>February Events / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk February 7, 2014
To celebrate the return of Jack Valentine, Bridewell Museum is launching a host of special events to mark this old Norfolk tradition.
On the day itself, 13th February, the museum will be open late until 8pm. The museum will be inviting visitors to share their memories of Jack Valentine, hear stories about how this uniquely Norfolk tradition has been celebrated in the county for years, and take a peek at some of the things which might have been given as Valentine’s gifts.
In a rather special event BBC Voices will be recording memories from the ‘love seat’. Visitors will be invited to take a seat in the recreated 1950s living room, complete with chocolates and flowers to tell their stories of how this special tradition was celebrated in families – past and present.
Victorian Valentines went one step further, lavishing gifts on their loved ones. Join the team as they unveil collections from the Bridewell Museum which would have been given as presents. Clocks, umbrellas, tea caddies, card cases and albums were all shopped for in secret for that special surprise.
During half term (15 – 22 February) join in ‘Hearts and Crafts’. Jack Valentine will leave gifts all around the museum, follow the trail, collect the clues and maybe win a prize. Plus there will be arty opportunities to make something.
All of this activity will launch with an appeal for gifts for local Looked After Children. Supporters are being asked to donate a small gift – such as the ones Jack Valentine would have delivered himself, gifts such as stationary, art and craft items, and puzzle books. Donations need to be made by 13th February.
Jenny Caynes from Bridewell Museum said “The story of how Valentine’s Eve was celebrated in Norwich and Norfolk is shown beautifully in the Bridewell Museum, and we are delighted that the return of Jack Valentine has really captured people’s imagination. We’re looking forward to our visitors telling us more about how their families celebrated over the next week at our events “
Nick Bond, Head of Tourism at VisitNorwich said “I am delighted that the story of Jack Valentine and Valentine’s Eve lives on. Since our first celebrations last year to re-ignite the story, many more people in Norwich are talking about this special Norfolk tradition and many more events are happening, which is great news for the city.”
www.museumsnorfolk.org.uk/the-bridewell
Event details
Thursday 13th February
The Bridewell Museum will be open late until 8pm, to celebrate Valentine’s Eve. Join us to share your memories of Jack Valentine, hear stories about how this uniquely Norfolk tradition has been celebrated in the county for years, and take a peak at some of the things which might have been given as Valentine’s gifts.
- BBC Voices recording memories from 2pm-8pm
- Who is Jack Valentine? Storytelling about this enigmatic character, and maybe even an appearance from the man himself 4pm – 8pm
- Find out more about objects given as Valentine gifts 2pm -8pm
Did Jack Valentine Knock on Your Door?
Sit yourself on our special ‘love seat’ and come and chat to producers from BBC Voices to tell them all about your memories of Valentine’s. We’ll be romantically reminiscing and would love to hear your story of how this special tradition was celebrated in your street.
Take a seat in our recreated 1950s living room, complete with chocolates and flowers to get you in the mood, and tell us all.
Thursday 13th February 2pm-8pm
Friday 14th February 11am- 4pm
Saturday 15th February 11am – 4pm
Not all Red Roses and Chocolates
Victorian Valentine’s went one step further, lavishing gifts on their loved ones. Join us as we unveil collections from the Bridewell Museum which would have been given as presents. Clocks, umbrellas, tea caddies, card cases and albums were all shopped for in secret for that special surprise.
Thursday 13th Feb 4pm-8pm
Saturday 15th February 11am -12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Saturday 22nd February 11am -12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Hearts and Crafts at Half term
Jack Valentine has left little gifts all around the museum, follow the trail, collect the clues and you could win a prize.
Plus, if you’re feeling arty, have a go at making something for the one you love.
Saturday 15th February – Saturday 22nd February.
Gift Giving – Just Like Jack!
To celebrate the return of Jack Valentine The Bridewell Museum is launching an appeal for gifts for local Looked After Children.
Please bring small, unwrapped gifts to the value of £5.00 to the museum.
Good ideas for gifts are stationary, art and craft items, and puzzle books. Please make your donations by the 13th February.
Further information on donating Valentine gifts to looked after children contact [email protected] 01603 223533
Addtional information
The Bridewell Museum Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm
Last admission half an hour before closing
All activities are free with museum admission
Ticket Prices
Adult £4.80
Concessions £3.80
Adult in a family group £3.80
Young adult (17-25) £3.30
Young person (4-16) £2.70
Museum pass holders, Friends of Norwich Museums, carer with a disabled visitor – Free.
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