News from the frontline – First World War news correspondent
This is the third blog tracking the First World War activities for schools and children around the North East. It is aimed at teachers and museums, heritage, archives and libraries educators developing programmes and activities to engage young people in the Commemoration.
There will be lots of new exhibitions opening, activity days and awareness raising events over the next year. If you know of anything coming up please send it across to Eileen at Bridge North East, your local War correspondent on the frontline of museum and heritage engagement in the region. Email eileen.atkins@sagegateshead.com, telephone 0191 4435315.
This Month: Action stations as regional Centenary activity increases over the Summer
As the weather heats up so does activity around the War Centenary. The 4th August marks the 100th anniversary of Britain officially joining the War and will be a day of regional and national commemoration activity.
Lights Out, 4th August
Lots of North East organisations are getting involved with the national Lights Out initiative. Everyone in the UK is invited to take part in #LightsOut by turning off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on 4 August, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection. People can take part in whatever way they choose, marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War either at home or by attending one of the many events being organised around the country. Go to the website to see all the events from the region, including a candlelight supper at Durham School, a commemoration event at Durham Cathedral, and Lights Out Middlesbrough: www.1418now.org.uk/lights-out/
First World War at Beamish – 4th, 5th and 6th August
Beamish are marking the anniversary with a range of activities for visitors. These will include soldier stories in the Pit Cottages, a display by the Wessington U3A War Memorial Project, family activities including poppy making and singing in the chapel. On the 6th, there will be a parade through the museum by the community of Felling.
Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums: new ‘Wor Life’ team formed as exhibition programmes begin
TWAM now have a Wor Life project team set up to lead on their cross-venue exhibitions and events programme. The ‘Home for Heroes: South Tyneside in the First World War’ exhibition at South Shields Museum opened on 11th July and the ‘Paintings of World War One’ exhibition at the Laing Gallery will be on display until October. Segedunum museum in Wallsend also has an exhibition called ‘Ships, Coal and Zeppelins – North Tyneside in the First World War’ currently on display.
Looking forward to seeing further exhibitions opening at Discovery and the Hatton Gallery in the Autumn. Follow this link for a blog about TWAM’s WW1 programmes: http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/latest/corporate/wor-life-1914-18-tyne-amp-wear-in-the-first-world-war.html
News from Northumberland
A new Northumberland co-ordination group has been formed which will ensure a joined up approach to WW1 Centenary commemoration in Northumberland. The group, hosted by Northumberland County Council, will meet every two months for the duration of the Centenary period. For more information contact James.Fell@northumberland.gov.uk
Tommy Sculpture is staying in Seaham
Residents of Seaham have raised over £60,000 to keep a sculpture that was on loan. Officially the sculpture by Ray Lonsdale is called 1101 but it is known locally as Tommy and its great news that this well loved piece of art will be staying put.
The next Wor Lass blog will focus on schools workshops for the new academic year. If you have anything you want highlighted in the blogs please get in touch.
Written by Eileen Atkins, Museums Manager Bridge North East
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