IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February
Free Entry – Donations welcome
Don your duffle coat and grab your ditty box to discover what life was like on the high seas, in a week of family activities this half term at IWM North.
From submarines to sea mines, explore the past 100 years at sea through storytelling, craft activities and objects on display.
As IWM North marks the centenary of the First World War, discover the real life stories of those who served at sea, such as Thomas Clare, a seasoned sailor who served on HMS Centurion – a huge battleship known as a super-Dreadnought. See the 9ct gold naval torpedo brooch Thomas sent to his sweetheart to mark their first wedding anniversary while he was away at sea.
Ever wondered what life is like at sea? Where do you sleep? What do you eat? Meet a Navy Veteran and find out the varied missions they undertake, like humanitarian aid and anti-piracy. Christian Morrisy, a former Able Seaman of 11 years in the Royal Navy said, ‘One of the main reasons I joined the Navy was to travel and see the world. My most memorable experience was working with children in Rio, Brazil, through a charity that helped get kids off the streets.’ (Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February, 12.15pm and 2.15pm).
Families are invited to get creative in daily craft sessions to leave a Message in a Bottle or make a Scratch Art Sea Horizon while peering through their telescopes.
Younger visitors can take part in interactive story telling sessions and learn about the strange and surprising animals that have sailed the seas, including Olga the reindeer and Tirpitz the pig.
Try out some sailor slang and learn when you should Pipe Down and when to Sling Your Hook.
Don’t miss What A Performance: Stories From the Shipyards, live theatrical performances bringing to life the stories of two women who made by their wartime contribution by working in the shipyards of the First and Second World Wars (Saturday 14 and Monday 16 February).
If all of that salty sea activity has left you feeling parched, why not visit the Watershard Café and Kitchen, designed to look like the bridge of a ship, with amazing waterside views. Or climb the AirShard to get a birds-eye view of what was once the busy Manchester shipping canal.
See if you can spot our Dazzle camouflage range in the IWM North shop, inspired by the disguised dazzle ships of the First World War.
Graham Boxer, IWM North Director said: ‘For centuries the Royal Navy has ruled the waves, so the song goes. In reality, sailors at times of conflict have faced some of the toughest conditions of all the armed forces, from those who served at the Battle of Jutland in the First World War to the men of the Artic Convoys in the Second World War. Yet our sailors have also had fun, exploring the world and creating their own nautical language. This February, visitors of all ages can delve into the true stories of men, women, and even animals who have sailed the seas.’
Entry is free, donations welcome. Find out more at iwm.org.uk or connect with IWM North on facebook.com/iwm.north or on twitter @IWMNorth
