Take a step back in time at Home Farm this weekend

Visitors to a popular Leeds farm will be able to take an exciting trip back in time this weekend.

As part of two special days of activities and events held at Temple Newsam Home Farm from 10am-4pm on Saturday 23 July - Sunday 24 July, there will be the chance to see what life was like in key periods of our history, including World War Two and the Anglo-Saxon period.

Over the weekend, visitors can join in on a sing-a-long with ‘Dolly Blue Sings the Blues’, as she performs some of the most memorable songs of World War Two, while in ‘Auntie’s War Time Kitchen’ young people can put on an apron and join Auntie in making butter and scones. The RAF Historic Flight will also be looking for volunteers for their Jungle Warfare Training, and on Sunday, the Soviet 699 Field Hospital will be displaying pieces from their World War Two artefacts collection.

A series of Anglo-Saxon themed activities will also be taking centre stage, where you can find out more about the food that they ate and how to make bread from grain to platter. In what also promises to be something special, young people aged between 8-11 can take part in special Shield Wall Training with real wooden replica 7^th century shields. Younger warriors will also not miss out on the fun as they can colour in and make their own cardboard shield to take home.

Last but certainly not least to feature on the programme at Home Farm will be historic traders, encampments, and the opportunity to experience the thrill of meeting the famous 18^th century French mounted cavalry of ‘La Garde Imperiale’.

The cost of the event is included as part of the usual price of entry to the farm.

The council’s Parks and Countryside team undertake a wide-ranging education programme at Temple Newsam Home Farm and estate. To find out more about a special Anglo-Saxon workshop for your primary school or homeschooling group (available March-November), please visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/parkseducation

Councillor Jack Dunn, Leeds City Council’s lead member for parks, said:

“Temple Newsam Home Farm is always a great day out for all the family, and this weekend there will be a chance for visitors to take a step back in time and experience different periods of history ranging from wartime to the Anglo Saxons.

“The Anglo-Saxon workshops for schools at Home Farm are also really informative, and it is fantastic to see so many youngsters from local primary schools, learning in such a relaxed and fun environment.”

Notes to editors:

The prices at Home farm are as follows:

Adult - Farm: £3.70

Child- Farm: £2.40, Children under 5 years are free.

 Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office

Tel: (0113) 39 51578Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk