Salt Sunday celebrated with Story-telling, Art, Music and Science

20 May 2019 01:46
Published by: Kian French

Families enjoyed an imaginative, free, fun-filled afternoon this Sunday (19 May) when the Salt of the Earth network held 'Salt Sunday' at Northwich's award-winning Lion Salt Works Museum. This celebration of Cheshire's huge natural reserves of salt explored salt's rich heritage with story-telling, art, music and science activities. 'Taster talks' were also given by a range of people including Dr Diana Leitch from Catalyst Museum and David North from Little Leigh, Northwich.

Brian Blundell from the Salt of the Earth network, said: "It was a wonderful, action-packed day and a happy and relaxed atmosphere. People bustled between the many activities, which this year included contemporary worship with the Bishop of Birkenhead, George's Messy Science 'Chemistry with Cabbage' as well as Becky Musto, actress and storyteller, who enchanted audiences with her interactive and imaginative performances. During the afternoon there was a live public art installation with Nisa Khan exploring salt from a creative perspective and salt boiling with the Museum's Trustees. Interesting stalls set up in the historic Thompson Suite included INEOS, Catalyst Museum 'Love Northwich', Northwich's Zak's House and Frodsham Anti-Slavery Group. The fact that all this was possible in the heritage setting of one of the world's last open-pan, salt-making sites made the day even more special."

Dr Diana Leitch from the Catalyst Museum talked about salt and periodic Table of Elements (2019 is UNESCO's Year of the Periodic Table). She also promoted the Catalyst Museum's new permanent exhibition 'Harry Baker and 120 Years of Chlorine' which opened on Friday 17 May. David North talked about plans for setting up the Jabez Thompson Heritage Centre near Thompson's spectacular terracotta reredos of the 'Last Supper' in Little Leigh, Northwich.

Salt Sunday is part of the 'Salt of the Earth' initiative set up in 2008 by the area's representatives from industry, churches, community groups and schools to recognise that salt has always been a major contributor to the region. For more information, go to www.saltoftheearthnetwork.net.

The Lion Salt Works Museum is owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council and its £10m four-year restoration was made possible thanks to Heritage Lottery funding. The Museum tells the story of salt through fun, interactive displays, including a 'subsiding house' and a sound and light show that simulates the steam from the boiling salt pans.

The Museum has won nine awards since opening, including two national restoration awards and 'Best Heritage Project 2016' from the National Lottery, following a national vote.

There is free parking and free access to the shop, cafe, play area and butterfly garden.

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