Story of barrel at centre of fun day
THE Roll out the Barrel Family Fun Day was held during the school half-term break at Touchstones Museum.
The event was staged in association with Manchester University, with the aim of examining the use of animated spaces from an educational point of view and the development of community activities - as well as having a load of fun.
This free event entertained the many families in attendance during a very cold half-term holiday.
Visitors were greeted by museum staff dressed in the clothes of the age and given maps of the various stands and activities.
Lots of museum staff, local artists and volunteers were on hand, along with Coun Janet Emsley, that tireless supporter of community activities.
The activities included the amazing story of the ‘barrel’ which travelled from America filled with flour to help feed the hungry people of Rochdale who supported the anti-slavery movement during the American Civil War.
The only remaining barrel is on display in Touchstones Museum. Children were invited to ‘dress up’ and have their photograph taken.
Using green screen technology the photographs could be transported onto the George Griswold, one of the ships that transported important supplies, allowing the children to see themselves as sailors on the ship.
Other activities included sewing, a necessary skill in those far off days, and a weaving workshop where children could weave like the cotton mill operatives. Last but not least, there was a kitchen where visitors could learn to make biscuits with the precious American flour sent to feed a family.
Darren Grice, deputy chief executive at Link4Life, said: “Touchstones has a great track record of holding fantastic activities for families, which not only entertain, but give people a chance to explore their heritage.
“The story of the flour barrel is one that is not well known but is a fascinating example of the northerners of the United States coming to the aid of the northerners of Britain in a time of need.”
For more information, pop in to Touchstones Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, call 01706 924492 or visit www. link4life.org/touchstones.