Doctor Who celebrated at Erewash Museum

Sophie Aldred – who succeeded Bonnie Langford in the BBC1 show – will be talking about her experiences playing seventh doctor Sylvester McCoy’s sidekick Ace.

Tickets to hear about her adventures battling the Daleks and Cybermen are £10 – which buys admission to what are described as “panel talks” held at 12noon and 2pm.  General entry to the Doctor Who-themed extravaganza on Saturday 10th May is just £5 – with free admission for under-12s.

Places for the panel talks are limited so hurry to book by calling 0115 907 1141 or emailing museum @ erewash.gov.uk

The event comes as Erewash Council launches a public consultation about making the award-winning museum near Ilkeston Market Place even better. The survey is open until Friday 25th April and can be accessed here.

The museum’s Doctor Who day has seen it team up with Derby-based fan club Whoovers to stage what is being billed as “A Time-Travelling Exploration”.

Museum-goers are being urged on posters: “Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the TARDIS – and be on the lookout for some spectacular Daleks roaming the event!”

The much-anticipated latest series of Doctor Who kicked off on Saturday 12th April – bringing back fond memories for actress Sophie, who appeared as the Time Lord’s companion in the late 1980s. She went on to reprise the role of Ace in the October 2022 Doctor Who BBC Centenary special The Power of the Doctor.

Sophie, now 62, remains such a fan of the series she has written books about it including a novel.  Asked what she would say if invited to star alongside latest doctor Ncuti Gatwa she declared: “Yeah, where’s the contract? I'll sign it!”

Erewash Museum welcomes some 20,000 people a year. It is normally open from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – and is free to visit. During school holidays it also opens on Wednesdays. Refreshments are available at its Dalby House Café.