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Poster for an Animals in War Remembrance Service happening at The Devil's Porridge Museum on 7th November 2025 at 11am. Please arrive by 10:45am.

Animals in War Remembrance Service 2025

By Archive

When is the Animals in War Memorial Service?

Friday 7th November 2025

11am

(Please arrive by 10:45am as the service will start promptly)

What to Expect at The Animals in War Memorial Service

The Devil’s Porridge Museum will be commemorating Remembrance Day by laying a wreath down at our memorial to animals in war.  We would like to invite everyone and their pets to the museum on Friday 7th November 2025 to mark this event. 

This event will happen outside The Devil’s Porridge Museum. For anyone going inside The Devil’s Porridge Museum, please be advised that our usual admission prices and rules will apply.

 

What Else is Happening for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day at The Devil’s Porridge Museum?

On Sunday 9th November and Tuesday 11th November we would like to invite our visitors to join us in a two minutes silence to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day at 11am.

Representatives of The Devil’s Porridge Museum are proud to be laying wreaths at Eastriggs and Dornock war memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

Last Year’s Event

Below are some photos from last year’s Animal’s in War Memorial Service.
A map for Scotland's Porridge Tour held up inside The Devil's Porridge Museum. A large clock, the Mossband clock can be seen in the background.

Porridge Map of Scotland

By Archive
Fancy going on a porridge tour of Scotland? 🥣
 
We’re proud to be featured in Visit Scotland’s Porridge Map of Scotland!
 
Our ‘devil’s porridge’ may be too explosive for breakfast (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle described the dangerous materials he saw World War One munitions workers mixing in large pans to make cordite as ‘devil’s porridge’), but you’ll find some interesting places on this map were you can find a
perfectly non-explosive, bowl of porridge oats to tuck into too.
 
A collage of three photos from The Devil's Porridge Museum's Living History Weekend and a craft workshop. Shop. Some text reads, "Monthly Roundup 22nd September to 19th October 2025."

Monthly Roundup 22nd September to 19th October 2025

By Archive

Here’s our latest Monthly Roundup 22nd September to 19th October 2025. Read more about what happened with our Living History Weekend 2025, Cordite Club, The South of Scotland Reginal Finals and more below!

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Monday 22nd October

At our Cordite Club for retirees we were delighted to be joined by a representative from Marie Curie, who gave them a fascinating talk. A huge thank you to her for joining us!

Later on we had our Arts and Crafts Club from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. It’s perfect for 7 to 11 year olds and it’s free with all materials provided! If you know someone who would like to join Arts and Crafts Club you can find out more by clicking here>

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Saturday 27th October

Excitingly, our 1940s Living History Weekend started today!

Outside The Devil’s Porridge Museum we were proud to have the fascinating 303 Living History Association with living history reenactors and a display of items.

 

In the morning we also had a free baking workshop where the young people who came along had a chance to make their own carrot biscuits from a rationing recipe. We’ve heard the results were delicious!

Meanwhile, Gardening Club was also on during the morning. A huge thank you to Wendy and everyone who joins us for this!

Inside The Devil’s Porridge Museum we were also delighted to have the Military Medical Living History Group with World War Two living history reenactors.

 

In the afternoon we were delighted to be joined by Cindy Holton for a beautiful musical performance outside The Devil’s Porridge Museum. She sang some wonderful songs from the 1940s and a few more recent ones too! A huge thank you to her for joining us!

Sunday 28th October

Our Living History Weekend continued on Sunday.

Today we still had 303 Living History Association outside The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

Meanwhile, inside The Devil’s Porridge Museum, The Military Medical Living History Group with World War Two medical living history reenactors, continued to give some fascinating demonstrations throughout the day. On Saturday one of our volunteers even bravely helped out with a demonstration involving the application of a splint! Check out some photos of this below.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made our amazing 1940s Living History Weekend possible across both days! From the fantastic living history reenactors to our dedicated volunteers and more you all helped us host an amazing weekend to celebrate the 1940s!

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Monday 29th September

Arts and Crafts Club poster. This Club will be happening every Mondays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. It is perfect for 7 to 11 year olds and booking is essential. To book please contact 01461 700021.

 

Fancy joining us to get creative? Every Monday we have our Arts and Crafts Club for 7 to 11 year olds. It’s free and all materials are provided, so why not come along.

Learn more about Arts and Crafts Club and find out how to book here>

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Thursday 2nd October

It was lovely to have a school visit to The Devil’s Porridge Museum today. They were learning about World War Two and we hope they all enjoyed their visit! Find out more about school visits to The Devil’s Porridge Museum by clicking here>

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This evening marked the South of Scotland Thistle Awards Reginal Final.

We were very proud to have been shortlisted for an Inclusion Award in the South of Scotland Thistle Awards this year.  Those that went along to represent The Devil’s Porridge Museum had a fantastic night at GG’s Yard in Laggan. A huge congratulations goes to The Great Tapestry of Scotland for winning the Inclusion Award!

Another huge congratulations goes to all those who won an award, including Mostly Ghostly (who we worked with for Halloween events last year) and thank you to GG’s Yard in Laggan for such a brilliant night!

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Saturday 4th October

Saturday morning’s at The Devil’s Porridge Museum are for Gardening Club. If you would like to learn more about growing your own fruit and vegetables, why not join us?

Find out how to book your space and learn more about Gardening Club here>

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Monday 6th October

Our Cordite Club for retirees were treated to a chicken roast dinner today. Every week those who join us for this have a meal, play card bingo and have another activity to get involved with this can range from a talk to a game, or craft. There’s always chance to have a natter too. Find out more about our Cordite Club by clicking here>

Arts and Crafts Club was on again this afternoon. It’s always amazing to see how creative the young artists who come along are!

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Monday 13th October

This year our Arts and Crafts Club is continuing during the school October holidays! Our first holiday session was on today, but it will be on again next week.

Even you know a young person aged 7 to 11 years old, who loves crafts why not bring them along. Arts and Crafts Club is free and all materials are provided. Just give us a quick call on 01461 700021 to let us know your joining us and book your space! Thank you.

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Saturday 18th October

We end this month’s Roundup with Gardening Club. Don’t you think our Dig For Victory Garden looks good?

Below are some photos of our garden.

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Conclusion

We come to the end of our Monthly Roundup 22nd September to 19th October 2025, but there’s still lots left to come this year at The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

We have some very exciting events coming up soon including:

Wondering what happened in our last Monthly Roundup? Why not check out what has been happened in our Monthly Roundup 18th August to 21st September 2025 by clicking here> 

Thanks for reading and see you in November!

Children's Halloween Party on 24th October 2025 for 6 to 11 year olds. This activity is free, but booking is essential.

Children’s Halloween Party 2025

By Archive

When is our Children’s Halloween Party 2025?

Friday 24th October 2024

6.30pm to 8pm

Tickets are free, but booking is essential. To book your place please press the book now button on the right of this page and select Children’s Halloween Party 2025.

Who Can Come to Our Children’s Halloween Party?

This FREE party is for 6 to 11 year olds. Booking is essential.

Parents and / or guardians are welcome to stay and watch this party (places only need to be booked for the young people attending). The parents and / or guardians will even have the opportunity to help the young attendees with a best dressed Mummy / Daddy competition activity, if they’re brave enough… Prepare to get wrapped up…

What Will Happen at the Party

Join us for our FREE spook-tacular Children’s Halloween Party at The Devil’s Porridge Museum! There will be treats, fun and a few prizes up for grabs.

Be sure to come in your Halloween costume, as there will be a Best Halloween Costume Competition for the young attendees!

You can forward to:

  • A variety of games and activities to enjoy;
  • The chance to win some small prizes a  in competitions and / or activities;
  • Some party food, drinks and juice or water will be provided for young attendees (Please make us aware of any allergies or dietary requirements when you book);
  • And a spooky stroll around the ground floor of The Devil’s Porridge Museum in the dark for young attendees…

Things to Be Aware Of…

At this party there will be:

  • Flashing lights;
  • And there may be some loud noises.

Our annual Children Halloween Party provides plenty of thrills and treats for young attendees.

We are aware that some children can find Halloween scary, but rest assured our experienced team of volunteers and staff will be on hand all night to make sure that everyone is safe. Parents and / or guardians are also welcome to stay in The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s education room throughout the event.

There are some parts of this party that children can find scary. Whilst we do encourage young people to take part in all activities, (as we have found those who are reluctant to do so will often enjoy the activity and be proud of themselves for taking part) we understand that sometimes children may need a break, and we will not force them to take part in a specific activity if they do not want to do so. We intend this party to be a fun experience for all the attendees!

How to Book

Tickets for our children’s Halloween Party 2025 are FREE!

To book your place please press the book now button on the right of this page and select Children’s Halloween Party 2025.

If you need help booking your place please contact 01461 700021.

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A huge thank you to our funders The Holywood Trust and Young Start, The National Lottery Fund for their support of our activities for young people again in 2025!

 

Other October Half Term Activities

Looking for more to do during the October school holidays? How about:

 

Halloween Stop Motion Workshop for 9 to 11 year olds on 23rd October 2025 from 10am to 12pm. Booking is essential, but tickets are free.

Halloween Stop Motion Workshop

By Archive

When is the Halloween Stop Motion Workshop?

Thursday 23rd October 2025

10am to 12pm.

This is a FREE workshop, but booking is essential.

This workshop is now fully booked.

Who is the Halloween Stop Motion Workshop For?

This workshop is for young people aged 9 to 11 year olds.

Booking is essential. To book your place please press ‘Book Now’ at the side or top of this page and choose the Halloween Stop Motion Workshop.

What is our Halloween Stop Motion Workshop?

Join us to make your own stop motion video at The Devil’s Porridge Museum! Why not make it Halloween themed? We will have some fun Halloween themed characters available to use.

Take a photo, move your characters and take another photo until you make your own short video.

This is is similar to the technique used over the course of many years to make the Wallace and Gromit films.

How to Book?

This is a free workshop, but booking is essential.

To book your place please press ‘Book Now’ at the side or top of this page and choose the Halloween Stop Motion Workshop.

If you need help booking your place please contact 01461 700021

This workshop is now fully booked.

Other October Half Term Activities

Looking for more to do during the October school holidays? How about:

Poster for Free Feathers with Stories event happening at The Devil's Porridge Museum in October 2025. This is a free activity for all the family! Drop in and join us.

Feathers With Stories

By Archive

When is Feathers With Stories:

Wednesday 22nd October 2025

10:30am to 12pm

Who Can Come to Feathers With Stories:

Family-friendly; all ages welcome.

This activity is free! Drop in and join us!

Please be aware entry prices do apply to anyone wishing to look around all of The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

A Brief Overview of Feathers With Stories:

Draw, create and learn in this workshop for all the family. You will learn about migration of geese with specialists from WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and the journeys of munitions workers who were known as ‘Canary Girls’.

We are proud to be working in partnership with WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and The Stove to run this event as part of The Wild Goose Festival.

 

What you can expect from Feathers With Stories:

One of The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s team will open the workshop by welcoming attendees and introducing the theme: drawing parallels between the migration of geese and the movement of the munition workers, often referred to as the ‘Canary Girls’.

  1. The workshop will begin with a talk by specialists from WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre. They will bring along feathers and maps to explain the geese’s migration, how they adapt, and why Dumfries & Galloway is such a significant stop for them.
  2. Following this, our team member will guide the group to the HM Factory Gretna section of the museum. There, a few attendees will have the chance to dress up as munition workers. Our team member will give a short (5–20 minute) presentation on the migration of the munition workers and how the production of cordite shaped their lives, using creative and interactive resources
  3. The group will then return to the Education Room for a reflective, hands-on activity:
  • Attendees will create a short paragraph or thought, accompanied by a small collage or image, reflecting on the parallels between the two types of migration.
  • They will also write a letter or poem, which will be placed in a hand-made origami envelope.

How to Book Feathers With Stories:

We are now running this activity as a free drop-in activity!

Just drop-in and get involed!

Monthly Roundup 18th August to 21st September 2025. Sunflowers, red flowers and a marrow growing in The Devil's Porridge Museum's Dig For Victory Garden in three photos.

Monthly Roundup 18th August to 21st September 2025

By Archive

Below is our Monthly Roundup 18th August to 21st September 2025. From gardening club to the return of our fortnightly, Cordite Club there’s been a lot happening! Why not read up on all that has been going on at The Devil’s Porridge Museum below?

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Tuesday 19th August

This roundup starts with not one, but three group visits! It was lovely to have them at The Devil’s Porridge Museum and we hope they all enjoyed their visit.

If you like to learn more about group visits please click here>

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Wednesday 20th August

Fantastic to have another group visit The Devil’s Porridge Museum today.

Remember that booking your group visit in advance is essential. Learn more about group visits by clicking here>

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Saturday 23rd August

Saturday morning’s are for gardening club!

Wendy and Gardening Club have been doing a fantastic job this year. Take a look at some photos of our Dig For Victory Garden below.

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Tuesday 26th August

Today we said goodbye and the very best of luck to Monica who is moving on to a new job!
Monica has been The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s Community and Education officer for three years. She’s organised school visit, workshops, events and much more! We’re proud to have worked with her at The Devil’s Porridge Museum and wish her all the best for the future!
Below are some photos of her time at The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

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Saturday 30th August

Gardening Club continued again today. If you fancy learning some new gardening  skills why not join us?

Find out more about Gardening Club by clicking here>

We were also proud to welcome a group visit to The Devil’s Porridge Museum today. A huge thank you to them for joining us and we hope you enjoyed your visit.

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Sunday 31st September

This year we were proud to be once again joined by the Scotia Crafters for an exhibition and sale of their local homemade gifts, crafts and more.

It was fantastic to have them and we hope to see them again next year!

Below are some photos from the Scotia Crafters this year.

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Saturday 6th September

We have onions, carrots, tomatoes and more growing in our garden! A huge thanks to volunteer, Wendy, and our Saturday morning Gardening Club who have grown all these. Haven’t they done a fantastic job?
If you fancy getting involved and learning some new gardening skills why not join our  FREE Gardening Club? Learn more about Gardening Club by clicking here>
Below is some photos of what’s growing in our Dig For Victory Garden.

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Monday 8th September

We were delighted to welcome our fortnightly club of retirees back into The Devil’s Porridge Museum after the school holidays!

This week they enjoyed homemade soup with a selection of sandwiches. After that, they played card bingo and board games!

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Wednesday 10th September 2025

Brilliant to welcome a group to The Devil’s Porridge Museum today and as always you can learn more about group visits by clicking here>

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Saturday 13th September

On Saturday mornings we are proud to be joined by Wendy and our Gardening Club.

Recently, through their help we’ve even been able to sell some of our homegrown strawberry plants to customers. It’s the perfect memento to your visit and a sustainable one too!

Below are some photos of this.

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Monday 15th September 2025

Arts and Crafts Club returned to The Devil’s Porridge Museum today! A huge thank you to Wendy and all the young people who came along.

All arts and crafts materials are provided, this club is FREE and perfect for young people aged 7 to 11 years old.

Find out about joining our Arts and Crafts Club by clicking here>

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Saturday 20th September

We end our Monthly Roundup with Gardening Club.

If you would like to learn more about this you can find it here>

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Conclusion

We come to the end of our Monthly Roundup 18th August to 21st September 2025. However, we still have some exciting events coming up in September, this includes our 1940s living history weekend on the 27th and 28th September 2025. There will be living history reenactors, an exciting trail, singing and more fun for all the family! Check out what is happening at our Living History Weekend 2025 by clicking here>

If that’s not enough to keep you busy, you can always check out our previous Monthly Roundup by clicking here>

 

Three living history re-enactors dressed as soldiers with a display of World War Two military items arranged on the ground.

1940s Living History Weekend Celebration!

By Archive

Step back in time at The Devil’s Porridge Museum for our 1940s Living History Weekend!

A living history re-enactor with a tent and display outside.
Join us for two days filled with hands-on activities, historical displays, and fun for the whole family, all set in the spirit of wartime Britain.

Bring your friends and family for a memorable weekend of history, discovery, and fun at The Devil’s Porridge Museum, where the past comes to life!

When is 1940s Celebration?

Saturday 27th September 2025 from 10am to 4pm.

Sunday  28th September 2025 from 10am to 3pm.

Two living history re-enactors sat on a bench, looking at each other. They are dressed as a soldier and a lady in 1940s clothing.

Where is the 1940s Celebration?

The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

Admission prices do apply to anyone wishing to look around inside The Devil’s Porridge Museum and will be necessary to participate in some of the activities.

What is the 1940s Celebration?

Join us to celebrate the 1940s in the year which marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day!

We are proud to be having the 303 Living History Association, living history re-enactors, outside The Devil’s Porridge Museum. They will have authentic and replica clothing, vehicles and more.

There will also be plenty to experience inside The Devil’s Porridge Museum, in addition to being able to learn about how World War Two affected the local area. Find out what’s happening on each day below.

A singer dressed in a military uniform.Saturday, 27th September 2025

  • 🪖 10am – 4pm: ‘303 Living History Association’– meet reenactors and experience World War Two life up close.

  • We will also have another group of living history reenactors in the education room all day.

 

Baking for Victory: Carrot Biscuits workshop poster. This is for 6 to 11 year olds and will be happening on Saturday 27th September 2025 from 11am to 12:30pm. Booking is essential and places are limited.

 

  • 🍪 11am – 12:30pm: ‘Baking for Victory: Carrot Biscuits Workshop‘ – for children aged 6 to 11 years old. This is a free activity (admission does apply to anyone who wishes to look around The Devil’s Porridge Museum). Booking is essential to participate Baking for Victory and places are limited. To book your place please press ‘Book Now’ and select Baking for Victory: Carrots Biscuit workshop. If you need help to book this activity please contact us on 01461 700021.

 

  • 📦 2pm – 4pm: ‘1940s Mystery Box Drop-In Sessions’ – join our Curator to explore real wartime artefacts and uncover their secrets. This is a drop-in session. (Admission into The Devil’s Porridge Museum is required to take part in this drop-in activity).

  • 🎤 In the afternoon: ‘Live performance by Cindy Hoten‘ – enjoy nostalgic wartime songs. (Admission into The Devil’s Porridge Museum may be required for this activity).

  • 🧭 All day: ‘Trail: Life on the Home Front’ – interactive workshop for children aged 6 to 10 years. (Admission into The Devil’s Porridge Museum is required to take part in this activity.)

A selection of weaponry and 1940s items on display outside.

Sunday, 28th September 2025

  • 🪖 10am – 3pm: ‘The Combined Forces Living History Group’ – back again for more immersive World War Two re-enactment.

  • We will also have another group of living history reenactors in the education room all day.

  • 🧭 All day: ‘Trail: Life on the Home Front‘ – interactive workshop for children aged 6–10.  (Admission into The Devil’s Porridge Museum is required to take part in this activity.)

It promises to be an amazing weekend for all, so why not join us!

 

More Information on What to Expect at Our 1940s Celebration Weekend.

You can read about our past Living History Weekend in 2022 by clicking here>

You are welcome to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk or calling 01461 700021 if you have any more questions. Our team would be happy to help you!

Poster for The Devil's Porridge Museum's annual general meeting happening on Monday 15th September 2024 at The Devil's Porridge Museum at 7pm.

Annual General Meeting 2025

By Archive

When is the Annual General Meeting 2025?

Our Annual General Meeting 2025 will take place on Monday 15th September at 7pm.

What is the Annual General Meeting?

The AGM takes place once a year to elect the trustees of the Eastriggs & Gretna Heritage Group, which manages the strategic development of The Devil’s Porridge Museum. 
This meeting will be held at The Devil’s Porridge Museum and help to shape the Museum’s future.

Who Can Come to the Annual General Meeting?

We warmly invite all of our members and friends to attend our Annual General Meeting held at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. If your not a friend or member yet, you’re still welcome to join us and we would be happy to have you!
 
If you would like to become a member of the Museum please email info@devilsporridge.org.uk to register your interest. There will also be forms available at the meeting for anyone who would like to join, which will allow you to vote in the proceedings.
 
We look forward to meeting with you!
If you have any further questions about our Annual General Meeting please feel free to contact info@devilsporridge.org.uk 
Annual General Meeting 2025 at The Devil’s Porridge Museum.
Arts and Crafts Club poster. This Club will be happening every Mondays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. It is perfect for 7 to 11 year olds and booking is essential. To book please contact 01461 700021.

Arts and Crafts Club 2025

By Archive

When is Arts and Crafts Club?

The last session of Arts and Crafts Club this year is Monday 1st December 2025. Arts and Crafts Club will be returning in 2026.

When is Arts and Crafts Club will be on every term-time Monday starting on Monday 15th September 2025 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

What is Arts and Crafts Club?

The last session of Arts and Crafts Club this year is Monday 1st December 2025. Arts and Crafts Club will be returning in 2026.

Arts and Crafts Club is perfect for  7 to 11 year olds.

We’ll craft together and make something awesome! This club is free, just be sure to bring along your imagination and all other materials will be provided. You never know what we’ll be making!

Places are limited. Booking is essential.

Please contact The Devil’s Porridge Museum on 01461 700021 to book your place.

What Can You Expect at Arts And Crafts Club?

Below are some photos from previous sessions of Arts and Crafts Club. We hope to have lots more creative fun at The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Arts and Crafts club 2025!

If you have any more questions please feel free to us at The Devil’s Porridge Museum by contacting 01461 700021.

 

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