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Photos of the museum's cordite club, Arts and Crafts club, past podcast event and a school visit with the words Heritage Careers Week 2024.

Heritage Careers Week 2024: Ignite Your Passion for Youth and Community Engagement!

By Archive

We are celebrating Heritage Careers Week 2024! We’re delighted to offer you a fascinating insight into the world of museum work through the eyes of our dedicated team. Join us for an engaging chat with Mónica Ramírez, our Youth and Community Engagement Officer at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. Discover her journey and the role she plays in connecting our community to our rich heritage!

Mónica Ramírez López, Youth and Community Engagement Officer

 

When did you decide that you wanted to work within the Creative and Cultural Industries and what influenced that decision?

My journey in the Creative and Cultural Industries really took off in Mexico, where I come from! My passion for education and communication led me to teach at various levels while working in communication and marketing. I discovered my true passion when I volunteered with a non-governmental organization focused on promoting heritage and the arts, That’s when I realized just how much I loved this field!

I got to work on many exciting projects, from creative educational initiatives to fun events. One of the highlights was securing funding to make my first project: a research and film documentary about youth identities. This experience opened my eyes to new ways of educating that go beyond the classic classroom setting, allowing me to make a positive impact in my community. It was then that I decided to dive into a career focused on heritage, collaborating with museums and galleries.

 

What did your career path look like?

After moving to the UK, I truly enjoyed immersing myself in the local community and discovering its history. I volunteered with charities, worked in education with children with special needs, and became a community champion at a local supermarket. This experience was incredibly fulfilling! One woman who followed my work on social media encouraged me to apply for a community engagement role at a local museum. Inspired by her support, I submitted my application, and I’m excited to share that it led to my job at The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

 

Describe a typical day in your working life:

No day is the same! Every day in my job is an adventure and I love that! There’s always something new on the agenda. Some days I attend school visits and take them on an exciting journey through the museum, where we explore the stories of munitions workers and the world wars through dynamic activities. On other days, I’m busy organizing community exhibitions, hosting Youth Council meetings, and planning events and workshops for young people and seniors. On some days, I work in the office, writing funding applications, reports, or projects to support inclusivity, integration, fight the climate change crisis, etc. I also enjoy meeting with local organizations to initiate and follow up on projects and partnerships.

 

What advice would you give someone interested in working in the industrial heritage sector?

I would advise them to visit museums and explore volunteer opportunities. This experience will help them gain valuable expertise, enhance their CV, and provide excellent networking opportunities. It’s the best way to showcase their talents and skills to potential employers. it’s a great journey to embark on!

 

What’s your favourite thing about your job?  

My favourite part is knowing that my work positively impacts people’s lives. I enjoy listening to the questions and reflections from children and young adults during our history sessions because it shows we are achieving our goal of encouraging reflection. I love watching the confidence and creativity of the children in the arts and crafts club grow over time; It’s lovely to see their mums become friends and create a supportive community! It brings me joy to see seniors smile in our Cordite Club, and it’s wonderful to hear the fresh ideas from the Youth Council members and to witness their growing confidence and leadership skills as they navigate challenges, such as expressing their opinions at Board of Trustees meetings and participating in the events we organize. I believe that every small contribution can lead to a larger, meaningful change.

 

 

If you would be interested in gaining experience in the cultural heritage sector, why not take a look at our Museum Mentorship Programme? This is for 16 to 24 years old and provides hands on experience with support, guidance and training from an mentor! Find out more about the Museum Mentorship Programme by clicking here>

Youth Empowerment Programme

By News

We are excited to announce that we have secured funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, Young Start, for our exciting mentorship programme.

 

Empower Your Future with Our Youth Empowerment Volunteer Program

Take charge of your future with our Youth Empowerment Volunteer Program! If you’re 16-24 and eager to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact, this program is for you. With hands-on workshops, supportive mentors, and exciting projects, we’ll help you reach your goals.

How to Apply: To get started is easy and informal:

  • Drop Us a Message: Please send us a quick note to education@devilsporridge.org.uk with your name and why you’re interested. There is no need for anything formal!
  • Explore the Role Profiles: Check out the attached profiles to see what excites you. Whether you’re into hospitality, customer-facing roles, behind-the-scenes curatorial work, research, databases, or community-focused roles like event management and education workshops, there’s something here for you. Tell us what interests you!
  • Come In for a Chat: We’d love to meet you in person! Come by for a relaxed chat so we can get to know you better and find the roles that match your interests 

And that’s it—no long forms or essays—just a friendly conversation to see how we can help you on your journey.

 

Cafe Volunteer Role Profile

Curatorial Volunteer Role Profile

Front of House Volunteer Role Profile

Youth and Community Volunteer role profile

A poster for Grimwood Museum Adventure with four of the books from the series and Kids in Museum's logo.

Grimwood Museum Adventure

By Archive

The Grimwood Museum Adventure

Join us this August for a brilliantly bonkers museum trail, part of the national Grimwood Museum Adventure with Kids in Museums and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. The trail celebrates the release of the latest book in the Grimwood series: Party Animals, written and illustrated by Nadia Shireen. Spot as many animals as you can find, complete puzzles and build a barmy bird’s nest from objects you can spot in the museum! Complete the trail. There is also a competition to enter!

This trail will be running at The Devil’s Porridge Museum from the 3rd to 26th August 2024.

Grimwood: Party Animals

Fox cub siblings, Ted and Nancy escape urban life and find themselves in Grimwood, the forest where anything can happen. Along with their new friends, Willow the Rabbit, Sharon the Party Crow, Titus the Stag, and more squirrels than they know what to do with, they face the toughest challenges, embark on the maddest adventures, learn the biggest life lessons and have the most fun two fox cubs can have.

The must-read fourth title in the bestselling and wildly funny, Grimwood series, Grimwood: Party Animals is out now! Can the gang help Grimwood’s favourite raving resident, Sharon the Party Crow to get her mojo back?

 

This is a free activity with admission.

 

A poster advertising Gardening Club at The Devil's Porridge Museum. This club is ideal for children and teenagers up to sixteen years old. It starts on Saturday 27th April 2024 from 10am to 12pm. To book please email education@devilsporridge.org.uk

Garden Club ‘Dig for Victory’

By Archive

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of gardening with our ‘Dig for Victory’ garden club at The Devil’s Porridge! Every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm, starting April 27th, 2024, children and teenagers up to 16 years old can explore the wonders of nature and learn how to grow beautiful plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Our knowledgeable gardener Wendy will inspire young minds, guiding them on a path of discovery and creativity. With Wendy’s expert guidance, you’ll discover the joys of gardening and connect with nature in ways you never thought possible.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to cultivate your skills, grow your knowledge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Join us for ‘Dig for Victory’ and let’s make gardening an adventure!

This is a free activity, all resources will be provided.

The last gardening club of 2024 will be on Saturday 26th October. We hope to see our gardening club back in 2025 and will share more information about this next year!

To book contact: education@devilsporridge.org.uk

Earth Day and how the museum helps the planet

By Archive
By Calum Boyde
Youth Council Member

 

Earth Day happens annually on April 22 and raises awareness of environmental issues and concerns while driving positive change in the world. Earth Day is themed this year as Planet Vs Plastic, to promote a reduction of all plastic by 60% by 2040. Here at the museum, we are doing our part in saving the planet. 

We currently have a temporary exhibition running in the museum called Energy for change. It’s all about how the museum can change to be more environmentally friendly. We have worked with the community on various events to do with this project. 

At the museum, we invited Lorraine Johnston, a community champion, who was joined by her beekeepers team and young volunteers and delivered events on wax painting, honey wax candle-making and providing information stands and local honey tasting sessions. 

Fish in danger of extinction was a creative writing and upcycle workshop from Gail McGregor. This event took children imagination to the bottom of the ocean to find extinct fish fossils. The children was tasked to write a story of a fish and through recycled plastic bottles produced art on how the fish may have looked like. The art from this event is currently part of our temporary exhibition. 

 

Our exhibition panels were printed utilising biodegradable materials, while non-biodegradable materials, like the Lego Planet seen in the exhibition, can be reused in future projects. The museum switches off lights and most electronic devices after closing to reduce energy consumption. Solar panels have recently been installed to further reduce energy consumption. 

Recycling program has been set up using recycling bins for cardboard, paper, plastic, metal cans and glass as well as reusing of cardboard, plastic and glass in crafts and exhibitions. To reduce the museum carbon footprint further, the museum has partnered with local businesses to supply most of the cafes food. The museum also has a garden that supplies the cafe with fruits, vegetables and herbs for us. The café now offers vegetarian options on the menu. 

These activities are part of our Energy for Change project, funded by Museums and Galleries Scotland. We are currently working on climate change policies to continue improving our environment.  

 (Please note: Our temporary exhibition has changed since this blog was written. You can find our current exhibition by clicking here>)

EASTER 2024

By Archive

Join our Easter workshops!
All the workshops are free of charge, and all materials are provided.

Join an Egg Hunt at any time between 10 am – 3 pm in the museum with your admission. This is a drop in activity from Mon 25 March to 5 April).

Book on the Booking Button by the right side of this page.

A poster listing the October Holidays workshops that happened at The Devil's Porridge Museum in 2023. These events have all now gone by.

OCTOBER HOLIDAYS 2023

By Archive

We have a wide range of activities for children during the October holidays 2023! Have a look to our program and book your children in this page!

Workshops and events are free and parents are welcome to join their children!🎃
(Parents are welcome to join their children, but please, book only your child)

Places are limited, so book now! To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Wednesday 18th of October 2023. From 1 – 4pm

          Upcycling workshop: Create a fish in danger of extinction:

          Ideal for children aged 8 + with accompanying adults.

Come join us in the future as we embark on an exciting adventure to explore the depths of the ocean and uncover the fossil of an extinct fish. This mysterious creature has never been seen before, and we need your help to create a story about its life. We will also be crafting the ocean floor and a model of the fish using recycled materials. Let’s work together to bring this ancient creature to life!

The artist:

 

Gail McGregor is a passionate mixed media artist whose work ranges from textiles and handmade paper to weaving, painting and sculpture. Her artwork is inspired by the dramatic landscape of Skye, its seasonal changes, the flora and fauna and the objects she finds on coastal and woodland walks.

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Thursday 19th of October 2023. 

         Creative Writing workshop: Waste Stories

Suitable for: adults and young people with an interest in using their imagination to think differently about waste and marine litter. For more information, education@devilsporridge.org.uk

– Afternoon workshop: From 2:00-3:30pm

– Evening workshop: From 5:30 – 7pm

Do you worry about waste? Do you care about our coasts? Do you like making stuff up? If your answer to any of these is yes, then join us for a Waste Stories workshop. We’re running two of these creative story workshops to accompany the Solway Hoard exhibition.

 

 

Waste is one of our biggest challenges. The waste we produce – and the ways we dispose of it – pollutes our environment and gobbles up energy. A lot of the time we can ignore it, but a visit to some of Scotland’s western and southern shores can remind us how much of the rubbish we produce ends up in our seas, how far it can travel and how long it can last.

We know we need to do something, but people can often feel powerless. Stories can change that, by helping us to see things in new ways and from new angles.  Our Solway Hoard Waste Stories workshops invite you to take a different look at objects that have washed up on our beaches from the perspective of alternative pasts and futures. It’s time we got creative, reduced our trash and turned it into treasure. So come along, look at some bits of rubbish and make some stuff up!

These workshops are part of the Waste Stories project, which is led by Anna Wilson, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Education. We are working with local communities, groups, Colleges and schools to encourage people to make up stuff about rubbish. We gratefully acknowledge financial, practical and creative support from the Levelhulme Trust and the Solway Firth Partnership.

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Monday 23rd of October, from 11 – 12pm

          Halloween Monsters Crafts Workshop

Ideal for age 6 – 11.

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Tuesday 24th of October, from 11 – 12pm

         Create a Spooky Halloween Lantern

Ideal for age 6 – 11.

 

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Wednesday 25th of October, from 11 – 12pm

          Halloween Wreath Making Workshop

Ideal for age 6 – 11.

 

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Thursday 26th, from 11 – 12pm

          Pumpkin Painting Workshop

Ideal for age 6 – 11.

 

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

  • Friday 27th of October, from 6:30 – 8:30pm

         Spooktacular Halloween Party 2023

Ideal for age 5 – 11.

 

 

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place just click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ tab at the side of our webpage and select October Holidays 2023. You should be able to book in for any of the workshops which still have spaces available there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A person stood in the temporary exhibition area of The Devil's Porridge Museum.

Landscapes of War: reflections of a digital intern

By Collections blog

By Rosie Shackleton, Digital Intern for Industrial Museums Scotland, as part of the Second World War and Holocaust Partnership Programme

 

Landscapes of War is a project about how the Second World War impacted the landscape of Scotland and its people. It was part of the wider Second World War and Holocaust Partnership Programme funded by the Imperial War Museum and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. As part of this, we opened two exhibitions on this theme; one at The Devil’s Porridge Museum and the other at the Scottish Fisheries Museum. These two ‘sister’ exhibitions helped us tell a national history of WW2 in Scotland and its ubiquitous effect on the landscape, but also allowed us to celebrate the local stories related to this theme at each museum. While at the Fisheries Museum we focussed on how the seas were changed by the War using oral testimony of fishermen who were commandeered to Minesweeping vessels, at the Devil’s Porridge we used a Gretna cinema ticket to tell the story of Helen Graham who was killed during the Gretna bombing of April 1941. Ostensibly, these stories appear unrelated, but our theme of landscape allowed us to link these stories to a wider national narrative.

This project was also personally really valuable for me. Thanks to the team at both museums and at Industrial Museums Scotland, I was able to play an active role in each part of the process. I was able to research at both museum’s archives, select objects for the exhibitions, curate the spaces and run the social media to advertise them. All this means I gained fantastic experience at all levels of exhibition making. This will continue when we make the online version of both exhibitions which will go live on the Go Industrial website in the next months. In-person and practical exhibition-making means I now have useful tools when we begin uploading content and curating that online space. We’re really excited to show this exhibition on a new platform!

Lots of unexpected things have come out of this project as well, especially when we’ve been able to unite personal stories with objects on display. At the Fisheries Museum, we put the letters of James Gillies on display. He was a local man from Largo, Fife who served in both World Wars. Next to it, we planned on displaying a Christmas card from Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The card was sent by a women called ‘Minnie’ but there is no more information on her in the archives. By chance, we saw that James references a ‘Minnie’ several times in his letters to his mother. Then we found a letter from Minnie to James in the archive! We had uncovered a friendship that had been hidden in the museum and were unite them by displaying them together. At the Devil’s Porridge, we displayed the cinema ticket from Gretna that I had mentioned before. At the bottom of the ticket are instructions on what to in an air raid alongside the film listings. While researching the Gretna bombing, we found a statement that said Helen Graham, the youngest victim of the raid, was at the cinema when she heard the sirens. She left the building to check on her family but was tragically killed by a bomb. In both of these cases, we were able to enhance a story through objects not previously on display at both museums.

As the Landscapes of War exhibition finishes at the Devil’s Porridge, it’s been great to reflect on the process of researching and installing. It’s been really valuable to find those previously hidden stories and give a fresh perspective on how the Second World War affected Scotland. Working across two museums has been extremely rewarding, not only for me personally, but also for Go Industrial as a partnership. We strengthened the relationship between the Devil’s Porridge and Scottish Fisheries Museum and created a coherent project celebrating regional nuances while representing a national story. I’m really proud of what we achieved as a team!

Landscapes of War is still open at the Fisheries Museum until December 12th.

Language and Landscape an online talk about using British Sign Language that happened on 22nd Novemeber 2022 as part of the Disability: Past and Present Project.

Language & Landscape: Using British Sign Language in Historic Storytelling

By Archive, Disability events

This talk presents a project that explores how the visual/spatial language of BSL can effectively be deployed to present visual and material culture. Having introduced events conducted in the Parthenon Galleries of the British Museum, the talk will focus on a new online site with BSL stories about Holyrood Park (a collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland). The innovative feature of this material is that linguistic notes accompany the presentations, to help people understand how grammar can be spatial and visual, and therefore a powerful mode of communication about art and archaeology.

This event will be held via Zoom and a joining link will be sent on the day.

Buy tickets here >

This event is happening as part of our Disability: Past and Present project.
Learn more about this and ‘The Health of the Munition Worker: A Disability History of the World Wars on the Solway Military Coast’ exhibition >

Q & A with Sophie Christiansen. A free online talk which took place on Tuesday 15th November 2022 as part of the Disability: Past and Present Project.

Question and Answer Session with Sophie Christiansen CBE

By Archive, Disability events

Sophie Christiansen CBE is a British dressage rider who has competed in four successive Paralympic Games and is currently an eight-time Paralympic champion and has won multiple World and European titles. In 2016, following her success at the Rio Paralympics, she placed fifth in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year the highest placed female and Para athlete.

Sophie was born two months prematurely with Cerebral Palsy and suffered from other health problems including jaundice, blood poisoning, a heart attack and a collapsed lung. Aged 6, she started riding for physiotherapy at the local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group.

She first competed at the Paralympics aged 16 and was the youngest athlete for Great Britain at the Athens Paralympics in 2004, coming away with an unexpected bronze medal.

Not just an athlete, Sophie also graduated with a First Class Masters degree in mathematics from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2011 and now works as a software developer at investment bank, Goldman Sachs.

In this Q&A session, she will talk about how the Paralympic movement changed her life, what it takes to get (and stay) at the top, and how having a duel life gave her a unique platform to speak up about the realities of living with a disability in the UK.

Send in your questions for Sophie by emailing ellie@devilsporridge.org.uk

This event will be held via Zoom and a joining link will be sent on the day.

Book tickets here >

This event is happening as part of our Disability: Past and Present project.
Learn more about this and ‘The Health of the Munition Worker: A Disability History of the World Wars on the Solway Military Coast’ exhibition here >

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