Iron Man, Wonder Woman, X-Men. . . whichever is your favourite, Erewash Museum is offering the perfect opportunity to be a superhero for the day!

Erewash Museum’s summer holiday themed weeks are off to a smashing start from 27 July with Heroes and Villains week. Fly, take the Batmobile or, if you prefer, walk over to the museum between 11am and 3pm from 27-31 July for free crafts and activities.

Some of the world’s most famous cyclists will ride through Erewash in September as part of this year’s Aviva Tour of Britain.

Residents will be able to see the top competitors when they reach the borough on Friday 11 September during Stage Six of the competition that will see the cyclists race the 189km between Stoke and Nottingham.

Now Erewash Borough Council is urging residents, businesses and schools to get involved and cheer on the sporting heroes when they reach Ilkeston on the route through to Nottingham between around 3.15pm and 3.50pm.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“Exact details of the route through our borough will be released nearer the time, but in the meantime we want to encourage everyone to think about turning out in force to see the world’s best cyclists – or even organise a celebration event for the occasion.

“Anyone organising a Tour of Britain event – however large or small – can get in touch with us and we have some flags we can provide to cheer on the sporting superstars.”

Organisers should email details of their event to [email protected]

More details of the Aviva Tour of Britain 2015 can be found at www.tourofbritain.co.uk

A new exhibition of fine art photography has opened at Erewash Museum’s Lally Gallery featuring the work of local lensman Howie Johnson.

The new collection, once again inspired by life and nature, showcases different techniques in the art of photography all stamped with Howie’s own unique style.

Howie uses computer technology to change and recreate his images into works of art, with many visitors to his exhibitions thinking the images are watercolours.

The featured works challenge the viewer to reflect on the images and see more in them, from creatures amongst the twists and turns of twigs and the scales on the bark of trees to flowers turned into diving eagles.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“This new collection by Howie Johnson is once again fascinating and thought-provoking. His work is inspired by nature and the life around us and his final images encourage us to look beyond what we first see.”

The ‘Reflections’ collection is at the Museum’s Lally Gallery until Friday 4 September.

Four splashingly good pool parties have been lined up during the school summer holiday to ensure families can take the plunge for some fabulous fun in Erewash.

Erewash Borough Council’s pool parties are held at its swimming pools at West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton and Victoria Park Leisure Centre in Ilkeston and always get the thumbs up from parents and children alike.

Music, inflatables and fun and games for the whole family are on the pool party agenda. The party dates are Saturday 25 July at West Park Leisure Centre, Long Eaton and Saturday 22 August at Victoria Park Leisure Centre, Ilkeston. Both pools will hold two parties on the day – between 3.30-4.15pm AND 4.30-5.15pm.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“Our pool parties always make a splash – they are THE party to be at! Once again we can promise lots of fun, laughter and music so dig out the swimming costumes and enjoy.”

The parties are limited to 100 places on a first come, first served basis on the day. The cost is £2.15 for juniors (5-16 years) or £1.65 with a leisure card; Adult admission is £3.60 or £3.10 with a leisure card. A family admission (two adults and up to three children) is £10.45 or £8.70 with a leisure card. The parties are free to junior summer swim members.

The parties are for 5 years to adults – but children under eight years must be accompanied by an adult.