Best July ever for the Museum of Cannock Chase

User numbers went through the roof last month and were the highest the venue has seen, with 6,566 people taking advantage of the museum's services.

From Monday 27th to Friday 31st July the museum in Hednesford ran a series of free nature activities for Green Balloon Club Week. Children under seven made nature scrapbooks, wax rubbings, went on a bug hunt for creepy crawlies and made collages from seeds. The week was a huge success, with between 300 and 400 people taking part each day.

August is shaping up to be just as successful. On 2nd August the museum held its free Summer Family Fun Day, with around 750 people enjoying arts and crafts sessions, a Red Riding Hood puppet show, willow weaving workshops, Jolly Polly the balloon modeller (more than 400 balloon animals were created!) and lots of stalls and displays from local organisations.

Wednesday Art Workshops continue at the museum until the end of August, giving families an affordable activity to keep the children entertained over the school holiday.

Cllr Mick Grocott, Cannock Chase Council Culture, Leisure and Activities for Children and Young People, said: "The museum is a superb facility for the whole District and I am delighted that so many people agree with me. I would like to congratulate all the employees for these remarkable visitor numbers. As well as the permanent collections, the museum showcases local artists, hosts photography exhibitions and welcomes thousands of children on school visits from across the Midlands every month."

Adrienne Whitehouse, Cannock Chase Council Leisure Development Manager, said: "Last month was the best July in the 18 years I've been working at the Council. Perhaps the recession has made more local families try some of the great free facilities that are on their doorstep. The museum is certainly one of these and it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying all the museum has to offer."