AS many people are still looking for things to do during the lockdown, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s arts team has put together a list of cultural events, activities and resources that can all be accessed from home.

Leader of the council Cllr Louise Gittins said: “Our arts team has put together a list of activities available locally from the council and partners.

“There are creative challenges to engage with; karaoke, drama, writing, craft and more plus a wide range of ebooks and e-magazines to download.”

More organisations and individuals are developing activities and online content to stay connected in these challenging times.

The resource pages: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/culture-from-your-home/ will be kept up to date when they are available.

There are a wide range of activities available online, the Get Creative Festival in May has been cancelled but follow #GetCreativeAtHome to find activities to inspire you to have a go at something creative www.getcreativeuk.com.

Cllr Gittins added: “If you are aware of more online activities that are open for others in our community to join locally, please get in contact with us by email at artswest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.”

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

Archives

  • Cheshire Archives and Local Studies

Although the Record Office is closed there are still online archives that can be viewed from their website www.cheshirearchives.org.uk. For example you can search:

The Cheshire Collection

browse the Find my Past record.

See the Cheshire First World War Servicemen’s Index.

Browse historic photographs at http://cheshireimagebank.org.uk/

Craft

West Cheshire Museums are regularly uploading activity templates for adults and families that will help to make the collections accessible online while they can’t be enjoyed in person. Activities will range from crochet patterns to cut and colour fashion dolls. Visit http://westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/

Dance

Fallen Angels Dance Theatre will be doing 10-minute dance taster sessions, on Facebook Live, for all ages, to help combat anxiety. Planned for Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4-5pm at www.facebook.com/fallenangelsdancetheatre. Their YouTube channel includes some of their performances https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXbAVtkaU51gyLmVK5kdvg/videos and their website includes links and inspirational blogs: www.fallenangelsdancetheatre.co.uk

Drama

  • Storyhouse

A series of five minute fun sessions are available online for primary aged children and their families: www.storyhouse.com/event/young-storyhouse-family-sessions

  • Cheshire Rural Touring Arts

The Mystery of Raddlesham Mumps, by ATT, toured the network in the autumn. A studio recording of the children’s play is now streaming for free on: www.soundcloud.com/matthew-linley/the-mystery-of-raddlesham-mumps There are also work sheets to support home schooling available: www.raddleshammumps.co.uk/activity

  • Chester Mystery Plays

For a limited time from Easter weekend the DVD recording of the 2018 production of Chester Mystery Plays is available to watch on YouTube. For more information visit: www.chestermysteryplays.com

  • Minerva Arts

Cheshire’s Minerva Arts are setting Theatre Thursday drama challenges. Follow them on Facebook to see the challenge, have a go and you can also upload your own response at www.facebook.com/minervaarts

  • Action Transport Theatre

Action Transport’s Youth Theatre groups are being run remotely via Zoom. For details of this and any other projects from Action Transport, visit http://www.actiontransporttheatre.org/lockdown-participation-projects-resources

Drama Drop-in (12- to 17-year-olds) is now on. Drama Droplets (seven- to 11-year-olds) starts May 6.

Films

  • Storyhouse

Storyhouse has partnered with online cinema platform Mubi to give a free 90-day trial period to enjoy cult, classic and independent films – with a new film every day. Every week Storyhouse will be posting a round-up of films to watch on Mubi and other streaming services: Mubi.com/storyhouse

Karaoke

  • Storyhouse

Storyhouse is doing a Quarantine Karaoke on Wednesdays at 7pm on Zoom. www.storyhouse.com/event/quarantine-karaoke

Lectures

  • Storyhouse

Lunchtime lectures, a collaboration between Storyhouse and the University of Chester, is on the third Tuesday of each month.

On Tuesday, April 21, two free lunchtime lectures will be available via Zoom: www.storyhouse.com

Libraries

The library service is available 24/7 for free audio downloads, eBooks and eMagazines.

The books will stay on your device for three weeks before they are automatically ‘returned’ to the library. You’ll need your card number and pin, but if you’re not already a member you can now join the library online: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/libraries

The libraries team have also compiled a list of e-resources on their webpage to help people, study and research from their own homes at https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/libraries/eresources.aspx

Libraries are also sharing short how to videos on Facebook and taking several of their clubs online on Facebook Live @cwaclibrary.

Virtual Lego club is on Saturdays at 10am. Each week will be a different theme, everyone is invited to share their creations with the Libraries team via social media.

Online Rhymetime is on Tuesdays at 10.30am. Not only good old classic rhymes but also some basic signing to help everyone in the community join in.

Digital animation sessions are on Wednesdays at 11.30am. Another session usually delivered in libraries but now offered online as a reminder/tutorial on how to create your own animations at home.

Storytimes to be shown at 3pm (normal end of school day) – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Poetry

  • Testify Poetry

The Chester-based group has set up a Testify Facebook group and each day will post prompts, writing exercises and submission opportunities. Everyone is welcome, even if you’ve never been to Testify before: www.facebook.com/groups/497889481117650

Storytelling

  • Storyhouse

There is an 11am family story: www.storyhouse.com/event/11am-family-story and a 6pm story (or poem, speech or excerpt) www.storyhouse.com/event/6pm-story . Each is read by a familiar face from Storyhouse and friends. Previous readings are stored on the website page.

Writing

  • The Boaty Theatre Company

The Boaty Theatre Company is setting a Tuesday writing challenge for kids. Visit www.boatytheatre.co.uk for more information or follow them on social media.

Coming Soon

  • West Cheshire Museums

West Cheshire Museums will also shortly have a Youtube channel which will hosts films; films for school pupils/teachers, mini lectures for adults, activities for families and career chats for high school students.