NEWS AND EVENTS
FREE CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES - limited places (children need to be accompanied by an adult)
Drop into the Museum cellars between 10.30am - 12.30pm for the holiday sessions listed below. These are very popular, so come early to avoid disappointment, as places are limited.
Easter Holidays - 6th - 9th April and 12th - 16th April
Free family friendly 'mixed craft' activities including clay, make your own puzzle, magnet and key ring, painting, colouring, puzzles, face masks, bead making and much more.
Spring Bank Holiday
1st - 4th June - Stuarts of Abingdon
Various activities including clay, make your own pomander, puzzle, magnet and key ring, painting, colouring, word searches, food recipes, write with a quill and more.
Summer Holidays
26th - 30th July - Archaeology theme
Archaeology and various activities including learning how to make different types of pottery, colouring and painting.
2nd - 6th August - Mixed Craft theme
Again, various activities including clay, colouring, painting, bead making, masks, puzzles, badges, magnets, bookmarks, mosaics, printing, puppet making, door hangers and much more.
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MOUSEHOLE CAFE
The Mousehole Cafe used to be based in the cellar in the County Hall Museum, opening in 1959 until the 1970's. On the opening day 253 coffees were sold using one of Abingdon's first Italian coffee machines. A Smorgasbord (Scandinavian spread) was also very popular costing five shillings (25p) for as much as you could eat. Homemade scones, sandwiches, spaghetti bolognaise and risotto were also on the menu. Regular customers ranged from ladies for morning coffee, lunchtime visits by boys from Roysse's School (Abingdon School) to day trippers from Salters Steamers. Mrs Joy Heavens, who worked at the cafe, reported that one day when she was about to close, a gentleman came down into the cafe and asked if she was still cooking. Feeling sorry for him she said yes, come on down and I'll make something. He came down the steps ......... followed by a party of day trippers who'd just arrived. Mrs Heavens didn't lock up on time that day!!!
