Christmas Event is Full Steam Ahead

Excuse the awful puns but we’re very excited in the run up to Christmas Steaming on the 1st and 2nd December 2012. And why shouldn’t we be?!

Not only will Jesse Shirley’s Bone & Flint Mill be grinding into life, powered by the mighty steam engine ‘Princess’, we’re also having a visit from Father Christmas himself. He’s even agreed to give out some present early!

Other curiosities and attractions include Children’s Craft Activities, Historic Canal Boats, Arts & Craft demonstrations, an auto jumble and 1940s Themed Room.

Merry Christmas from all at Etruria Industrial Museum

Key Information
Our doors will be open from 10:30am and closing at 5:00pm

Santa is due to arrive by mini traction engine at 12:00 noon both days. There is a £2 suggested donation to visit Santa’s Grotto and receive a small gift.

Steaming demonstrations will take place on the hour, starting at 1:00pm.

There is no compulsory entrance charge for this event but the volunteers running the weekend will be encouraging donations to help them continue their dedicated efforts.

Steaming Dates for 2012 Announced!

You simply have to see the mill in action, "no pressure"

Etruria Industrial Museum is always at its best when in motion! That’s why we’re so pleased to announce our 2012 steaming dates.

The mill is planned to be in action on the first weekend of  June, August, October and December. Some of these steaming weekends will correspond with special events such as the annual Canal Festival.

Check out our website or the Friends of Etruria website for full listings.

All that’s left to say? See you at a steaming soon!

Santa gives his stamp of approval

Santa himself will be visiting the mill

On Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December Etruria Industrial Museum will hold its last steaming weekend until spring 2012.

Experience a fabulous, festive weekend at Jesse Shirley’s Etruscan Bone & Flint Mill will be ‘grinding’ into life with a whole host of additional seasonal treats.

See the mill in steam and operating as it would have done in 1857! Take part in Christmas craft activities and try some festive treats including mince pies and winter punch from our Tea Room. Browse the shop for great gift ideas, stocking fillers or simply a souvenir to remember your visit. Live music will also be performed throughout the weekend.

But the most exciting news of the weekend comes fresh from the North Pole! Father Christmas himself will be arriving at the museum by narrow boat on his annual visit to the site. Have you been naughty or nice?

The museum will be open Saturday & Sunday from noon until 4.30pm. Steamings last for around 30 minutes on each hour starting at 1pm. Santa will be arriving at 1.30pm and will be at his Grotto until 3.30pm  Don’t forget to arrive early and welcome him to the museum!

Experience a ‘Taste of Staffordshire’

This weekend sees the arrival of one of our famous ‘Steaming Weekends’ but that’s not all visitors can get their teeth into (quite literally in some cases). Our ‘Taste of Staffordshire’ theme will give visitors the chance to experience local produce. Sink your teeth into Staffordshire Oatcakes or try some delicious Staffordshire Lobby. The ‘Ripping Yarns’ group will also be holding a fair in our Canal Warehouse if you want to pick up some examples of local craft.

Visitors will get to experience the sights and sound of Staffordshire Industry as the mill is fired into life! Princess has been poorly recently but join us in her return to glory as the 190 year old Beam Engine runs again. She will be driving the gears and grinding pans as usual, giving a unique and rare oppurtunity to see Britain’s last steam-powered potter’s mill in action!

Kids can make their own cam-driven moving picture in our weekend ‘drop-in’ activity for just £1 plus admission in addition to our ever popular ‘Toolbox Challenge!’