'Sport today is a vital part of the Army’s identity and its lifeblood' 
Chief of the General Staff
 'Sport is a key activity in the Army as the qualities engendered through participation are the same qualities required of soldiers in battle. Participation in Sport also empowers soldiers and develops leaders. The Army places a high importance on all sport and makes opportunities available to personnel to compete and officiate at the highest levels.'  British Army website

 I have been trying to keep myself motivated and undertake the recommended once a day excerising recommended by the Government. Normally I like to swim but the local pool shut down two weeks ago so I tend to get up early and go for a run round the quiet roads where I live. It certainly helps me clear my head and work out what needs to be done during the day. Plus watching the wildlife and listening to the birdsong is quite heartening in these restrictive times.

 So as I opened my diary this morning I realised that today I was supposed to be giving a presentation at the Sporting Heritage conference in Huddersfield. Along with Wimbledon, the European Cup and the Olympics, this is another 'sporting' event affected by COVID-19. Hopefully rescheduled sometime in the future. Who knows quite when.

 The Museum has been working with two other regional military Museums - The Lancashire Infantry Museum and The Fusiliers Museum - plus Carlisle Archives and the National Football Museum to highlight the connection between sport and the army. Working on behalf of us all is the wonderful Helen, a freelancer who has plenty of experience working with both military Museums and the collections of Leeds United. With the benefit of some funding, Helen has been visiting the sites involved (unfortunately, not the NFM due to the coronavirus restrictions) talking to the Curators/Archivists and going through their collections. 

 Although all three Military Museums have sporting memorabilia in their individual Collections, it was decided to narrow down this vast subject. Inspired by the 4th Battalion,The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment's win last year, when they became the first Army Reserve Battalion to become overall Army Football Champions, the Museums decided to focus on football and its connection to the Army. Research and idea sharing would then lead to the production of a touring temporary exhibition that would visit each location. Unfortunately, the project is currently on hold.

 The exhibition is part of a national Sporting Heritage project and in each region Military Museums and Sporting Heritage Collections have been working together to produce a collaborative display. I was lucky enough to see the South West Region's exhibition when visiting the RMP Museum in Fareham last year. Each Region will have a different focus, decided by the partners involved, producing a wide variety of exhibitions across the country.

 Working in partnership is a necessity for all Museums but is not always easy. Certainly working with different Collections can take us out of our comfort zone. But it is always good to push the boundaries and stir up those creative ideas. Although we have a good relationship with both of the Military Museums involved in this project, we have not worked with them before. Having Helen liaise between us all takes the pressure off the limited capacity of Museum staff.  We look forward to continuing this piece of work when restrictions are lifted. Watch this space...


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