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Hats off to legend Fred

by Angela Kelly
18/ 1/2007

CHEER up this gloomy month of January by enjoying some of the superb free attractions that are on offer in and around Greater Manchester.

If you have never been to the Hat Works in Stockport, you're missing out on a heady treat!

This Museum of Hatting is based in Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, and not only has an extensive collection of hats from around the world but also regularly offers interactive exhibitions on different themes.

First-year millinery students at Leeds College of Art and Design have studied the past to create visions of the future with their latest work.

And for fans of Bolton's late steeplejack television star Fred Dibnah, there's a chance to see one of his trademark caps. Not just any cap, either - the Sunday best cap he wore for his wedding!

To find out more about opening times and other details, ring the Hat Works on 0845 8330975 or log on to www.hatworks.org.uk

ANOTHER attraction definitely worth a visit is Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays.

This award-winning building, just outside Manchester city centre, is all about people and their stories and how they have been shaped by war and conflict over the decades.

There are plenty of fascinating displays in the long-term galleries and special exhibitions, like the unusual one now on entitled Children of Jerusalem: Painting Pain, Dreaming Peace, which is a display of art by Israeli and Palestinian children.

Ring 0161 836 4000 or log on to north.iwm.org.uk

NEARBY, The Lowry is another architectural flagship which hosts a wealth of attractions and events.

It also offers a unique opportunity to view some of famed Northern artist LS Lowry's best-loved work in changing exhibitions together with little-known pictures on special loan.

For more information and opening times, ring 0870 787 5780 or visit www.thelowry.com

IF you have never visited Stockport Air Raid Shelters, you are missing a real treat. They allow you to step back in time amid the labyrinth of tunnels built under part of the town centre.

Here, you can experience what happened in the Second World War when the bombs exploded above, enjoy songs and reminiscences from the time and see wartime memorabilia and background explanations.

This is not a free attraction, but it's well worth a visit - if only to show the following generations the events and hardships of this momentous time.

Ring 0161 474 1940 for more details.

FANS of cycling - or anyone who enjoys an exciting spectacle - should head for the Manchester Velodrome tomorrow (Saturday).

Revolution 13 is the name of a competitive event featuring cycle racing by international road and track stars, demonstrating awesome turns of speed and showmanship.

The Velodrome is the National Cycling Centre and is one of the world's finest and fastest board tracks. Anyone can actually use it and, as well as obviously being home to important cycling events, it offers all kinds of sports including basketball, netball and badminton.

Ring 0161 223 2244 for more details.

GET out in the fresh air tomorrow in Reddish Vale Country Park, in Stockport, and learn more about the natural life around you.

There is a free Family Bird Walk from 10am to noon when all age groups can learn to identify the common birds around.

Expert advice is on hand from members of the local High Peak and Stockport groups of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, with a chance to continue birdwatching at home and contribute to the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch.

Book for the walk beforehand by ringing 0161 477 5637 or 474 4512.

DISCOVER more about design by visiting two interesting events at Manchester Art Gallery this weekend that offer free expert advice - and some fun, too.

Tomorrow, there's the chance to find out what happened to design in the 1960s with the help of Manchester-based artist Michael Trainor, an expert in 20th century design.

This takes place from 2pm to 3.30pm and needs booking in advance. If you have an interesting object from the Sixties, bring it along.

And on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, all the family can dream up a design for the future using various provided materials.

The idea is to first visit the current exhibition about iconic designer Joe Colombo and then come up with your own ideas.

To book or find out more, ring the Art Gallery in Mosley Street in the city centre on 0161 235 8888.