The Reader Organisation will be opening the doors of Calderstones Mansion House to the public for the first time in nearly 40 years on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th April, 10am-3pm.
The open days will be an opportunity for members of the local community and anyone interested in the development plans to come and meet The Reader Organisation’s team, find out more about their existing work, and enjoy free shared reading taster sessions for adults and children.
The organisation is keen to give members of the public the chance to contribute to a Calderstones Memory Wall and share their hopes and ideas for the future.
Jane Davis, Founder and Director of The Reader Organisation said: “We understand that Calderstones is a much loved park – we love it too! Our vision is to create a space where everyone is welcome to read, work, learn, play, make new friends and find new opportunities.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people into the mansion house for the first time to connect with us at Calderstones.”
The Reader Organisation, a national social enterprise based in Liverpool, was awarded Preferred Bidder Status for the Mansion House, Coach House and Stable Yard buildings by Liverpool City Council in January this year and plans to bring them back to life as The International Centre for Reading and Wellbeing at Calderstones.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are really excited about the Reader Organisation’s plans for Mansion House. They have some fantastic ideas which we believe will breathe new life into the building and make it a focal point for the community.
“We are now working together on a series of events in Calderstones Park, which will give people the chance to set foot inside this historic building, find out more about the plans and share their own ideas. All of our public events will feed into our work to make sure the Mansion House, and the wider park, is a vibrant and exiting place to visit.”
Activities at the open days will include:
• Free shared reading taster sessions
• Free children’s Story Time sessions and fun craft activities
• Tea and cake
• Books and bric-a-brac stall
• Live music on the forecourt, Friday 12th April 1pm-2pm only.
The Reader Organisation is currently working with Liverpool City Council and their partners to develop their plans and will begin running regular reading group activities in the Mansion House from May.
For more information about The Mansion House Open Days, please contact Sophie Povey atsophiepovey@thereader.org.uk or on 0151 207 7207.