Called A Celebration of Salt, it tells the story of brine in Nantwich and enables visitors to view brine from the “Old Biot” spring and the salt that it produced.

That story began in Roman times and possibly even earlier when the manufacture of salt was key to the town, centred around brine springs along the River Weaver.

The Domesday Commissioners saw the potential in the town for the manufacture of salt and by 1597, 216 salt houses were engaged in its production.

The fully illustrated exhibition tells the story, observing even when the production of salt ceased in the 19th century the brine continued to be appreciated for its medicinal properties.

Nantwich brine can still be enjoyed today in the town’s unique open air inland Brine Baths swimming pool.

So grateful were the inhabitants of the town for the gift of brine that for a time on Ascension Day they would dress the principal brine spring and spend the day in dancing, feasting and merriment.

The festival was known as “Blessing the Brine”.

A donation to the museum has enabled a painting by local artist Nicholas Ferenczy to be commissioned depicting the celebration.

It is on view for the first time at the exhibition. Local poetry associated with the salt industry is also featured.

It runs until Saturday July 20.

Salt will be the main theme of the workshops on Wednesday and Thursday May 29 and 30.

These are designed to coincide with the new “A Celebration of Salt” exhibition at the Pillory Street venue, which opens today (Tuesday May 28).

Children will be able to use salt to make their crafts as well as try simple experiments.

They can also investigate how other household items can be used to make fun crafts to take home and take part in quizzes.

The drop-in workshops will be held between 11am –and 3pm, £2 per child, who must be accompanied. Large groups are requested to book in advance.

The museum’s popular Plant and Book Sale will take place at the museum this Saturday June 1, between 10am and 1pm.

A wide selection of plants and books will be available for sale in aid of museum funds. Refreshments will be available.

Anyone happy to donate books or plants for the event are welcome.

Meanwhile, the museum is planning events to celebrate Volunteers Week between June 1 and 7.

The museum depends upon support of volunteers and events are scheduled where visitors can explore opportunities for volunteering.

On Saturday June 1 between 11am and 3pm, visitors can plant a seed to improve the area surrounding the museum.

On Tuesday June 4,  11am to 1pm, there will be a coffee morning with a chance to examine objects from the museum’s collection and learn how to look after that collection.

And on Friday June 7, 10.30am to midday, there will be a chance to find out what goes in to producing an exhibition behind the scenes and meet the researchers.

Contact the museum on enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk, call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

They are in need of people to help with fundraising, organising events, and preparing and distributing posters.

“Volunteers play an essential part in the running of the museum working in teams to bring a wide range of skills to support the permanent staff,” said a spokesman.

If you would like to explore the possibility of joining the museum’s team of volunteers, contact Kate Dobson, the community development manager.

Email enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk, call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

Meanwhile, the Pillory Street venue has just launched the first of a series of comics which tell the story of various aspects of the town’s history.

The illustrated four-page leaflet recounts The Great Fire of 1583 and is available in the museum shop, costing 50p.

The comics will also recount stories such as how inhabitants of the town would dress the brine spring and spend the day celebrating the gift of brine two years after The Great Fire.

It also highlights how in acknowledgement of the generosity of Queen Elizabeth I in helping to rebuild the town, May 1st became known as “Queen’s Day”.

Kate Dobson added: “They have been drawn by local artist Les Pickford and will help enormously taking the story of the town to young people.”

Children from schools across the town entered the competition run by Nantwich Museum, on Pillory Street.

And Crewe & Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was on hand to present the prizes and certificates.

A lot of the work is now on display at the museum as Nantwich’s finest young artists show off their amazing talents.

And the winner of Year 3 and the overall winner was Molly Barnett, a pupil at Acton Church of England Primary School, with her Fire of Nantwich 1583 picture.

All the prize winners are as follows:
Harvey Holt, Reception Winner Sound and District; Kirsten Sayers, Year 1 Winner Acton; Akira Taylor-Vyse, Year 2 Winner Acton; Molly Barnett, Year 3 Winner Acton; Alice Ford, Year 4 Winner Acton; Jack Edwards, Year 5 Winner Acton; Olivia McGhie, Year 6 Winner Wyche.

School Winners were Lizzy Ruth Edwards, Audlem St James’s; Olivia McGhie, Wyche; Tallulah Batley, Acton; Libbi Sykes, Stapeley Broad Lane; William West, Millfields; Ellie Luke, Highfields; and Freya Graham, Sound and District.

The competition, organised by the Rotary Club of Nantwich, was judged by two local artists.

“Historic Nantwich” was the theme and the artwork provided an interpretation of the history of the town and an impressive and informative exhibition with something of interest for everyone.

About 100 of the more than 300 pictures entered are on display at the museum until Saturday May 25.

Contact Nantwich Museum at enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk, call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

Plans for 1,100-homes, business and retail units at Kingsley Fields will be on view for a final time at Nantwich Museum tomorrow (April 25).

Reaseheath College and developer Mosaic Estates have drafted the plan for the site between the A51, Welshman’s Lane and Water Lode.

There is also provision for a new primary school and community centre,  a riverside walkway, allotments, open space for a children’s playground, a multi-use games area and outdoor gym.

Developers believe it will meet housing need for the town until 2030 as highlighted in Cheshire East Council’s Local Plan.

A spokesman for Mosaic Estates said “extensive discussion and comment” has confirmed its suitability and sustainability for a range of land uses.

Reaseheath College principal Meredydd David (pictured) says income from sale of land as part of the proposal will be ploughed back into developing the college.

“This will enable us to develop a high quality scheme of which we can all be proud, and which will bring considerable benefit to Nantwich and its surrounding areas,” he added.

The consultation will run from 3pm to 7.30pm in Nantwich Museum’s Millennium Gallery tomorrow (Thursday April 25).

The summer exhibition will look at the ways in which Nantwich residents have obtained their food over the last century.

It will encompass the rigours of war, food rationing, changes in takeaway habits, the emergence of the cafe culture and today’s trend back to artisan food.

It will be designed to be illustrated, interactive and include a range of events painting the picture of food shopping in the town during the last 100 years.

Memorabilia, especially those associated with the town, are sought such as documents, old food packaging, clothing and more.

Museum staff are also interested to hear the recollections of those with experience of food shopping in Nantwich perhaps having worked in one of the shops, as a customer or recalling a special food event of the time.

Call in to Nantwich Museum on Pillory Street, email enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk or call 01270 627104.

The display, which runs until Saturday June 15, brings together an exciting variety of textile and mixed media artwork by Threadmill.

Members of the group have worked with the alchemy of techniques and materials to produce an engaging and stimulating exhibition.

The members of Threadmill live all over the North West and have been influenced by the countryside and a folk history rich in enchantments, dragons, ghosts and country folklore.

Some look at the landscape and how legends are created by and within them, while others are drawn to the legends themselves.

“We are committed to the promotion of textiles as both a decorative and expressive art form and hope to increase awareness and education through our exhibitions and workshops,” said a Threadmill spokesman.

Pictured here are examples of work from three artists, Ruth Smith, Gillian Crompton and Angela Oswald.

For details email enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk, call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

Cllr Stuart Hutton (pictured) wants Nantwich to have a delicacy to represent the Dabbers – like Cornwall with the pasty, and Stoke with the oatcake.

The competition is inviting local businesses, residents and community groups to come up with special dish to celebrate the town.

It also aims to cement its place in the food calendar as host to the successful Food and Drink Festival and the International Cheese Show.

There are also a host of renown local food producers and specialist outlets and restaurants.

Nantwich Town Cllr Hutton said: “The Dabber’s Dish competition will give local people an opportunity to show off their creative, culinary flair.

“It will culminate with a judging event in Nantwich Town Square on Saturday July 20, when local people will be able to sample entries and have their say on which entry best represents their town.”

The date of the final of the competition will coincide with an exhibition at Nantwich Museum, celebrating the town’s culinary heritage.

“The rules of the competition are very straightforward. All entries must be connected with the town in some way, either through use of local produce, or by being themed on a local industry or historical event,” added Cllr Hutton.

“With a Roman Settlement, great fire, historic battle and local industries including salt mining, cheese making and leather working, there should be plenty to inspire competitors!”

More information can be found at Cllr Hutton’s website www.stuarthutton.com or from Nantwich Town Council.

Workshops on Wednesday April 3 and Thursday April 4 will have as their theme Easter spring time crafts.

Further workshops will take place on Wednesday April 10 and Thursday April 11 with activities based on the work of Nantwich artists.

The workshops for children are drop in at the museum between 11am to– 3pm.

The cost is £2 per child who must be accompanied. Large groups are requested to book in advance.

For further information contact Nantwich Museum on education@nantwichmuseum.org.uk, call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

The event will be held at the auction house’s Victoria Gallery on Market Street, Nantwich.

Money raised from the event on April 24 will go towards museum funds.

Guests will have a chance to view the fine art and antiques on display.

Robert Stones, managing partner at Peter Wilson’s, will give a talk on his visit to China presenting a Fine Art Auction in Xiamen Free Port.

This will be followed by supper and more viewing of items on display in the gallery.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Tickets cost £15 per person including supper and are only available from the reception desk at the museum.

Email enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk, call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

John served on several public bodies during a distinguished career, representing the Acton ward of Nantwich for 14 years.

He died aged 83 on February 23. Friends and family packed out his funeral at St Mary’s Church in Acton yesterday (March 7).

John also served his parish of Acton, Edleston and Henhull for many years.

Willaston and Rope ward Cllr Brian Silvester knew him well.

Cllr Silvester said: “John was a first class councillor who always worked really hard for the residents and the community he represented and lived in all his life.

“He represented the Acton Ward from 1995 until Local Government re-organisation in 2009, when he retired.

“During his 14 years as a borough councillor he was always re-elected with a very large majority, showing the very high esteem he was held by his constituents.

“He served for a period as the chief whip of the Conservative Group and represented the council on numerous bodies like the local sports council, the Nantwich Museum Trust and the Cheshire Association of Parish Councils.

“He also served as a school governor. John was a very long serving member of Acton Parish Council.  I pay tribute to his long record of public service. John was a lovely man who was liked by all.

“I would like to pass on my condolences and sympathy to his wife Betty, his family and many friends. He will be sadly missed.”

Stephen O’Brien, MP for Eddisbury, said: “John’s work as a councillor over 14 years was in the highest tradition of true representation and he worked tirelessly to represent his constituents.

“We worked together on a number of campaigns such as the speed restriction in Acton but above all John was a true family man and a gentleman which is how I shall remember him.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Betty, and his family at this sad time.”

(pic courtesy of Stephen O’Brien MP)

The final signpost of seven was unveiled at the entrance to Mill Island on Waterlode yesterday to complete a town council funded project.

Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Graham Fenton attended along with Civic Society members, including chairman Jeff Stubbs.

The signs were built to help visitors to the town enjoy the walks around the Riverside area of the River Weaver.

Mr Stubbs said the idea came about over a year ago when volunteers were cleaning up the Riverside area of weeds and litter.

“We noticed some visitors were getting a bit lost and did not know where the network of pathways went.

“We realised too there was lots of local history and natural history to tell people about.

“So the Civic Society applied to Nantwich Town Council last year for a grant for these seven signs.

“They awarded it and wanted us to use the services of another community-based group in the area – Greenspaces South Cheshire C.I.C – to develop the content with the help of local groups.”

Other organisations involved were Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Nantwich Museum, Nantwich in Bloom, Nantwich Anglers and the Cheshire East Footpaths team.

Former Riverside Project officer James Thompson, now a director of Greenspaces South Cheshire, researched and coordinated the content along with Nantwich Civic Society members and Doug Butterill, of Nantwich in Bloom.

“We decided there were seven key locations where signs would best serve the public,” added Jeff.

“From the south end at Nantwich Lake and Coed Wen to the Reaseheath end at Beam Bridge. We’re very pleased with the result.”

(Pic: Left to right: Doug Butteril, Nantwich in Bloom; James Thompson, Director Greenspaces South Cheshire C.I.C (and former Riverside Project Officer), Cllr. Penny Butterill Nantwich Town council and Cheshire East; Cllr Graham Fenton, Mayor Nantwich town council; Jeff Stubbs, Chair Nantwich Civic Society)