| Annan Museum has opened with a splash! The first exhibition of 2016 is “Out of the Blue – Solway Seafood”. The exhibition was developed by the Solway Firth Partnership funded by The European Fisheries Fund.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time to discover the story of people who have fished the Solway coast, the traditional methods employed and the changes that have taken place. Objects of local interest relating to Young’s Seafood have been kindly loaned by Rene Anderson. A collection of short films created by Pathe News from 1918 to the 1960s are on show alongside the exhibition. These include a short film called “Solway Fishing” dating from 1942. The only person named in the commentary is Tom Percival. The museum would love to hear from anyone who can identify the other men who feature in the film.
The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday 11am to 4pm. Drop in fun family activities accompanying the exhibition include a magnetic fishing pond, a fishy gallery trail, quizzes and colouring sheets.
Councillor Ronnie Ogilvie, Chair of the Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee, said;
“It has been a difficult time for local traditional fishermen. It is good to see that Annan Museum is hosting a display about the proud history of fishing on the Solway.”
On Thursday 21 April, 6.30pm to 8pm Nic Coombey of Solway Firth Partnership will give a talk at the museum entitled “Fishy Tales”. He will tell the story of people’s ingenuity from 10,000 years ago to the modern day. Using objects held in museum collections the talk will bring to life ancient ways of catching seafood and the changes that have taken place. Everyone is welcome to come along but please give the museum a call in advance (Telephone 01461 201384) so that staff know numbers for refreshment catering.
The local history gallery has also had a mini make over for 2016. A new display case purchased with support from the Friends of Annandale and Eskdale Museums now houses the beautiful silver model 1890s trawl boat presented to Sir Robert T Reid, QC MP by Annan Waterfoot Fishermen in 1897 as well as other items of importance for local civic life.
Other new displays include toys and childhood items from bygone days and additional World War One items including an autograph book and photographs kindly loaned by Mrs Margaret Johnston. The autograph book belonged to Jane Willacy who worked in the drawing office at Cochran’s, Newbie, Annan during World War One.
Images – · Museums officer Lydia Cant and Museum attendant JP Barty installing the silver shrimp trawler and displays for the Out of the Blue – Solway Seafood exhibition · Suzie and Hannah Brown trying out the fishing game – part of the fun family activities that accompany the Out of the Blue – Solway Seafood exhibition at Annan Museum |
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