Page 174 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
RAPTC MUSEUM
Mr E Dawson MA AMA – Museum Curator
2020 dawned brightly for the RAPTC Museum after a successful previous year. The Museum gallery was improved with the creation of a WW2 assault course diorama which
was kindly built by members of the British Model Soldier Society (Aldershot Branch). This is a fantastic centrepiece and has become one of the most popular items in the Museum. New displays were also created including on Adventurous Training and the modern RAPTC, enabling the Museum to better reflect the breadth of the Corps’ activities.
This was matched by the expansion of our education programme, with the creation of a series of workshops and learning activities aimed at schools, cadets and other youth organisations. This saw a large increase in the numbers of youngsters visiting the Museum to take part in model making and object handling sessions, as well as enjoying watching rehearsals for the Pass-Off display. This helped visitor numbers sharply rise for a second consecutive year. As ever, the hard work of volunteers Amber Ormerod, Mike Gardiner and Simon Martin were instrumental in making the Museum’s achievements possible.
WW2 Assault course diorama, RAPTC Museum
AT Display, RAPTC Museum
The education programme was due for expansion in 2020, with the development of an enhanced series of workshops in collaboration with the Aldershot Military Museum as well as Museum participation in local events such as the Rushmoor Arts Festival. This was aimed at greatly enhancing the Museum’s position in the local community and spreading awareness of the RAPTC. Unfortunately these plans were halted in the spring, with the onset of the Coronavirus forcing us to close our doors and cancelling or postponing many of the planned activities
With the loosening of restrictions however, the Museum is hoping to be able to reopen and enjoy a strong second half of the year. This is particularly important as we approach the Corps’ 160th anniversary, marking the beginning of the first training course in September1860. The Museum will be looking to commemorate this with some tie-in displays and activities, details of which will be available on the Museum website www.RAPTCMuseum.co.uk as well as on its Facebook and Twitter pages closer to the time.
This is a great opportunity for everyone with ties to the RAPTC to celebrate and remember these 160 years of history and there would be no better way of doing so then by visiting the Museum. This will give you the chance to examine our new displays for yourself and refresh our memory about all the fascinating work and tremendous personalities who have made the Corps what it is today.
British Model Soldiers Society members with WW2 Assault Course diorama, RAPTC Museum