• South West Fed - Celebrating 94 years of being 'Together for Heritage'
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A speaker stands at the front of a room, gesturing while presenting a slideshow titled Holiday programming for families. The audience, seated in rows, listens attentively as images on the screen showcase festive and family-friendly activities.

A VERY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN

What a pleasure it was to see numerous SW Fed Members at the SS Great Britain for a fantastic Christmas gathering last week. Our afternoon commenced with an engaging presentation from the SS Great Britain Trust’s interpretation team. They provided us with a rapid overview of the ship’s history to set the stage for our discussions, and then proceeded to unveil the secrets behind their Christmas festivities.

We learned about their use of greenery and snow machines, which magically transform the historic dockland into a Victorian winter wonderland for two festive weekends. During the first weekend, the living history group, The Ragged Victorians, introduced visitors to characters from the past, sharing tales of life on the fringes of 19th-century society. On the second weekend, Bristol-based Puppet Place used song, games, and puppets to breathe life into a Victorian Christmas story with their show Spicebox. This dual approach allows the SS Great Britain Trust to cater to diverse audiences and encourages repeat visits.

The team generously shared insights into their immersive programming approach and provided background on their creative processes. They divulged detailed information about budgets, visitor numbers, and demographics. I found their discussion of research-driven annual programming themes particularly fascinating. Look out for next year when they explore the theme of botany, examining how steamships played a vital role in the global migration of plants during the Victorian era, leaving a lasting impact on our world today.

Following the presentation, we enjoyed a fantastic volunteer-led tour of the ship, including an exclusive preview of their Christmas decorations and the festive soundscape. We concluded the merry afternoon with mulled wine and mince pies, along with a special mention from South West Museum Development’s Travelling Together project. They will be hosting a series of peer networking sessions aimed at helping museums enhance accessibility and relevance for their communities. These sessions are open to everyone working or volunteering in the South West’s museums. Please contact the team if you would like to participate.

– Dr Miranda Garrett
Trustee South West Fed

Katherine Nichols