Children become ‘marvellous makers of medicine’

Children are being invited to step into the shoes of a Victorian chemist and join in with interactive ‘Marvellous Makers of Medicine’ sessions this summer.

Children watching Ed’s demonstration

Taking place in the children’s section of Wolverhampton Central Library, the series of short activities is hosted through the Care, Create, Conserve project, led by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s (RWT) Charity – Arts and Heritage Group. This project has been made possible due to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The initiative ties into the library’s Summer Reading Challenge, a national scheme which is following the theme of ‘Marvellous Makers’ this year.

Children aged five and over are tasked with three challenges which include weighing out ‘medicine’ (sweets) using a pair of scales, using a mortar and pestle, and funnelling the powdered ‘medicine’ into a bottle.

This interactive challenge tests simple maths skills, as well as teaching young participants new words.

Youngsters earn a certificate upon completion of each challenge, and free activity sheets are available to take away, including wordsearches and spot the difference.

Elinor Cole, Arts and Heritage Co-ordinator, said: “Marvellous Makers of Medicine brings Wolverhampton’s healthcare history to a young audience, through hands-on activities and fun challenges.

“It’s been great to combine the themes of our heritage collection with the summer reading challenge being delivered at Wolverhampton Libraries, who have been such wonderful hosts for our Care, Create, Conserve project.”

Preeti Kailey, Arts and Heritage Volunteer, said: “The first session was also my first day as a volunteer, and I really enjoyed it. The activities involve basic maths and problem solving, teaching children how medicine was made in Victorian times while injecting an element of fun – it was a real success.”

The activity is accompanied by a small display of objects from Reade Brothers and Co, Wolverhampton’s manufacturing chemist who made medicines throughout the 1800s.

This display includes old photographs, medicine bottles, and formula books listing the ingredients of Reade’s remedies.

Upcoming sessions will take place at Wolverhampton Central Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until 24 August from 10am -2pm. Children don’t need to book, they can simply drop in.