As Olympic fever sweeps the nation, Bassetlaw Museum is getting involved by looking at sport and games from times gone by.

On Saturday 21st July from 10am-4pm, there will be demonstrations of sports dating back hundreds of years as part of the museum’s event, ‘The Alternative Olimpicks’.

Travel back in time to the 1600s when Robert Dover presided over the Olimpick Games (as it was spelt back then) in the Cotswolds. The sports of the day included hunting, horseracing, throwing the hammer, chess and cards. There were also more dangerous games such as fighting with swords and cudgels and shin kicking!

Bassetlaw Museum will be teaming up with local historical interpreters, Historical Solutions Ltd, (as seen on TV) to recreate some of the sports too dangerous to try at home. They will also be providing a 17th century feel to the day.

Councillor Julie Leigh said: “The Alternative Olimpicks is Bassetlaw Museum’s contribution to the national celebration of The Festival of British Archaeology. People in the past loved to enjoy themselves just like we do today and the museum is great place to discover this.”

But Bassetlaw Museum also needs your help. There will be lots of games and activities throughout the day and we need people to join in. The games, such as Welly Quoits, Gurning and Tea Duelling will have an emphasis on fun rather than sporting prowess so all ages and abilities are needed. There will be Opening and Closing Ceremonies and prizes to take home.

From 10am-1pm there will also be an opportunity to see modern history at first hand. Olympic torchbearer Alison Noble will be bringing her torch to the museum for people to see and have their photograph taken with.

This full day of family fun, learning and entertainment is FREE. Refreshments will be on sale. We look forward to seeing you when the games begin!