Exclusive: weird and wonderful Warrington!

VISITORS who have signed up to Culture Warrington’s new membership scheme have been treated to their first exclusive members-only event.
Weird and Wonderful Warrington, held at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery  gave members the chance to meet collections officer Craig Sherwood and hear him talk about the more extraordinary and rare items in the collection.
Visitors were treated to some fascinating stories behind popular exhibits including the mysterious Fiji mermaids, which it turns out are neither mermaids nor from Fiji.
Craig showcased some of the more rarely-seen objects in the collection such as the scold’s bridle, a pig’s heart used by a white witch, a fork used in cannibal feasts and the leg bone of a Moa, an extinct 12-foot tall flightless bird from New Zealand.
Members heard the fascinating stories behind some of the more unassuming exhibits such as a 300-year-old statue of Buddha which was used to smuggle gems into India.
Mr Sherwood said: “I was first drawn to Warrington Museum by the fascinating collections.
“We’re learning more about the collection all the time and some of the history behind our exhibits is only now coming to light.
“For example, our Fiji mermaids have been popular exhibits for years but we’ve only recently realised how rare our two-headed example is.
“Every object tells a story and this has been a great opportunity to share a selection of them with our members.”
To become a Culture Warrington member and receive discounts and special offers, including access to exclusive members-only events like this, sign up by popping in to Pyramid, Parr Hall or the museum and art gallery, calling 01925 442345, or visiting www.culturewarrington.org/memberships/