Bernice Harrisonon alternatives to movies and the mall
Knit at the museum
Arming yourself with a pair of knitting needles and a ball of wool for a trip to the museum is, by any standards, pretty unusual, but it's a must if you go to the Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo, this Friday between 11am and 1pm. The Knitting Circle - a free event open to adults and to children from the age of seven - is a chance for both experienced knitters and beginners to exchange patterns, learn new techniques or simply get crafty in a companionable sort of way. And, of course, knitting has become fashionable again, because it's a cheap, useful hobby and we're all a bit tired of mass-produced looky-likey clothes. Some schools include knitting in the curriculum in second or third class, but it can be a pretty abstract sort of exercise unless children get to see grown-up knitters making something other than a not-quite-functional scarf.
Other pastimes
Find out how we lived in bygone days at a junior event in Turlough Park called Family Life in the Past, next Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm. Led by Lorna Elms of the museum's education and outreach department, it aims to explore family life in the past through role-play and art activities. It promises to be great fun. The free event is aimed at children of all ages, but those under six must be accompanied by an adult. All events are free but booking is required. Call 094-9031751 or e-mail educationtph@museum.ie.