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Experience a World in Miniature and Explosive Engineering this Autumn

Encounter the extraordinary this autumn at the Royal Engineers Museum as we welcome some of our favourite events back to the home of military engineering. From search dog displays and a chance to get hands on with bomb disposal technology to lindy hop dancing and a market full of handmade goodies, there’s something for everyone.

 On October 9-10th the Medway Model Club will take over the Museum’s indoor courtyard, showing off the fantastic painted miniatures they have completed over the last few years. Half term kicks off on Sunday October 24th with ‘UXBs to IEDs’ a special event dedicated to looking at the past and present bomb disposal work of the Royal Engineers. See search dog displays and find out why they are often used in explosive ordnance disposal. Tour our galleries to explore how the Royal Engineers became the Army’s bomb disposal experts, and try out search equipment with Sappers from 101 Engineer Regiment!

Plus, join us for family activities throughout half term and make your own extendable grabbing arm just like those on EOD robots.

The Museum will also be launching the new James Forbes Exhibition Gallery with ‘Doodlebugs and Wheelbarrows,’ an exhibition looking at the explosive engineering history of the Royal Engineers. Displays include the Museum’s EOD robots and a rare up-close chance to see the Museum’s V1 ‘Doodlebug’ rocket from the Second World War! The new gallery is named after Sergeant Major James Forbes who first called on soldiers of the then Royal Sappers and Miners to collect and display items of memorabilia in the Sergeant Mess as Woolwich in 1839. Many of these items went on to form the first Museum collection and, despite never before being officially recognised, Forbes is now considered to be the Museum’s founder.

Start the Christmas season off on the right foot and join us for Our Wartime Christmas weekend. On 27th and 28th November the Museum travels back in time to explore how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War!

Immerse yourself in the festivities and learn to Lindy Hop, watch live demonstrations or browse our market for festive handicrafts & last minute treats. Meet reenactors and learn about the role of animals and discover how ordinary people helped the war effort on the Home Front. We’ll also be joined by the Brompton & Invicta Military Wives Choir as they sing traditional carols.

No visit is complete without a trip to see Sapper Santa’s Grotto & Workshop, where little ones can write letters, receive a special gift and create their own Christmas treasures.

The Museum’s Mini Museum Explorer sessions have also resumed! Designed for under 5s and their parents, grandparents and carers, each session explores a different part of the Museum’s collections through a mixture of play, stories, trails, craft and science activities. More information can be found via www.re-museum.co.uk/events/

 The Museum itself is open from 10am–5pm, with last admission at 4pm, Tuesday through Sunday as well as on Monday’s during the school holidays.

The Museum tells the story of the Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live, move and fight for over 300 years.  It is Kent’s largest military museum with highlights including 25 Victoria Crosses, Wellington’s map of Waterloo, Zulu War weapons, amazing bridge-laying tanks, a Harrier Jump Jet and a deadly V2 Rocket. With interactive exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, café and gift shop, there’s plenty for all the family! All tickets are valid for 12 months and admission prices are £12.00 for adults, £6.00 for children, £10.00 for senior citizens and £32.00 for a family ticket – full details can be found at www.re-museum.co.uk.

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