New age for stone centre
The National Stone Centre, in Middleton–by–Wirksworth, has will launch its Building Britain exhibition on this Sunday (May 4).
Albert Benghiat, chief executive of the centre, said: “It’s everything from what we use rocks for to how we get them out of the ground. Then we have got displays on topical things, for example fracking.”
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Hide AdHe added that there will also be displays on local geology and a children’s section.
The exhibition has been aided by a £5,000 grant from the Headley Trust and marks the start of a project to improve the stone centre.
Further improvements will include changes to the outside of the facility, such as new signposting, interpretation panels and information boards. There will also be improved access for visitors.
The work on the outside will be helped by a £14,000 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust’s Landfill Communities Fund.
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Hide AdAlbert added: “We are looking forward to unveiling the new exhibition and getting the trail improvements underway.
“The project will improve our visitors’ understanding of the geology of the Peak District, attract more visitors to the area and increase commercial opportunities for Wirksworth Town.
“Opportunities for volunteers, school and work experience placements will also be created.”
Plans for the project were developed in response to feedback from visitors requesting better information and access. The enhancements will help the centre promote public understanding of geological principles, the history of the Earth, industrial archaeological heritage, and native wildlife.
Entrance will be half price on Sunday – £2.50 for adults and £1 for children. It will be open from 10am to 5pm.