The Story House: A Family Open Day

Arvon invites the local community to Lumb Bank this September for The Story House – two interactive and imaginative Heritage Open Days that explore the rich heritage of Lumb Bank through storytelling, creativity, and community connection. 

Set in the former home of poet Ted Hughes, Lumb Bank is opening its doors for two afternoons of workshops, talks and activities. One day will be family-focused, the other more for adult visitors, but both are free, open to all, and full of creative ways to engage with the history of this remarkable place and region. 

Sunday 7 September | 12–4pm 

Bee Creative: A Family Open Day 

A fun, hands-on day for families to explore the fascinating world of bees, buildings, and storytelling. 

• Beekeeping & Honey Tasting 

Join local beekeeper Pawel Warwicker for a beekeeping demonstration where he will discuss his love of beekeeping and how the Lumb bees make their delicious honey. You’ll explore the different types of honey produced in the Calder Valley and how it tastes of the local landscape. What might that landscape taste like? You’ll have the chance to sample some honey cake made from Lumb Bank honey whilst you connect with the ancient art of beekeeping. 

Bee boles have been used since the 12th century to keep bees. At Lumb Bank we have seven ancient bee boles, but our bees now live in hives in the field and the bee boles are empty. What could they be used for now?  Our Arvon facilitators will provide materials to kick start your ideas! 

• Little Lumb & footsteps Workshop 

Taking our cardboard Little Lumb model as a starting point, Yorkshire artist and maker Georgia D’Silva invites you to follow in the footsteps of the people who lived at Lumb Bank and in the Calder valley before us.  

We’ll be inviting you to tell us about the buildings and places you love - perhaps it’s the under dwellings and over dwellings,  the mill chimneys, the marketplaces, the schools   or the narrowboats? Or is it the little details like chimney pots, mullion windows, cobbled streets or worn steps?  There will also be the chance to make Lumb Bank cutouts. 

• What’s a Story House? 

Lumb Bank has been a writing house since 1975. Millions of words and stories have been written within these historic walls. Come and experience our story house first hand and share your own stories of the local area with us. Perfect for curious kids, creative families, and anyone who likes to make, imagine and taste something sweet! 

No booking required, just turn up! Bring a friend, bring a story, and help shape The Story House.