Mrs Smith's Cottage Newsletter - August 2023

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mrs smiths upcoming events poster

Washday Weekend, 11th-14th August

washday equipment

Make lasting memories with your family at our Washday Weekend from 11th to 14th August!

Step back in time and experience the nostalgia of traditional laundry practices just like Mrs Smith, as this family-friendly event offers engaging activities for all ages.

Witness vintage tools in action and learn the fascinating history behind old-fashioned chores. The Washday Weekend is included in your admission fee, so you can enjoy all the fun without any extra cost! Drop in between 1pm-3pm.


Be More Hilda

mrs smiths cottage book

Have you been enjoying the seasonal inspirations from our ‘Be More Hilda’ Sustainable Guidebook?

At this time of year Mrs Smith would be enjoying the harvest of summer fruits from her allotment, and making recipes like her favourite raspberry vinegar.

We have some available from the cottage shop for only £7.50 – drop in between 12-4pm, Friday to Monday.


Heritage Open Days 2023 brochure

Discover the rich heritage of our region at the Heritage Open Days festival 2023!

From 8th to 17th September, immerse yourself in a journey through time as historic buildings and hidden treasures open their doors to the public.

To plan your exploration, pick up a brochure at Mrs Smith's Cottage, where you can learn about the diverse array of events and activities available!


Mrs Smith's Diary Quotes

We love these diary entries giving us a glimpse of Mrs Smith’s August in 1961:

  • 28th August 1961 - A quiet day resting & knitting. Went to post & for ice cream.
  • 29th August 1961 - Much the same as previous day, but no ice cream.

Come and visit, and don't miss Apple Day!

apple day

Don't forget, Apple Day at Mrs Smith's Cottage is just around the corner! Join us on 16 September for a delightful celebration of all things apple. 🍎

We’re open to guests on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Mondays, 12pm-4pm, with a last entry time of 3pm.

Mrs Smith’s door was always open to drop-in visitors, and so are we! Due to the small size of the building we recommend booking your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.


Events in August


Beware The Boggart : Ethel Rudkin's Lincolnshire Folklore Exhibition

Ethel Rudkin exhibition

Available to view until 1st September

Kindly provided by Willoughton Local History Society and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, learn more about this fascinating woman and her contribution to local history and legend.

Born just a year after Mrs Smith, Ethel Rudkin also made her own path through her life and contrasted expectations for women of their era.


NavenBEEs Toddler Club

children using dolly tubs for washing

Friday 11th August

Washday

How would you wash clothes without a machine? Can you swish the dolly in the tub to wash the clothes? 

Bring your little bees along from 11am-12noon for hands-on learning about our natural world.

With rhymes, crafts, and have-a-go gardening for age 2-5.

£2 per child, adults free.


Washday Weekend

MSC butterfly garden

Friday 11th-Monday 14th August, 1pm-3pm

Pay us a visit to have a go at washing laundry the old-fashioned way!

Using dolly tubs, washboards, and a mangle just like Mrs Smith, this family-friendly activity is suitable for all ages and included in your admission fee.


NavenBEEs Toddler Club

weather MSC craft

Friday 25th August

Family Picnic

Roll out the picnic blankets, and enjoy eating in the garden.

Bring your little bees along from 11am-12noon for hands-on learning about our natural world.

With rhymes, crafts, and have-a-go gardening for age 2-5.

£2 per child, adults free.

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