After Englesea Brook Museum’s touring exhibition Root And Branch: How Five Shillings, Faith And Belief Inspired The Beginning Of The Probation Service, created in partnership with the National Probation Service, came to a close we were delighted to be awarded a further grant to build upon its success.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) has funded through the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) a project to create three short films exploring the effects of alcohol misuse on finance, health and relationships.
The title of our project, Picking Up A Lost Thread, came from an article in the Primitive Methodist Missionary Society Reports, 1928-32. The accompanying photograph shows Prison Gate Ministry in action where volunteers from the local Primitive Methodist Whitechapel Mission would meet offenders on release from prison, many of whom had served sentences related to alcohol misuse. The mission provided legal, practical and spiritual support for those whose lives had fallen apart, often leading to brighter futures.
Adelaide School Link (Sixth Form) pupils and staff worked with us to make the films – parts of which were filmed at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port. Together with our Director, Phil Summers from Perfect Little Gentleman, we completed the films which are now available free of charge to youth groups, colleges and secondary schools.
The films explore stories from our Primitive Methodist archive, and use examples of artefacts, temperance society statistics and anecdotes, and recent legislation and guidance regarding sensible alcohol consumption. They are suitable for Year 9 upwards.
The guidance notes that accompany the films can be downloaded below and offer additional information and activities. Hard-copy booklets can be requested, along with the films (which are only available on request), from learning@engleseabrook.org.uk
The films and notes are designed to aid self-facilitated workshops on sensible alcohol use and the dangers of misuse, however, if you would like a member of the museum team to deliver the workshops for you, please get in touch with the Learning Officer via the above email. Please note, there will be a charge for this service.