AN historic hall in Yardley is to open its doors for free this weekend as part of England's biggest heritage celebration. Blakesley Hall, in Blakesley Road, will stage a host of activities to take families on a trip back in time. It will include reenactments of military drills, archery demonstrations, coin stamping and demonstrations of building traditional old timber frame houses by the King Edward's Living History Group. The hall, which dates back to Tudor times, will open on Saturdayand Sunday, , from 11.30am until 4pm. At 2pm on Sunday archae-ologist Mike Hodder will lead a tour up to Old Yardley Village. The hall is one of 3,500 buildings across England taking part in the annual Heritage Open Days event, which last year attracted more than a million visitors. It has been organised by the Civic Trust with support from English Heritage, as well as an army of 30,000 volunteers. Katja Condy, spokeswoman for the Civic Trust, said: "This year we have a packed programme of events taking place ranging from tours,festivals, property openings, cooking demonstrations and exhibitions - there will be something to attract everyone, whatever your tastes. "What makes this such a fascinating and unique event are the stories which people choose to tell about their buildings and communities. "Visitors are invited into places which are normally private or would charge for entry, to meet people who live or work there, or who know the history of the place better than anyone else. "It's about passing on information on your area, what is special about the place where you live." Tim Johnston, West Midlands Director of English Heritage, added: "This year is set to be even bigger than last year, so even if you are a regular Heritage Open Days-goer there will be something new for you to see and do. "This is a chance to explore not just country houses but the history and culture of everything from Buddhist temples and Masonic lodges to mines, farms, pubs and factories." For more information visit www.heritageopendays. org or call 020 7539 7907. ..SUPL: | 
