The Inkwell
IWM North, September 2018
an acrostic poem by inkdrop, on the newest arrival in the Main exhibition space of
IWM North in Trafford….
Made up at the Locomotion works in Bolton
A Machine to bring terror to the enemies eyes
Thundering across land and desert
Hot on the tail of any enemy Infantry
In time, tales would be told about her and her thundering wheels
Launching shells and ammo towards the enemy
Dangerous ? all missions are aren’t they
Allies relying on this mighty armoured tank
IWM North via Salford, 26th March 2018
We’re losing an old friend in a few days time.
The Russian T-34 Tank , having spent 13 years in Greater Manchester, notedly around the Cold war area of the Main exhibition space, will be on its way back to its owner before heading off to pastures new
The boys and girls from exhibitions have already started to get it going, in preparation for the move.
It’ll still be around for a short while, whilst the team work out the logistics of moving The T-34 and replacing it with the new exhibit.
A New Tank, the Mathilda , will be taking its place.
Won’t be forgetting this one though – as i wrote a verse or two about it – you can read that here
#UPDATE – 2nd April 2018.
The T-34 has now left the building, and the boys and girls from operations have updated the parking space in the MES in prep for the new tanks arrival – more when i have it.
#CFFC #LetterM #Photography
part of Cees Fun Photo Challenge…..16/11/2017
Come up with up with photographs with two Ms in the title
OK Cee, I’ll do me best!
To start with here’s a couple of Museums photographed in the area where i live….
Most of these were taken #Midsummer – so theres another word with more than 1 M
The Fusiliers Museum in Bury holds not only the Regimental Collection but is home to the Cenotaph for the town, and in regards to the regiment the County – in Memoriam
Manchester Museum is located by the Victoria University of Manchester on Oxford road, and is known primarily for its Archeological and Historical Artifacts. In fact, there’s a special exhibit that greets you at the entrance – his name is Rex.
As part of the artifacts, you will come across the Egyptology exhibits – The Victoria Museum is known for its Mummies
One of these artefacts actually came down the road from Salford and is still known as the Salford Mummy to this day, so its nice to pay her a visit!
Salford Museum is the Home of Lark Hill Place, a Victorian Street that shows how people lived during that time – there’s the old cobbles and washing lines, and you’ll hear the sounds of the Grocers, the Blacksmith and the chemists
And how can i forget the foundation stone on which this blog was made.?…(Ha Ha)
My second home (well, i volunteer here enough to call it home! 🙂 )
Bury , 22nd June 2016
Today I took my camera on the tram to Bury, and met up with fellow Imperial War Museum (North) volunteers at the regimental museum of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
The Lancashire Fusiliers fought in battles all over the world during their time as a regiment in the United Kingdom, and this museum documented some of the stories as well as the history of the regiment. The bronze globe reminded me of IWM North’s building – “the shattered globe” as the wire frame showed all the places where the regiment fought in conflict.
During world war one , and the Gallipoli campaign, Six Victoria Crosses were issued to men of the Lancashire fusiliers to honour the regiment for their bravery. They’re known as the “Six VCs before breakfast”. A painting depicting the scene is on display by this picture.
For those who needed to know about the army and its structures – a helpful guide was on hand to show how the companies of men were formed.
In addition to the Uniforms – several weapons were on display, such as the Rifles used by the men of the fusiliers. In addition to our walk around, we were given an interesting talk by a member of the fusiliers who now works at the museum.
The Fusiliers are now part of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. This museum honoured those who fought and served in the regiment.
There is a memorial garden in the grounds of the museum containing the local cenotaph, whilst research facilities are available to search through museum archives.
Greetings , Comrade!
Have we met somewhere before?
I’m a veteran of the second world war…
You’ll recognise my number,
I’m the T-34
In my vast solid frame, worked a brave crew of five
My only aim – was to keep them alive
On Russias front, we fought ‘gainst an enemy foe
My strong tracks moved forward, and away we’d go!
My wheels drove the tracks, like cossacks of old
leaving mighty marks in the snow and the cold
Commander gave orders, and Gunners fired shells
Gunpowder and burning were familiar smells
We fought for our country, and sometimes our meals,
whilst the enemy we fought had other ideals
Their crack soldiers ran when they saw me appear
as my shells would explode wherever they were near.
But Now, i’m retired,
to a home in the west.
Educating Children, quietly
is what i do best.
