Help is available to keep children entertained this half term as October Craft Month continues throughout the week-long break (22-30 October) with a series of activities aimed at school age children.
“From art trails to workshops, there is lots going on for children and families this half term, including simple fun sessions for younger age groups and workshops suitable for secondary school age children,” says Councillor Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Tourism and Events. “Many activities are completely free or very low cost and some require booking. Take a look at www.farnhamcrafttown.com for all the details.”
Free events include the chance for children aged eight to 13 to make a beautiful glass light catcher with Surrey Artist of the Year, Jessica Stroud at the New Ashgate Gallery (25 October) and a print workshop (27 October) at the University of Creative Arts. The Make Your Mark project, where participants of all ages can hammer a mark into metal sheeting in preparation for a public art sculpture also continues during half term.
Farnham Library is holding a free papercraft decorations workshop on the 28th aimed at primary school aged children up to age nine. No booking is required.
Councillor Mirylees adds: “There are also three excellent self-guided trails taking place. Pick up a leaflet from Farnham Town Council or download the trail guide for the Farnham Craft Trail. Alternatively, head to Farnham Heath for the RSPB’s Heathland Artworks trail or try out the quirky Lockdown Legend trail. Each of the trails will get you and your family outdoors for a walk and they are all absolutely free. Details for all of these are on the craft town website.”
Also for families is the lino cutting and print workshop (22 October) at Farnham Pottery. The 90-minute session costs £15 per family and refreshments are available from the pottery’s cafe. On 24 October, Farnham Library is hosting a sunflower craft session where children and their adult carer can make a gorgeous sunflower with an old CD. The session requires advance booking and costs just £2 per child.
Open studios, exhibitions and meet the maker events, which are ideal for young teens interested in art or students looking to study art in further education, are also taking place during half term. The Farnham Craft Town website features full details.
October Craft Month continues throughout the month with craft themed events, talks and workshops for adults and all ages taking place right up until 31 October. Farnham Town Council and its partners in the art and craft community organises October Craft Month each year to celebrate and promote the town’s crafts heritage and to encourage more people to participate in craft activities. The World Craft Council designated Farnham as England’s first World Craft Town in 2020.
