People can explore the county’s heritage atThe Great Nottinghamshire Local History Fair next weekend.

Into its fourth year, the event at Mansfield Central Library, on Sunday, May 8, from 11am to 3pm, is being organised by Inspire and promises to be a free fun day out for all the family with appearances from live owls with their trainers and another special guest Robin Hood (aka Tim Pollard).

Inspire is a community benefit society delivering a range of cultural services on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Retired and ex-miners will be at the event to talk about their memories of working in Nottinghamshire’s coal mines, and they will bring equipment including harnesses used for pit ponies, safety gear and helmets with lamps to illustrate their stories.

Other activities include:

· The chance for children to take part in medieval tile painting, a prize quiz, and other crafts

· Lace making and spinning demonstrations

· A display by the Ruddington Framework Knitters

· A ‘Mini Museum’ with original Roman and Medieval artefacts found in Nottinghamshire

· Displays about Nottinghamshire’s heritage by history groups from across the county, and local history books to buy

· Refreshments available throughout the day

Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is a popular annual event which will appeal to people of all ages, with fun craft activities for the children and the chance to see real owls and meet Robin Hood, as well as a treasure trove of talks and information highlighting our county’s fascinating history.”

For more information about The Great Nottinghamshire Local History Fair telephone 01623 651337, or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/mansfieldlibrary

For more details on events and activities across Inspire in Nottinghamshire libraries, learning and cultural services, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson