Page 75 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

SOUTH WEST
Bodmin Keep Museum
Despite the challenges posed by two enforced closures of the museum, in 2020 Bodmin Keep Army Museum was able to stay connected with people all over the world through its wide range
of digital work, from podcasts on topics ranging from the Berlin Wall, to Bodmin’s Cold War Russian Language School, to home-schooling activity sheets, online exhibitions and calming mindfulness videos. All these can be found on the museum’s website www.bodminkeep. org. And for those who do not have good access to the internet, we have provided printed family activity packs for the local foodbank and reminiscence activities for local care homes.
In 2020 the museum also entered an exciting new partnership with the Imperial
War Museum (IWM). This will come to fruition in autumn 2021 when the IWM opens two new galleries in London on the theme of the Second World War and The Holocaust. As part of this project, they are working with regional museums across the UK and Bodmin Keep is delighted to
be one of their partners in the South West region. This means that we will be featuring in the new IWM Galleries in London and we will also be doing our own research, unearthing, and sharing stories of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, Bodmin, and Cornwall in the Second World War. We will be working with local families, care homes, and older people living in the community to bring Cornwall’s experience of WW II
to life.
This means that we will be featuring in the new IWM Galleries in London
KEEP MILITARY MUSEUM DORCHESTER
Despite The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester not being able to welcome visitors, the curator, Laura Jayne Gardner and her team of custodians and volun- teers have been very busy behind the scenes.
As the Museum was not eligible for
the main recovery grants on offer, in May it embarked on a fundraising campaign ‘Keep the Keep Going’ to help mitigate the summer revenue losses. To date they have raised over £40,000 and are very grateful to the wide range of donors for their generous support. The online shop and research service were kept open to the public and have increased the Museum online presence significantly. The Museum was proud to support the British Army media production of a short film about the memories of Private Tom Cattle during his time with the 2nd Dorsets in Burma in 1944, which has had nearly 90,000 views on social media.
We are always looking for volunteers to join ‘our army’, so please
As previously reported, the Museum has recently published a new book – The Keep in 50 Objects – that details 50 objects that best tell and illustrate the story of our Regiments. The book was a collaborative effort with objects selected, researched, and photographed by a team of 30 volunteers and its production was generously funded by Keep Friends. The book will form the core of the Museum’s public engagement activities in 2021, including special tours, talks, children’s trails, articles, and podcasts. It is available from the Museum or the online shop.
The Museum is looking forward to welcoming visitors back at some point in 2021 on a limited basis initially and pre-booking will be required so we can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. We are always looking for volunteers to join ‘our army,’ so please do get in touch if you are interested.
do get in touch if you are interested
RIFLES The Bugle 75
Conclusion
2020 will be remembered as a peculiar
year and we will no doubt have to adjust to
a new future. One thing however that has
remained thoroughly noticeable throughout
this period, is that the 5 Pillars of The Rifles are
alive and well; as strong as they have ever been,
built on the courage, determination, and pride of
so many fine and gallant men from our antecedent Regiments, and of particular importance, now those of The Rifles who serve, and have served.
Collections Manager Verity Anthony
with a huge flag from D-Day