castlehill. Enjoy the best of Caithness produce. Sample and purchase a wide range of locally produced foods and drinks.
Join us at Castlehill Heritage Centre for mulled wine, mince-meat pies and a good going chinwag on our traditional festive Boxing Day opening.
A fascinating display of artefacts, tools and domestic equipment from a bygone era and how these have evolved over time. Are the modern 'labour saving' gadgets we take for granted an improvement over what used to be used? Or are we just fooled into thinking so at the hand of advertising pressure? Decide for yourself!
Watch this space for confirmed dates and further details, alternatively:
CONTACT US by email or phone 01847 821 204
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