Visit Renishaw Hall in 2014.....

Renishaw Recollections

As part of Renishaw Hall & Garden’s 2014 season, which opens on March 29^th, Christine Beevers, Renishaw Hall’s archivist, is asking people with personal and family links to the hall and estate to come forward and get in touch. Named ‘Renishaw Recollections’, Christine’s project hopes to use the memories told to help shape the history of Renishaw Hall, and give more insight in to the way the estate functioned, through the experiences of the people working for the family.

Visitors can tell their Renishaw family stories to Christine by contacting her via enquiries@renishaw-hall.co.uk or visiting the Estate Office during opening hours from March 29^th to September  28^th2014. Renishaw Hall & Gardens will be also hosting a World War I talk, given by Christine, as she explores the archive to find the Sitwell family’s many links to First World War on the centenary of the year of its outbreak. Important artefacts – not normally on view to the public – will be brought out of the house archives and displayed and explained during the talk. Dates TBC, during the summer months 2014. Check www.renishaw-hall.co.uk for updates. 

Visit Leeds Kirkgate Market......

Leeds Kirkgate Market this Christmas

This Christmas come and discover a treasure trove of unique gifts at Leeds Kirkgate Market from fresh chestnuts and cranberries for your Christmas day to smoked salmon for that extra special Boxing Day brunch. Kirkgate Market is open seven days a week from the start of December until Christmas Eve, offering the best in quality, variety and value for money. Leeds Markets will be a hub of festive spirit with a whole host of exciting activities alongside brilliant Christmas shopping!

Come and visit the M&S Market Stall, the birthplace of Marks & Spencer and follow the award winning M&S Leeds Heritage Trail. Winner of the Group Travel Award for innovation in Tourism 2013. Travelling from past to present, the trail takes you on a journey through the rich heritage of Leeds, and the Victorian Gardens open Christmas Market. The trail finishes at the Marks in Time Exhibition at the M&S Company archive, White Rose award finalist for small visitor attraction 2013. Whether you take the trail as a self-guided walk, or book an expert tour guide you’ll be finding out more about the fascinating story of British high-street favourite that began life at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

There’s a whole lot more going on!!

Every Saturday in December we’ll have adorable live reindeer on the outdoor market to set the Christmassy scene alongside our giant Christmas tree. They’ll be brass bands playing traditional carols and the market will be decked out with delightful decorations including the M&S Christmas Clock Tree. Don’t forget our free Shop & Drop service which allows you to do all your festive shopping then leave it in our “chiller” room until a more convenient time of day (perhaps whilst you’re having a cup of tea!) For coach bookings over 30 customers we will provide free mince pies and hot punch in our hospitality suite which overlooks the spectacular 1904 market hall when booked in advance.

It’s the only place to be this Christmas.

To enjoy the experience of Christmas at Europe’s biggest indoor market, please contact the market’s information centre on 0113 3781950 or email markets@leeds.gov.uk, or to book a guided M&S trail please contact 0208 7182800 or e-mail companyarchive@marksandspencer.com