Heights of Abraham

Falcon flying to The Heights

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:48:00 +0100

Falcon flying to The Heights

This coming Bank holiday weekend, Sunday May 6th and Monday May7th, Rebecca Friar of Hawkwise will be displaying and flying a selection of falcons, owls and hawks at The Heights of Abraham. As part of the build up to Elizabeth II’s Royal Jubilee celebrations Rebecca will be in the costume of an earlier Elizabethan period. Several birds will be on display throughout the day from 10.30am – 4pm. Flying displays will be at 12 noon and again at 3pm. These will be in the Amphitheatre with the stunning views over Matlock Dale and the Derwent Valley towards High Tor providing a spectacular backdrop. The audience will be able to sit and watch birds fly free over the valley then swoop down over their heads to grab the lure.

“It is some years since we have had falconry displays at The Heights.” commented John Coulson Marketing and Events Manager. “After many requests we thought it was time to see them again. As this was such a popular sport in Elizabeth I’s time it would be a celebration of ‘England’s GREAT’ heritage in the Jubilee year. To see the birds soaring over the valley is a wonderful sight and one we hope will be repeated in future.”

Rebecca Friar told us “I am a professional Falconer and my business Hawkwise Falconry is based at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. I've been working as a professional falconer since 2001 and have had a lifelong love of birds of prey.
Predominately my collection of birds represents not rare or endangered species but birds which would have been typically used in England during the medieval period.
Through my displays at Bosworth Heritage Centre and other UK venues I aspire to bring birds of prey to a wider public so that, in understanding and liking them, people will be more informed and sympathetic.
I find that using birds of prey in interactive displays is an exciting way to capture the audience’s imagination.”

The event is FREE as it is included in with the normal admission price which also includes the Cable Car return ticket, guided tour of 2 show caverns, exhibitions and children’s play areas.
For more details go to www.heightsofabraham.com

Baskets and Balloons - Easter Fun April 1st - 9th at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:14:00 +0100

Baskets and Balloons – no April fools here!

Its April Fool’s day at The Heights of Abraham but this is not a jape!

Sunday 1st April sees the start of a week of Easter fun led by Tess Willoughby.
Tess is a popular event presenter at The Heights, those who come for Spookyshire in October will know her as Witch Willoughby.

Over the week to Easter Monday, Tess will be in her new pavilion inviting families to join in and make Victorian style Easter baskets to take home. There will also be an unusual balloon race to enter! Children and anyone else who wants to have a go will make and colour a card balloon to take on their travels this year. The race winners will be the ones who can show their balloon in a photo at 4 furthest locations from the Heights of Abraham plus 1 unusual category:
1.England
2.UK
3.Europe
4.World
5.Strangest
The strangest category is an opportunity for everyone to use their imagination and send in a photo of their balloon in the most outrageous or unlikely place they can come up with! The prize for each category will be a Family of 4 Ticket for 2013.

Throughout the holiday period from Saturday 30th March to Sunday 15th April there will also be an Easter Egg trail to win a sweet surprise!

The Heights of Abraham are open daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm later at peak times. For details go to www.heightsofabraham.com or telephone 01629 582365.

2012 Olympic Mural Designs Announced, The Heights of Abraham

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:40:00 +0000

2012 OLYMPIC MURAL
DESIGNS ANNOUNCED

Announced today are the names of the six students whose designs will be painted by them on a celebratory 2012 Olympic Mural. The designs were chosen by a panel of judges from The Heights of Abraham along with local artist Tess Willoughby.

On Friday 29th June 2012 the Olympic Torch will be travelling by cable car over the Derwent Valley at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. To commemorate this event, The Heights of Abraham has commissioned local artist Tess Willoughby to design a mural that will stand as a legacy to this exciting honour. Working alongside her will be the six students from the 6th Form of Highfield School, Matlock, Derbyshire.

John Coulson Marketing and Events Manager at The Heights said “The judging was difficult but in the end, of the entries received from the 6th form students at Highfields School, six entries stood out. The students who will be working with Tess are, and in no particular order,

Sarah Howarth, Tony Elkington, Rebecca Fletcher,
Alice Woodings, Stacey Pritty, Natalie Walker.

The judges all felt the designs capture the excitement and variety of sports, the City of London and the Olympic symbolism in an energetic, colourful and expressive manner.”

Within the main mural, located alongside the Explorers Challenge play area, Tess will create six large frames in which the six chosen designs are to be painted. Each frame depicts elements of the Olympics and each has a strong and easily recognisable Olympic ethos.

As a reward for their participation the six students and teacher Kerry Fairbank will be given season tickets to The Heights of Abraham. This will allow them free access over the season to enjoy the site and see their work when completed.

All successful entries are featured on the blogpage-www.tessheightsmural.moonfruit.com
-along with news, events, and narrative from Tess Willoughby.
They will also be on The Heights of Abraham website NEWS page www.heightsofabraham.com
Facebook and Twitter

The brief the students worked to was
•All designs must be in full colour and on an A3 sized paper.
•All designs must have their name and form on the back of the entry.
•Each design must depict a strong Olympic themed scene and use acrylic paints and on a frame measuring approx 1.5m (w) x 1m (h)
•Please include a short paragraph describing your entry.
•The closing date for entries is (strictly) 12pm Thursday 9th February.
•Entries will be judged by a panel consisting of The Heights of Abraham and Tess Willoughby.
•All decisions will be final.
•All entries will be featured on the new blogpage following the judging.
•All winning designs will be painted onto the mural boards within the week commencing 18th June by the student artists.
•All designs remain the property of the Artist.

4 GIRLS JUMPING FOR JOY WIN £250

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:55:00 +0000

4 girls ‘Jumping for Joy’ win £250 [

The Heights of Abraham have announced the winner of their 2011 Photo Competition for pictures taken on a day out at this peak attraction. There were many superb entries by visitors from all over the world. Judging was tough and after whittling it down to a final 6 the Directors chose one winner and 2 runners up.

In 1st place winning £250, a photo taken by Elle Wyke of 4 girls ‘Jumping for Joy’ on the Masson hillside. The submission sent in by Lindsey Jones, as it was her camera Elle used as she wasn’t very good at leaping. Lindsey (far right) is joined from left to right by Laura Hyam, Karima Haywood and Sophie Rooney in the winning entry. The girls were on a trip from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. All 5 hope to return later this year to spend their winnings and have another go at entering the 2012 competition.

“We were looking for the photo or short video clip that best captures a day out at The Heights of Abraham. Visitors could and did enter more than one; they could be underground on a Cavern tour, a spectacular view of the play areas, a family picnic with a woodland setting. We were looking for the unusual, the 'arty' or just a fun image that made us smile.” Said John Armstrong-Coulson, Marketing Manager. “ ‘Jumping for Joy’ certainly made us smile, they were clearly having a fun time and the stunning view as a backdrop is what we hope everyone gets when they visit us.”

2 Runners up were:

Sandeep Savla’s colourful yet contrasting image of ‘iridescent versus black & white’! Sandeep told us he was on a holiday in the area from Dublin, Ohio, USA. He spotted the Peacock watching the queue for ice creams alongside HOA the Moo Cow, symbol of the diary ice cream served at the Heights and smiled at the stark contrast of the two subjects.

Martin Haythorne’s, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, picture ‘screams of delight’ visited on Father’s Day, to enjoy a fun day out with the children. Martin said he captured his Daughter Emmy’s ‘screams of delight’ as she sped down the slide whilst being cheered on by her older brother Luis at the Woodland Adventure play area.

Take a look on the website for details about how to enter the 2012 Competition.

OLYMPIC MURAL DESIGN COMPETITION

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:12:00 +0000

THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM
OLYMPIC MURAL DESIGN COMPETITION
2012

On Friday 29th June 2012 the Olympic Torch will be travelling by cable car to the The Heights of Abraham. To commemorate this event, The Heights of Abraham has commissioned local artist Tess Willoughby to design a mural that will stand as a legacy to this exciting honour. Working alongside her will be six students from the 6th Form of Highfield School, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire.

Within the main mural, Tess has created six large frames in which the chosen designs will be painted. Each frame must depict the Olympics and have a strong and easily recognisable Olympic scene. The Heights of Abraham asks that the Cable Cars might be included in any depictions of the Olympic Torch's 2012 journey.

All entries will be featured on the new blogpage-
www.tessheightsmural.moonfruit.com
-along with news, events, and narrative from Tess Willoughby. Join in!

BRIEF
•All designs must be in full colour and on an A3 sized paper.
•All designs must have their name and form on the back of the entry.
•Each design must depict a strong Olympic themed scene and use acrylic paints and on a frame measuring approx 1.5m (w) x 1m (h)
•Please include a short paragraph describing your entry.
•The closing date for entries is (strictly) 12pm Thursday 9th February.
•Entries will be judged by a panel consisting of The Heights of Abraham and Tess Willoughby.
•All decisions will be final.
•All entries will be featured on the new blogpage following the judging.
•All winning designs will be painted onto the mural boards within the week commencing 18th June by the student artists.
•All designs remain the property of the Artist.

Key dates:

•Students submit design ideas Feb 9th – JC to collect from school 11.30am
•Designs judged to 6 final entries completed by Feb 19th, school/students informed Feb 20th.
•PR launch of final designs wc 25th Feb
•6 students and KF to meet with TW date TBC
•Photo call Sunday 1st April on site TW & Students
•Sand down and paint Mural boards wc 11th June
•TW starts design on mural wc 18th June
•Students start work on final designs wc 25th June & photo call with TW &KF & students
•Work to be completed by 28th June
•‘Unveiling’ on Friday 29th June as part of the Torch relay day. TW &KF & students present for press

20.12% OFF - Olympian Season Ticket Offer at The Heights of Abraham

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:31:00 +0000

20.12% OFF Olympian Offer NB Ends 26th March!

In this Olympic year The Heights of Abraham are pleased to announce a very special offer. Season tickets are always an excellent way to save money and enjoy spring, summer and autumn of visits to the hilltop park with its stunning views over the Derwent Valley and the Peak District, the 2 Show Caverns and
of course the Cable Cars that are The Heights of Abraham.

This year as a very special one off 2012 pre-season offer you can save even more with 20.12% OFF the normal price. But be quick this offer ends on March 26th.

“On Friday June 29th the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will arrive in Matlock Bath and soar to the summit in one of our Cable Cars. What better way to celebrate this by giving a 20.12% discount on our season tickets. ” Commented John Coulson Marketing Manager. “For Example a Family Season ticket price is £75 for 2 Adults and 2 Children. This is equal to 2 visits, so on the 3rd, 4th , 5th etc visits you are getting in FREE. With the 2012 OFFER PRICE of £59 you start saving even sooner!”

The season ticket (various categories are available) gives the visitor the opportunity to visit as many times as they want, it includes free access to the caverns, hilltop park, events and as many rides on the Cable Cars as you can fit in.

The season starts on February 11th and runs until November 4th. For full details go to the website www.heightsofabraham.com To find out more or to buy now contact us on 01629 582365, email us at office@heightsofabraham or write to The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PD

Season ticket prices are - Take advantage of our Special offer prices 20.12% OFF normal price (Offer ends March 26th)

Family £75.00
Offer price £59.00 (2 Adults and 2 Children)

Single £32.50
Offer price £25.50

Senior £26.50
Offer price £21.00

Child £16.00 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Offer price £12.50

Olympic Torch to visit, The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:27:00 +0000

Breaking news:
The Heights of Abraham are pleased to announce that they have been chosen as one of the UK's iconic destinations to be visited by the Olympic Torch. On Friday 29th June 2012, during its relay journey through Derbyshire the Torch will be carried to the Summit and back on the Cable Cars.

Andrew Pugh Managing Director said

Everyone at the Heights of Abraham is thrilled and honoured to learn that we will welcome the Olympic Torch in 2012.
During its journey from Greece to the Olympic City of London, the iconic Cable Cars will transport the Torch to the summit of the Heights creating an "Olympic" moment for Derbyshire's oldest tourist attraction and everyone throughout the Derwent Valley.

One life Live it! The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Peak District, Derbyshire, DE4 3PT, UK

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:14:00 +0100

PRESS RELEASE

Release date: 19th October 2011

One life live it!
92 & still having FUN

The Heights of Abraham recently received a photograph from Lesley Parker to enter in its Win £250 competition. The photo was of a couple enjoying the Cable Car ride up to the Summit.

The couple are Joyce 81 (Lesley’s Mum) and her Step Dad Harry 92!

“We were so pleased to see them enjoying life at a grand age that we posted it on our Facebook page.” Commented John Coulson Marketing Manager,

“ It has had more ‘hits’ than anything else we have put on showing that everyone loves a great picture and now we know this is a very happy story.”

Lesley has provided a diary, below, of their day at Derbyshire’s Peak Attraction and is happy to share it with everyone young and old to say “One life, live it”

The family:
Dad (Harry, 92) known affectionately as Wyl – Electrical Engineer now retired
Mum (Joyce, 81) – the brains of the family – Chief Organiser
Daughter of Joyce (Lesley) – Structural Engineer
My Partner (Ian) – Ex Post Office Manager now retired
Pepper the mad Collie

Both my mum and my step dad lost their spouses to cancer many years ago, they met almost a year later and have been happily married ever since.

The visit to Abraham Heights was planned last minute. On the Saturday we all said lets go the Matlock, then my mum chirped up, “can we go on the cable car”.

After E mailing Abraham Heights to check Pepper could go (she always comes with us) we decided this was our destination.

We all approached the entrance to the cars however Pepper decided this was not a good move. She is scared of anything unusual.

So Ian and Peps headed for the path going upwards and mum, dad and I boarded the cable cars. Up we went. Half way up it paused for a minute …… gulp ………. the view was bril.

On reaching the top we explored whilst we waited for the Ian and Peps. They appeared, Ian a little out of breath, Peps eager to investigate all.

It was raining but that didn’t dampen our spirits, tea and cakes in the picnic area at the back of the café sheltered by large umbrellas.

Pepper was still not happy about going down so Ian and Peps set off and we enjoyed another trip on the cars. It stopped briefly again midway. A wicked plan by someone at Abraham Heights we think.

Days with mum and dad are now very precious. We had a fantastic day and will be back.

A little about Wyl

Born 1919 and now 92.

He studied Engineering at college and was conscripted in the war to work at the Royal Arsenal Woolwich. Since that time he has been working on Britain’s defence systems.

Later in his career he was part of the team that developed Blue Streak. Following this project he moved to Derby and work for the remainder of his career at Rolls Royce and Associates as section leader developing submarine control equipment. He retired in 1982 and has spent 29 years happily retired with my mum.

Although he is partially sighted and his memory is not as good as it was, he is still fit and well and dances, walks and enjoys winding people up. A cheeky and cheerful chap as you will note from the photos.

During my conversation with mum and dad re the above, my mum said, with a tear in her eye, “I just want to celebrate our ruby wedding”. So you never know we may be heading up to The Heights of Abraham for a celebration with tea and cakes in 2 years.

-ends-

Broomsticks & Bats at The Heights of Abraham in Spookyshire Sat Nav Code DE4 3PT

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:35:00 +0100

Broomsticks and Bats
at The Heights of Abraham in Spookyshire
Sat Nav Code DE4 3PT

It won’t just be the Cable Cars flying over Matlock Bath as our friendly Witch Willoughby soars in to The Heights of Abraham in Spookyshire for Halloween week October 22nd to 30th.

Her first challenge is going to be to find a new den as her old one has now been transformed in to the ‘Through the Lens’ theatre. So when you arrive look hard for the signs - a broken twig, a scattering of leaves, maybe even a ghostly mist trailing from her new spiritual home. She will be there somewhere ready to welcome you to her workshop. Spells of magic alone won’t turn string, glue, paper and twigs in to Bats & Broomsticks so she will need all your help.

This year families are invited to have a go at making Bats and Broomsticks with Witch Willoughby’s guidance and spell making. There will be a few sessions daily from 11.15 to 3.30 (see the timetable for the day when you arrive) these will include Bat making, Broomstick making and Story telling . There is no guarantee that Witch Willoughby’s magic will make the Broomsticks fly, but we are sure with lots of magical imagination you could pretend to be playing Quidditch as you go back down on the Cable Cars!

“Spookyshire is Derbyshire’s very own special Halloween week of fun” commented John Coulson Marketing & Events Manager at The Heights of Abraham “We magically transform the Cavern with candlelight and Witch Willoughby waves her wand on the children’s imagination. It’s all about new experiences and just a little bit of ghoulish fun!”

There will also be a Pumpkin Trail, and the Great Masson Cavern will be transformed by the wonder of 100 candles which should keep away any evil spirits lurking in the underground passages of the Great Rake.

BREAKING NEWS – Witch Willougby will be staying in a Medieval style pavilion ....look out for the big stripey structure!

Indian Summer on its way at The Heights of Abraham, Peak District, Derbyshire

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:37:00 +0100

Indian Summer on its way.

Late September is forecast to have outstanding weather and what better time to visit the Peak District, for a holiday break or day out.

Only a stones throw from Derbyshire's Peak District, the innovative Heights of Abraham offers incredible value for money.

Your ticket includes the Cable Car ride and more ..........free guided tours of 2 spectacular underground show caverns, free exhibitions and woodland walks with spectacular views. Visit the exhibitions, Touch an Ichthyosaurus fossil, which lived alongside Dinosaurs, watch a film about volcanoes or children can 'dig' for fossils.

Explore the 2 Caverns –with temperatures never more than a cool 7 centigrade! The Great Masson with stunning LED rainbow lighting and
The Great Rutland where you meet John the Miner from 1675.

This is certainly a great place to visit as temperatures soar above the seasonal average!

NEW for 2011 the Free WOODLAND ADVENTURE play area with towers, slides, climbing wall and exciting rope walk all aimed at children in the 5 -12 age groups. There is also the Explorers Challenge a mini assault course plus an area for the under 5's too.

For those who cannot make the underground tour the new 'Through the Lens' theatre is showing a 10 minute film of The Great Masson guided tour.

The Terrace Coffee shop provides quality refreshments with outstanding views over the Derwent Valley to Matlock Bath below. If the weatherman is right sit outside on the Terrace and enjoy your lunch or picnic.

Allow 3 or more hours if you can for your visit, with a FAMILY SAVER ticket - 2 Adults and 2 Children at only £37.50 that’s around £3 per person per hour!
There is also a special Senior Family ticket ideal for Grand Parents bringing their Grand Children for a day out - £33.00 for 2 Seniors and 2 Children.
Individual tickets are Adults £12.50, Children £8.80 and Seniors £9 - Travel here by public Transport and Children get in FREE!

Laughter whatever the weather - Punch & Judy & lots more too

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:46:00 +0100

LAUGHTER WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Peak attraction The Heights of Abraham always offers a good value for money day out. A Family ticket for 2 Adults and 2 Children costs £37.50. This includes the Cable Car ride, 2 Show Caverns with guided tours, exhibitions with audio visuals, hillside walks and stunning views across the Derwent Valley. Put into the mix 2 childrens adventure play areas and the free Punch & Judy shows it all adds LAUGHTER to a great day out whatever the weather.

Be they holiday makers or day trippers we in the UK know to come prepared, then come rain or sunshine fun is the order of the day.

Punch and Judy puppeteer, Richard Coombs,is the hidden star of many TV shows and films. These include Mongrels (new series due out soon on BBC), Spitting Image, films such as Babe 2 and even things like the Honey Monster Sugar Puffs advert are in his repertoire. Richard is not always hidden as he can be seen walking round The Heights as he calls his audience to see Mr Punch with his old school bell.

He currently lives and has his workshop, he makes all his own puppets, in Lichfield Staffordshire. This makes him in some way a local lad. He grew up in the seaside resort of Herne Bay Kent and it was there he gained his passion for puppets and a love for Punch & Judy. By the age of 14 he was already performing with his puppets at the Covent Garden puppet Festival.

I love it up here in Derbyshire the audiences come from all over the UK and in fact the world. It has been great to hear overseas visitors laughing the loudest on many occasions!

observed Richard Coombs the puppet master,

Lots of visitors stay longer and watch the show twice they do not know it, but I can see them from my theatre....oh yes I can.

The shows appeal to all ages with an eclectic mix of traditional Punch & Judys non PC fun and one or two elements of more contemporary humour for the adults. There are 3 performances each day at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm until Sept 2nd. They last around 30 minutes giving audiences more than enough time to see and do everything else at The Heights of Abraham. Many in fact sit at the picnic tables and dine alfresco either with a meal from the Summit Bar or The Terrace Coffee shop or of course just bring a picnic.

We recommend to get the best from a visit give yourselves a good 4 hours to take everything in, remember its all included in the price.

John Coulson Marketing & Events Manager commented

Going on the comments from our visitors we know Punch & Judy is an enjoyable added highlight to everyone who visits whatever their age. Some are recalling their childhood memories whilst others are experiencing Mr Punch for the first time. All have one thing in common though and that is laughter.

As an added value treat on Sunday August 29th and Sept 4th David Trog Thornton returns to serenade visitors at 12.30 and 2.30pm. This will again be al fresco alongside the Punch & Judy theatre.

Through the Lens - Improves access for All

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:54:00 +0100

PRESS RELEASE

Release date: June 26th 2011

THROUGH THE LENS Improves Access for All

From Saturday 25th June 2011 THROUGH THE LENS opens to the public with a film of the guided tour of the Great Masson Cavern being shown for the first time.

Rupert Pugh, a Director of The Heights of Abraham, told us:

“We have been aware of the number of visitors who, either because of mobility problems or just a dislike of being underground, have been missing out on a key element of a visit to the summit.

We commissioned Aaron Watson from Monumental Productions to produce a film that would capture the essence of the underground tour experience, and would ensure that all our visitors had the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the Great Masson Show Cavern.”

The film will be on a continuous loop in the THROUGH THE LENS mini theatre, which is located in the Masson Pavilion alongside an impressive display of aerial photographs which capture the Peak District in all its glory. The film lasts 12 minutes giving an insight to the geology and lead mining history associated with both the Great Masson and the Great Rutland Show Caverns at The Heights of Abraham.

Your tour guide is Steven Allen, who has worked at the “Heights” for several years and whose local accent adds an authentic flavour to the film. This approach ensures that all visitors come away with a similar experience, be it for real or via the film - something to share and talk about with friends and family after a great day out.

-ends-

Fathers Day - 2nd Annual Duck Race

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:40:00 +0100

Fathers Day - 2nd Annual Duck Race

Fathers Day Sunday June 19th sees the return of the High falls Duck Race. After a successful 1st ever race last year we have added this to our events calendar for 2011.

Wives, Sons and Daughters are being asked why not give Dad something a little different this Fathers day and do something thats a great deal of fun too.

A day out at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath in the peak District, Derbyshire could see some lucky Dads winning bottles Peroni beer to take home with them.

The competition is free to enter on a first come basis and is included in the admission price along with the Cable Car ride,

guided tours of our 2 Show Caverns, exhibitions and woodland walks.

The rules will be the same with the first 50 Dad’s being given the number of their duck. There are 5 heats of 10 ducks with 1st and 2nd places

going forward in to the grand final race.

We hope that the final will be at around 2.30pm when the 10 finalists line up outside The Fossil Factory for the race downstream towards the pond.

On the way the Ducks pass under the bridge where last year families cheered the Ducks on towards the challenging High falls drop.

John Armstrong-Coulson Marketing and Events Manager told us During trials we realised the waterfall was too much to expect of the ducks.

To make it fairer and kinder we put in some sheeting which makes it easier and faster to get down to the pond. We know last year watching

the ducks make the last charge down was very exciting and exhilarating for the winners!

The first prize winner will receive a box of 12 bottles of Peroni beer, 2nd place gets 6 bottles, 3rd place 3 bottles and the 7 runners up in the Grand Final each get a bottle each.

The Heights of Abraham point out that these are plastic ducks and no harm is caused to our resident real ducks! No betting is allowed and prizes are for entrants over 18’s

only, an alternative prize will be available for any dad under 18. Last but not least the judges decision is final.

Woodland 'village' - Builders needed, young & old!

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:13:00 +0100

Woodland Village Builders needed, young & old!

As part of National Family Week, The Heights of Abraham is encouraging families to come along, create and play together whilst helping build a miniature woodland village. Once complete the village will remain in situ for the rest of 2011. It is hoped that thousands of visitors can see the end result of the weeklong event. The weather and surrounding wildlife will continue to change the village and eventually it will fall back to nature where it came from!

Our events theme this Spring has been very much around our woodland setting.

commented John Coulson, Marketing Manager

The new look Woodland Adventure play area has proved to be very popular and inspired the idea of working with Junky Monkey during this week long national promotion of bringing the family together.

Families old and young are invited to join Emma Parkins from Junky Monkey to create a mini mythical village made out of natural bits foraged from the woods and surrounding area. Families will hunt for nature’s treasures, such as sticks, feathers, leaves, greenery, and stones/pebbles. Using these and some bits that Emma will bring along with her, everyone will work together to build and create houses and strange towers suitable for all kinds of mythical folk to live in. These will be based around an old tree stump or put straight into the ground and located close to the colourful mural wall created at the beginning of May.

Even if the weather is not good, families will be able to create similar towers using a wooden base to make the structure on, and then transfer these outside. Emma will be using a simple weaving technique on the towers to create the basic structure. The rest of the creation will be up to the individual, with lots of advice and ideas available to hand. She aims to create mini gardens, paths, roads, fences, walls, mini signs and even washing lines!

To live in this village, families will have the opportunity to make some weird creatures and fairy folk. These will be made using interesting sticks, natural materials, clay and papier-mâché.
Emma asks

Hopefully Grandparents, Mums, Dads and Children will decide to leave some of their creatures to look after the village for the rest of the summer

.
She also requested,

Please feel free to bring any interesting sticks and bits with you when you come. For example if you have visited the beach and have got any good shells and drift wood that you may want to add, that would be great.

Troll Hunt with Tess of the Woods

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:23:00 +0100

TROLL SNOT FOUND IN GREAT MASSON CAVERN!

In the Great Masson Cavern a mass of what can only be described as Troll Snot has come to light. Visitors on guided tours have been asking the guide what is this wet and slimy deposit on the rocks near the exit to the cave system?

After seeking specialist advice Operations Director Rupert Pugh commented

We think this is almost certainly Troll Snot. We have thought for years that there is a friendly Troll here on The Heights of Abraham. Each morning we arrive to welcome visitors and the litter has been cleared away and the Caverns are safe and welcoming so someone must have been busy during the night!

From Sunday April 16th to Thursday 21st a Troll Hunt will be underway led by Troll Hunter Tess of the Woods. Children are invited to bring their parents to help track down the whereabouts of the suspected Troll living on Masson Hill. Hunting parties will set out on the hour from 11am – 3pm starting from outside the Masson Pavilion next to the Explorers Challenge play area at the hilltop summit. Cable Cars to the Top Station start at 10am every day.

Rupert suggested that,

Visitors coming for the day should wear sensible shoes and bring a camera. We have a Photo Competition this summer with a £250 prize for the photo that best captures a day out at The Heights of Abraham, be it funky or just good fun with the family.

Over the rest of the Easter break there will be an Easter Troll Hunt which should be eggciting from Good Friday to Easter Monday, and a Lead Miners Trail from Tuesday to Friday. Over the early May Bank Holiday weekend families will be asked to help with creating a new look for our Mural Wall. The new design will be announced shortly.

For the faint hearted the Troll Snot is actually what can only be described as a flat stalagmite. As water dripping through the rocks falls on to the rocks below the limestone deposits build up as they run down the walls creating what looks like a lump of slime. Maybe in a million years or so it will form a stalagmite!