MUSEUM HALF TERM EVENTS

Three days of children’s activities have been lined up at Erewash’s museum as half-term looms – including the chance for them to learn about World War Two in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Youngsters will get to hear about a local mum whose brave husband was taken prisoner in the Far East. Families across the nation were left so desperate by scant news of captured loved ones that when she made her own anguish public they ended up writing 5,000 letters to her. Hope Robinson’s husband Paul was a Major who was seized by Japanese forces. She knew little about his fate in a PoW camp but urged other wives and mothers to copy her by staying strong. The museum in Ilkeston has 2,000 of the poignant letters she received at her home in the town. The chance for children to learn about her is on Friday 31st May – when they themselves will be invited to write letters home.

Pictured: Ilkeston mum Hope Robinson and her husband Paul, who was serving as a World War Two Major in the Far East when he was taken prisoner

The museum’s half-term activities kick off with crafts and prize trails on Wednesday 29th May.  A blacksmith will be demonstrating his skills on Thursday 30th May – when help will be sought from youngsters by a maid working in the Victorian kitchen and scullery. Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is the Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Erewash Museum is free to visit and is a superb venue for children to spend time during half term. It is also a great place for adults – with a brand-new café.”  

The museum near Ilkeston’s Market Place is open during half-term from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm.