CHILDREN got their thinking caps on and other head gear as they designed their own bonnets as part of an Easter workshop at the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre.

The workshop on Wednesday (April 12) allowed youngsters and their parents to learn about the history of different hats as well as their purpose.

Examples included a fireman’s helmet, miner’s helmet from Corsham mine and police helmets, as well as school caps and bonnets.

Elaine Davis, collections assistant at the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, said: “This is the first time we have done this kind of workshop and we had a great time and they had fun.

“We started off by going around the museum looking at what’s on display and as they were walking around they were gathering information on why you would have a hat.

“We concentrated on what was in our collection and got things out of storage so that they could learn about the use of hats as protection, as a display and as a fashion item.”

Children created their own bonnets, as well as stovepipe hats as worn by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“Next week we’re doing another workshop on maps but because we have a mapping exhibition we will combine it with that and we will be making a 3D map,” added Ms Davis.

The workshop will be held from 10.30am-12pm and anyone wishing to attend should contact the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre on 01249 705020.