Groups across the area are being urged to help transform the entrance arcade at Mansfield Museum into an avenue of themed Christmas trees.

Each one would be unique and created by members of the local community.

Businesses, schools, playgroups, church groups, care homes, Cubs and Brownies, and groups of creative friends could get involved.

Ideas for the designs of the trees could include recycling, for example, and they could be made from books or even be knitted.

Trees, which can be up to five and a half feet tall and two feet at their broadest, will remain in place throughout December.

Small prizes will be awarded for the most inventive and creative.

Any lights used must be battery powered and trees should not contain anything fragile, edible, unsafe or flammable.

They must be delivered to the museum between 10am and 2pm from Wednesday 24th to Saturday, 27th November.

The museum will do its best to look after trees but accepts no responsibility for any damage.

Trees must be taken down and collected between Tuesday 4th and Friday, 7th January.

To register contact Kirsty Sanders, call 01623 463136 or email [email protected]
Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth at Mansfield District Council, which operates the museum, said: “The trees can be any theme people want to create.

“We can’t wait to see all the designs and they will make a wonderful and quirky festive statement.

“It’s great that our museum is getting back into its creative stride again after having to close its doors for so long. I hope people take some time to enjoy what is a fantastic resource in Mansfield.”

Volunteers are an invaluable part of the museum and it is always on the lookout for people who can spare four hours a month.

It is particularly seeking people to help out at the Reminiscence Tea Room events. The role involves serving tea and coffee, helping with the set-up and packing away of the event, and chatting with visitors and helping them join in with crafts and games.

For more information or to offer help call Kirsty Sanders on 01623 463136 or email [email protected]

For people who love a good game of Monopoly or Scrabble, the museum’s Games Café is also running at the Museum on Thursday lunchtimes in November. It will be held from 1pm to 2.30pm on 4th and 19th November, offering a cup of tea and a variety of old-fashioned board games. No booking is required, just go along on the days.