GUEST COLUMN: Fun for all the family at Hallowe’en events, by Coun John Knight

All half term, Nottinghamshire County Council has hosted a number of fun crafts events for children in libraries across the county and on Saturday, there is an event entitled Hallowe’en fun taking place at Ollerton Library from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Other highlights this week have included Trick or Treat crafts at Mansfield Woodhouse Library.

Both Sherwood Forest Country Park and Rufford Abbey Country Park have been holding Halloween trails which are open to the public and great fun for young children at both parks until Sunday November 1, during opening hours.

Both walks are self-guided trails where children and families can follow clues to spot spooky characters hidden within the parks.

At Rufford, children who complete the trail can claim a chocolate treat, while at Sherwood there is the chance to explore the spooky glades of this legendary forest and find out more about its secrets.

And on Saturday night you can take part in an eerie but fascinating Halloween Walk across Sherwood Forest country park from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

With support of Nottinghamshire County Council rangers, you can venture into the dark forest for a ghoulish experience – but be prepared – who knows what you might meet!

Due to the nature of the event, this is unsuitable for wheelchairs, children in pushchairs and those aged under eight. The event is £5.

Beyond Halloween, there are lots of other events taking place in country parks and libraries every week.

You can find more details about these events and many other ideas for things to do on Nottinghamshire County Council’s website.

One highlight in November is a lecture entitled The History of Land Management of Sherwood Forest taking place on Monday November 23, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with Charles Watkins, a Professor of Rural Geography at the University of Nottingham, who has researched the history of woodland and Sherwood Forest for many years.

The event is in partnership with The Sherwood Forest Trust and is funded by Awards for All. Places are limited, so get your tickets soon, priced at £5 each.

Charles draws on the most recent work of historians, archeologists, geographers, botanists and foresters. With illuminating illustrations and his own inimitable energy, he talks about how the land and trees at Sherwood have been managed during the last 200 years.

Visit the county council’s home page: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and visit ‘What’s on in Nottinghamshire’ where you can search for events. You can also sign up for free email updates from Nottinghamshire County Council.

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