Events

The RAF in Cumbria and Galloway and North Lancashire
A talk by Ian Tyler at the Devil’s Porridge Museum

Tuesday March 5th 7pm
£3 per person pay on the door

Ian Tyler has recently published his fourteenth book which is on the RAF in Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway and North Lancashire, 1939-1946.

The book is available to buy from our online shop:

 https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/product/the-raf-in-cumbria-1939-1946

This talk will focus on themes which are similar to those in his book and will also include a short piece on the dumping of surplus wartime ammunition into the Beaufort Dyke “Irish Sea.”

The talk will touch on:
Aircraft incidents
Details of the aircrew
Trainee aircrews
The story of the Airfields
The fearless RNLI and Air Sea Rescue Units who plucked the ditched airmen from the Solway, Clyde and Irish Sea

Ian will be selling and signing copies of his book on the evening of the talk.

Ian Tyler has won three Lakeland Book of the year awards. He established “Keswick Mining Museum” which survived 30 years until his retirement. Has worked on TV with “Baldrick” Tony Robinson, Julia Bradbury, Eric Robson, Rob Bell.

Talk on Cinemas at HM Factory Gretna

Friday, 1 February 2019 from 19:00-20:30

‘A World on Wings: Women Munitions Workers and Movies in World War 1’

A talk at the Devil’s Porridge Museum on February 1st at 7pm

£3 per person – no need to book, just pay on the evening.

The talk will focus on the provision of cinema for female workers and the controversies surrounding leisure and work at HM Factory, Gretna. It will be delivered by Dr Chris Brader and has been organised as part of the Museum’s Love in Wartime Season. The cinema has long been a place for couples to go on dates and the cinemas in the townships built for the workers at the Factory were patrolled by the women’s police force. This talk will also mark the return of cinema to Eastriggs as we will be showing films at the Devil’s Porridge in 2019.

Dr. Chris Brader is the author of ‘Timbertown Girls: Borders Women and the First World War. He holds a doctorate from the University of Warwick. He previously taught history at Lancaster University and worked for Cumbria Archives.

Education Open Morning

Saturday, 26 January 2019 from 10:00-12:00

Join us for Coffee and a biscuit, and a chance to find out about how to get the most out of this wonderful facility. A great opportunity for teachers or anybody involved in Education to come and see what we have to offer.

Ideas of what we can offer special school groups:

• A unique Museum collection
• Object handling
• An Anderson shelter and dig for Victory Garden
• Guided tours
• Bespoke group activities
• Dedicated Education room

Burns Supper

Saturday, 19 January 2019 from 18:00-21:00

On Saturday January 19th, the Devil’s Porridge Museum will be hosting a Burn’s Supper from 6.30pm (for a 7pm start).

Tickets are £10 per person and include:

A complimentary glass of whisky served on arrival.

Starter – Scotch broth

Main – Haggis, turnips, mash potatoes

After – Scottish cheeses with oatcakes

Soft drinks will be available at no extra charge throughout the evening.

Vegetarian options are available. Please specify any dietary requirements on booking.

There will be traditional music, poetry and dancing throughout the evening.

Places are limited. To book: email info@devilsporridge.org.uk, phone 01461700021 or pop in to the Museum in person during our opening hours.

Tickets must be paid for in advance and are non refundable.

Burns Supper Special Let’s Bake

Thursday, 17 January 2019 from 15:15-16:30

As part of the Devil’s Porridge Burns Supper we are asking our Let’s Bakers to produce some special homemade Shortbread.

This is your chance to prove your baking skills! Slightly longer session but get your place by booking in as we can only allow 5 others to take part.

Either email education@devilsporridge.org.uk or call the museum 01461 700021

Christmas Party for kids -Meet Santa and his elves.

Get a present

Enjoy Christmas foods

Play games

Dance to Christmas songs

Saturday December 15th, 2-4pm

Everyone welcome

£3 per child

Accompanying adults are welcome to stay for free

On November 10th, there will be an opportunity to take a tour (by bus) of the site of the former HMF Factory Gretna site at Eastriggs/Dornock. A rare chance to visit what remains of the largest munitions factory of World War One with an expert guide and map provided.

Tours last an hour and must be booked and paid for in advance.

Tickets are £5 each and include a cup of tea or coffee and cake or biscuit (such as Anzac biscuits, Empire biscuits or trench cake) on return to the Devil’s Porridge.

The Museum will be open all day, normal admissions charges apply. There will be munitions girls in costume and Tommies here on the day too.

Tours will start and finish at the Devil’s Porridge Museum, Annan Road, Eastriggs, DG12 6TF at the following times:

Tour 1: 10am – 11am

Tour 2: 11am – 12noon

Tour 3: 1pm – 2pm

Tour 4: 2pm – 3pm

At 3.15pm, to conclude the day we will be laying a wreath on our Animals at War memorial.

To book your place:

Email info@devilsporridge.org.uk or phone 01461 700021. This will reserve your ticket and you can pay on the day.

Or pop in to the Museum to pay and collect your ticket in person.