'Darwin' heading back to school
The people of Shrewsbury will get to witness a historic event at the town's library next month - as the building goes back in time to Charles Darwin's childhood.The people of Shrewsbury will get to witness a historic event at the town's library next month - as the building goes back in time to Charles Darwin's childhood. The Young Charles Darwin will be seen arriving for his first day at Shrewsbury School on September 13. Shrewsbury Heritage Celebrations begins its contribution to the Darwin Bicentenary with a 10-minute re-enactment of the moment in 1818 when nine-year-old Charles Darwin left his family to join his older brother at Dr Butler's boarding school at Castle Gates. The school is now Shrewsbury Library. Ten-year-old Alex Needham, of Victoria Street, Shrewsbury, will play Charles and Allan Price the formidable Dr Butler. Performances begin at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm. The play is part of the Tourist Information Centre's walking tours of the town centre, exploring sites connected with Charles Darwin and his family. Booking is essential - phone (01743) 281200, but anyone is welcome to watch the re-enactment. Read more in the Shropshire Star
The people of Shrewsbury will get to witness a historic event at the town's library next month - as the building goes back in time to Charles Darwin's childhood.
The Young Charles Darwin will be seen arriving for his first day at Shrewsbury School on September 13.
Shrewsbury Heritage Celebrations begins its contribution to the Darwin Bicentenary with a 10-minute re-enactment of the moment in 1818 when nine-year-old Charles Darwin left his family to join his older brother at Dr Butler's boarding school at Castle Gates.
The school is now Shrewsbury Library.
Ten-year-old Alex Needham, of Victoria Street, Shrewsbury, will play Charles and Allan Price the formidable Dr Butler.
Performances begin at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm.
The play is part of the Tourist Information Centre's walking tours of the town centre, exploring sites connected with Charles Darwin and his family.Booking is essential - phone (01743) 281200, but anyone is welcome to watch the re-enactment.
SHC will soon be starting preparations this autumn for other scenes to be performed in 2009 and more actors will be needed. Costume workshops, under the direction of Beverley Baker, will be creating the Regency costumes to be worn on several weekends next summer.
Anyone who would like to take part can visit www.shrewsburyheritage.co.uk (sponsored by Virtual Shropshire) for contacts and further information.
Organisers at SHC have also thanked Wace Morgan Solicitors, Tanners Wines and Pengwern Books, who have all renewed their sponsorship.
Any donations or offers of sponsorship are welcome - please visit the relevant section of the website.
Chairman Andrew Bannerman said: "An extra bonus was a recent e-mail from America, offering a donation.
"Marcia Benbow O'Neal from Durham, North Carolina was impressed with last year's commemoration of the Civil War, in which one of her ancestors, John Benbow, figured prominently in the community play, Play the Man.
"She has done extensive research into the Shropshire Benbows and organises Benbow reunions in America."
