Celebrating the First Armed Forces Day at the Royal Naval Museum
Cups of tea will be flowing at the Royal Naval Museum next weekend, in celebration of the first ever Armed Forces Day[1] (formerly known as Veteran’s Day). A traditional wartime tea-time will be held on the 27th June 2009 from 2-4pm.
From mock crab to powdered egg and Spam sandwiches, visitors will be able to sample rationing recipes, have a cup of tea, swap wartime stories and talk to veterans of all ages including those who have seen service in World War Two, the Falklands War and the present day.
The volunteers of The Royal Naval Museum have been busy in their kitchens preparing the traditional tea-time recipes and carrot fudge and eggless Victoria sponge are amongst the ''treats'' on offer!
“We thought serving up afternoon tea from a Second World War ration-book would be a bit of fun,” says Curator, Matthew Sheldon, “but there is a serious point to it. We’re very keen to encourage veterans of all ages to share their experiences with us. Our exhibitions are always based on the personal experiences of those ‘who were there’ - visitors find this human touch easiest to relate to. We are always looking to increase our stock of reminiscences.”
There will also be a chance to meet the curators of the Royal Naval Museum and see some fascinating and familiar wartime artefacts in the ‘Sea Your History’ gallery. This includes ‘Albert RN’ – a copy of the life sized dummy used in escape from the Marlag Prisoner of War camp during WWII and in the 1953 film of the same name. He was made by John Worsley an ex POW from Marlag who also made the original and the film dummies.
The event is free to veterans and their families or with a valid attraction ticket.
[1] Armed Forces Day is a celebration of the contribution made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces - as well as those in Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who have served in support of operations – and a means of raising public awareness of Veterans issues. It is always held on 27th June.
