From origami bees symbolising industry to Victorian scrapbooks preserving memory, these activities are family-friendly, inclusive, and bursting with local character. Let’s dive into Slough’s newest creative movement.

Why Heritage Crafting Matters

In a world dominated by screens, crafting offers a slower, mindful connection—not just to creativity, but to the heritage that shaped our communities. In Slough, these workshops also:

• Teach local history in fun, interactive ways
• Bring together generations—from children to grandparents
• Support local artists and museums
• Boost mental well-being through hands-on activity

When the crafts themselves are inspired by the town’s past, they become more than hobbies—they become living stories.

1. Origami Bees at The Curve

Held at The Curve, Slough’s cultural hub, this workshop uses origami bees to honour the town’s industrial past. Bees symbolise productivity and unity—reflecting how Slough grew into one of Britain’s biggest industrial estates in the 20th century.

• Storytelling on Slough’s industrial rise
• Step-by-step origami folding
• A “bee wall” where creations are displayed with personal messages

Families love it, kids stay engaged, and visitors leave with a small but meaningful reminder of local history.

2. Literary Crafts at Slough Museum

Inspired by John Betjeman’s poetry, Slough Museum runs literary craft sessions where participants create:

• Bookmarks featuring Betjeman’s quotes
• Six-word stories or short poems on scrolls
• Decorated recycled paper with old Slough map stamps

It’s a creative way to explore literature, identity, and how the town has evolved.

3. Multicultural Craft Workshops

Reflecting Slough’s diversity, community centres host monthly multicultural workshops, including:

• Diya painting for Diwali
• Eid card making with Arabic calligraphy
• African bead bracelet sessions
• Chinese paper cutting for Lunar New Year

These sessions celebrate unity through creativity—with crafts, stories, and even food tastings.

4. “Slough Through the Ages” Recycled Art Challenge

A youth-led project where kids use recycled materials to create art inspired by Slough’s history—from steam railways to Mars Bars. The best works are showcased in a mini seasonal exhibition.

This combines eco-friendly crafting with heritage learning, and parents love seeing their children become young storytellers.

5. Victorian Scrapbooking and Memory Albums

In collaboration with the Slough Older People’s Forum, this workshop revives Victorian-style scrapbooking. Participants create:

• Albums decorated with lace, flowers, and vintage papers
• Memory books with family stories and photographs
• Personal heritage collections for grandchildren and community sharing

It’s crafting with heart—preserving both personal and town history.

How to Join

• The Curve: Check their online events calendar
• Slough Museum: Join the newsletter for craft sessions
• Community hubs: Visit Chalvey Hub, Langley College, or local centres
• Slough Borough Council: Follow social pages for event updates

Most workshops are free or low-cost, and designed to be inclusive for all ages.

A Town That Crafts Together, Grows Together

Slough’s heritage-inspired workshops are more than weekend fun. They’re a way to connect with history, celebrate diversity, and build community bonds. Whether you’re folding bees, painting diyas, or scrapbooking memories, you’re contributing to a shared story.

In Slough, crafting isn’t just about making things—it’s about making connections.