Schoolchildren were invited to explore Congleton's Town Treasures.

First Mossley Cubs and Scouts paid a visit to Congleton Town Hall recently.

The youngsters learned about key figures from the Congleton's history, had the chance to hold the Town Mace and took on a quiz to demonstrate their knowledge.

Cub Leader, Dave Hulse, said: "We are hugely grateful to our Mayor and Town Crier and all the Town Hall team for making us so welcome.

"The Cubs and Scouts loved finding out a bit of the history of the building and of Congleton.

"Of course, they were most interested in the steps down to the jail!"

Greeted with an 'Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!' and welcome by the Town Crier, Vicky Pulman, the group then enjoyed a talk from Town Mayor Kay Wesley.

This included a quiz on the history of Congleton Town, its original Charter and the way people lived when it was signed in 1272.

The competition was high as the Cubs and Scouts answered questions like what the job of the Catchpole was, why Congleton is called Beartown, what children drank in the Middle Ages and the role and responsibilities of the town council today. 

The Cubs and Scouts also learned about prominent people from Congleton's History, such as John Bradshaw, who signed the death warrant of King Charles I, and women's rights campaigner and suffragist Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy.

After watching a short film about the Town Treasures, the visitors got an opportunity to hold the Town Mace and ring the Crier's Bell, with their own shout of Oyez!

The Town Hall Tour included a look at the secret tunnel and Great Hall, finishing off with refreshments and a photo-opportunity in the 'Mayor's robes'.

Councillor Wesley said: "The Cubs and Scouts worked well in teams to guess the answers about the Charter and the town council.

"I think they really enjoyed holding the Town Mace and learning about its controversial history.

"They were very knowledgeable about, and clearly fascinated by, the history of Congleton and our Town Hall.

"It was a pleasure to have them."

If you're part of a group or business that would like a similar experience, contact Town Hall manager Mark Worthington on 01260 270350.

There also opportunities available to join 1^st Mossley Cubs and Scouts as a volunteer leader.

To find out more, contact Christine Scott at [email protected].