Mrs Smith’s Cottage

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Newsletter – March 2022

1 March 2022

We’re looking forward to a busy March at Mrs Smith’s Cottage…

Here’s a rundown of what we have lined up this month:

Friday 4th March, 6pm-7:30pm is our Earth Hour taster event at the Venue in Navenby (more details below)
Monday 7th March you will be able to pick up our Signs of Spring trail, as well as our new Spring Flowers craft pack.
From Friday 18th-Monday 21st we’ll be displaying the entries for our Poetry Competition. Find details of how you can enter below!
On Saturday 26th from 7pm-9:30pm we’ll be joining the rest of the world to celebrate Earth Hour with our Lights Off Navenby event. Read on to find out more…

Lights Off Navenby – celebrate Earth Hour with us!

For one hour on the 26^th March 2022, Navenby will join people the world over in celebrating Earth Hour as they switch off their lights and appreciate nature in new ways. Throughout March, a programme of activities will inspire residents, businesses and organisations to create a dark village for one hour, encouraging people to discover and celebrate nature.

Centered around Mrs Smith’s possessions and life story we will invite villagers to reflect, then write and seal their promise in illuminated jars. Bat walks led by Hill Holt Wood and star gazing activities will allow people to safely enjoy elements of nature which otherwise might not be appreciated. Villagers will bring these together on the night to make a series of community light portraits, using the dark night as a canvas.

Lessons from Mrs Smith’s Cottage will help people investigate their own use of resources and help them to ‘be more Hilda’ (#BeMoreHilda). We will be working with local schools and groups to share this and inspire people with the example of Mrs Smith’s sustainable lifestyle.

On Friday 4^th March (6pm-7:30pm) The Lights Off team will be holding a drop-in taster session at the Venue in Navenby where you can have a go using pixel sticks and long exposure photography to paint with light. Bring a jam jar and create a promise jar lantern ahead of the main event on Saturday 26^th March! This weekend also happens to be Discover Lincolnshire Weekend – another great reason to visit us!

#BeMoreHilda #NavenbyLightsOff #ActOnClimate

Families and Education at the Cottage

Have you heard about our Early Years group, the NavenBees? Join our Facebook group to find out more and book onto one of our sessions. We’ve also introduced a gardening group for those little green fingers!

We also have some great offers for schools – as well as school trips we can provide loans boxes, outreach visits and classroom resources. You can find out more here.

The best way to keep up-to-date with our education offer is to sign up to our regular email updates, which you can do by emailing your details to [email protected].

And later this year…

We can’t wait to share the events programme for our #BeMoreHilda project, running from April through to October. So far we’ve planned vegetable dye workshops, seasonal forages, pantry talks, edible flower workshops and much more.

‘Lights Off Navenby’ – Earth Hour at Mrs Smith’s Cottage

24 February 2022

26-3-2022 SAVE THE DATE!

Every year, at 8.30pm on the last Saturday in March, millions of people across the world turn their #LightsOff to show their support for our planet, raising awareness of nature loss and climate change. This year we’re championing a more sustainable lifestyle inspired by Mrs Smith and her life with our ‘Lights Off Navenby’ event.

Keep an eye out across our socials and on our website for updates on activity and events in March. You could try your hand at painting with light stargazing or even go on a bat walk!

The team will be holding a taster session at the Venue in Navenby on Friday 4 March from 6pm-7:30pm. With the support of the Lights Off team you will be able to have a go with ‘pixel sticks’ and long exposure photography to paint with light. Participants are also invited to bring a jam jar along to the event and create a promise jar lantern to take home.

The main event will take place on Saturday 26 March from 8:30pm-9:30pm.

#BeMoreHilda #LightsOff #ActOnClimate #thankstoyou #EarthHour #Connect2Earth

Newsletter – February 2022

2 February 2022

January Craft Packs and Exhibitions

Thank you to everyone who collected one of our Promise Box craft packs or added to our Promise Wall throughout January – our craft packs will still be available from our shop throughout February, pop into our shop during opening times (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 12pm-4pm) and pick one up!

Our craft packs are free, but donations are always appreciated.

Mrs Smith’s Cottage, East Road, Navenby, Lincoln. Picture: Chris Vaughan Photography for North Kesteven District Council Date: August 18, 2021

If you missed our winter exhibition ‘Life on the Land’, don’t worry! We have all of our previous exhibitions on our website, click here to have a look. While you’re there, don’t forget to look at the ‘exhibitions’ section to catch up on the ones you might have missed!

Embroidery Craft Packs

Our artist-in-residence, Nicki Jarvis, is transforming a wing-back armchair into a celebration of Mrs Smith’s community. The names of almost 200 of her most frequently-mentioned friends are to be embroidered onto patchwork squares, before being made into a chair cover with upholsterer Hannah Weston Smith from Hannah & Nails in Folkingham.

You are welcome to pick up an embroidery pack any time the museum is open. This contains four prepared squares, embroidery threads and a needle, plus guidelines on what to do.

Coming up in February

There’s lots to look forward to at the cottage in February; why not pop along to one of our fabulous family activities below? If you’d like to pop along for a tour of the cottage, don’t forget the best way to avoid disappointment is by booking your visit through our website.

On Saturday 5th February, create your own unique and beautiful book with artist Nadya Monfrinoli. Explore different paper folding and simple book-binding techniques to make a book that is an artwork in itself. All materials are provided, and children must be accompanied by a helpful adult.
Friday 11^th is our next Navenbees group session, and this month we’ll be making friendship cards!
We’ll be celebrating Half Term Week with Rag Rug workshops and online Nest Box activities: book your visit on Monday 14^th or Friday 18^th to join us and learn a range of rag rug making skills, experimenting with different forms and techniques to create a colourful decorative work to take home with you. Pop along to the cottage shop during opening times to collect a Bird Box instruction sheet and create your own work of art using recycled materials.

Our Shop

We have a beautiful retail area at the cottage, stocked with lovely gifts and unique items made by local artists. Here’s our Heritage Assistant Andrea giving a tour around the shop!

Are you looking for a space to hire in Navenby?

The learning space at the cottage is available for hire for £10 an hour. Ideal for craft groups, team meetings, play groups or even a friendship club. For more information, or to book, simply get in touch with us.

Email: [email protected]

Learning at Mrs Smith’s Cottage

Bring our exciting learning programme into your school by booking a loan box, full of objects and resources to use in class! Don’t forget you can also book a group to visit the cottage, or we can come to you!

Click here to find out more about our learning offer.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and information on upcoming projects!

Newsletter – January 2022

1 January 2022

Happy New Year from the team at Mrs Smith’s Cottage

Welcome to January’s bumper newsletter, where we take a look at what we have planned for January and have a look back at all of the great things that happened at the cottage in 2021!

Coming up in January 2022

Promise Box Craft Packs – available throughout January from our shop, this month’s craft pack marks an important part of Mrs Smith’s Methodist faith. Create your own promise box full of inspirational quotes for throughout 2022.

‘Life on the Land’ Lincolnshire’s Farming Experience Exhibition – Exploring the personal stories of those who have lived a farming life, this exhibition will be on show until January 31st.

‘Plough Plays of Lincolnshire’ Talk – On Friday 7th January, you can join Simon Garbutt and explore the interesting history behind the traditional English celebration of the beginning of the agricultural year.

Navenby Plough Jags Tour – On Sunday 9th January you can see the real play in action: from 12-4pm there will be a modern take on the play with the young actors from Duck Egg Theatre Co., and from 6pm-8pm the Navenby Plough Jags will be touring the traditional play through the village pubs.

Embroidery Workshops – On Sunday 16th and Sunday 23rd January our artist-in-residence, Nicki Jarvis, is transforming a wing-back armchair into a celebration of Mrs Smith’s community. Nicki will be holding two informal embroidery workshops at the Cottage – no need to book, just drop in between 12pm-4pm. You can also pick up an embroidery pack when the museum is open; this contains four prepared squares, embroidery threads, needle and guidelines.

Block Printing Workshop – On Saturday 29th January join artist Nadya Monfrinoli for a day of block printing for all the family. Combine techniques like Lino cutting and stamp making to create bright and colourful prints to take home or sign up to the book-making workshop to turn your prints into an artist book. All materials are provided, book your space through our website.

A look back at 2021…

Thanks to all of those who visited us during 2021 – here are our highlights from a busy year at the Cottage, along with some quotes from Mrs Smith’s diaries!

Discover Lincolnshire Weekend Online – Livestream Tour of the Cottage

We had lots of fun opening up our digital cottage for everyone to enjoy at home. The video is still available on the Heart of Lincs You tube channel for you to enjoy!

25^th January 1986: “A very cold morning…Jim came re papers & Bread. Butchers came..Cooked steak, swede & tates, jam tarts & Sago Pudd. Stephanie came but I didn’t have fish. Washed up & listened to “Any Questions”…Irene brought cake, cheese & Toffee…Dad came 8-9…A very bright & sunny day but very very cold.”

Artist of Navenby Exhibition

Our first Springtime exhibition at the cottage was given over to the Artists of Navenby. They were all sent inspiration packs through lockdown and worked hard to create artworks inspired by the cottage.

Oral History Animations

We had some new animations made, helping us to share our oral history collection and image archive in a new and exciting way!

Here is one of our favourites, about visiting Mrs Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8sBQh0_8ho

2^nd May 1979: “St George’s Hospital 2.30. A very stormy day…dried clothes. Went to Lincoln 2-4.30. Rain & snow. Went to Sheila’s Tupperware Party for School funds.”

Summer Holiday Workshops at the Cottage

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been lucky enough to be able to offer a variety of workshops throughout 2021. With Witch Bottles, Clay Tiles, Willow Weaving and Wet Felting, there really has been something for all ages and interests!

9^th July 1970: “Gathered first rasps…Senior citizens 15^th Anniversary. Concert Party from Sleaford Keep Fit Club. Mystery Tour. Home 8pm lovely weather, all very enjoyable.”

Mrs Smith’s Cottage Garden Fete

To celebrate our opening, with our local community, we were joined by Nigel and Teri, Tom Lane and Bourne Borderers Morris Dancers!

School Trips

The autumn saw the welcome return of school trips, and it was wonderful to see children interacting with the story of Mrs Smith and the cottage in a hands-on way.

From School Trips, to Resource Boxes, and even Outreach sessions we offer a diverse range of activities which meets the needs of any school or education group.

Information about our learning offers can be found here: https://www.mrssmithscottage.com/learn/

12^th September 1963: “Found some beans near the door when I came home.”

Goodbye…and hello!

In November, Jade left us for pastures new, and we welcomed Andrea to the Mrs Smith’s Cottage team!

“Hello, I’m Andrea and I’m the new Heritage Tourism Assistant at Mrs Smith’s Cottage. I was delighted to be offered the position because I used to volunteer here myself, way back before the Cottage had to close for renovation. So, Mrs Smith and her story has been in my blood for a long time! Outside work I’m a mum to three humans and four cats and I enjoy reading, getting out into the countryside, live music and baking.”

Santa at the Cottage

On Saturday 18^th December, we had a very special visitor to Mrs Smith’s Cottage – Santa Claus himself! He made himself at home in ‘the Room’ (as Mrs Smith called it; it was for the best guests, after all!) and brought a big sack of presents for all the local children. Several parents commented on how magical the event was, and for a number of the younger ones, it was their first visit to Santa, so it was extra special! A big thanks must go to Sally, our Learning Officer, for organising such a heart-warming event.

24^th December 1968: “Another fine day. Nellie & I went with Jack to Horncastle in the a.m. got Christmas Tree. Went to church, Blessing the Crib. Trimmed Tree & put up decorations.”

Thank you!

Finally, the team at Mrs Smith’s Cottage would like to say a huge thank you to all of our visitors and followers for your support during 2021. Your help and feedback is always appreciated, especially by following us through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and leaving us a review on Trip Advisor.

Happy New Year, see you all in 2022!

Newsletter – December 2021

1 December 2021

A fond farewell – and a warm welcome!

We’re sad to say goodbye to Jade, who left us for pastures new in November – many thanks and best wishes from the Mrs Smith’s Cottage team, you’ll be much missed!

However we’re so pleased to welcome Andrea, the new Heritage Assistant at the cottage – pop in and say hello! We’ll be hearing more from Andrea in January’s newsletter and finding out how her first month at the cottage has gone.

Coming up in December…

We have some exciting workshops, talks and events lined up for the festive season:

On Friday 3rd Dec we have our Lino Printing Christmas Card workshop – learn lino cutting and printing techniques to create a beautiful and unique card with Harriott Brand.

On Sunday 5th December Harriott joins us again for a Collage Christmas Card workshop – suitable for all of the family.

Friday 10th December we’ll be joined by Tom Lane for his ‘Christmas Customs’ talk; learn about the origins of some of our Christmas traditions, and don’t forget your singing voice as the talk will be accompanied by music from Nigel and Terri!

As with all of our talks, workshops and events, you can reserve your place on our website.

Santa at the Cottage

On Saturday 18th December we’re delighted to be welcoming a very special guest to the cottage – the big man himself will be settling down in the cosy cottage to collect his letters and get to know the children of the Cliff Villages.

While you’re here, why not collect one of our Christmas Craft Packs from our retail area, and write a Christmas card for our Care Home Christmas Card campaign?

…and a sneak peek at January

The new year is the perfect chance to try something new, and we have some fantastic workshops and events to kick off 2022.

On Friday 7th January, come along to Simon Garbutt’s talk on the ‘Plough Plays of Lincolnshire’ and explore the interesting history behind this tradition. On Sunday 9th January you can see the real play in action – from 12-4pm there will be a modern take on the play with the young actors from Duck Egg Theatre Co., and from 6pm-8pm the Navenby Plough Jags will be touring the traditional play through the village pubs.

Workshops lined up for the new year include Block Printing and Book Making – head over to our events page for details and to book your space.

We’d love to hear your feedback!

Have you visited us at the cottage recently? We’d love to know your thoughts on how we’re doing, and your ideas for what you’d like to see happening at Mrs Smith’s Cottage – please take a few minutes to fill in our survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FHWYF6C?fbclid=IwAR1a3E5sy7-MFO2y9Le9XgetfCWcEuEvtLtRAalUsTdAGNx7P0fLjsnF4iw