Armed Forces Day

As I watch the rain lash against my window, I realised that today I would have been working in the City Centre for Armed Forces Day. As a Museum with a military collection, we actively participate in this event every year to say 'thank you' to our Armed Forces and promote awareness of our collection.

The City Centre event is often a long day on your feet chatting to the public and other stall holders. We are allocated our own tent enabling us to advocate the Museum, get out some of our collections and promote our varied and inclusive programme. We often include a family friendly activity (trying on helmets, taking part in a quiz etc) too to help engage all ages. Last year we worked closely with the Carlisle branch of the Regimental Association on AFD supporting the veterans on a very hot and tiring day.

We are obviously one of many organisations attending this event. Servicemen from RAF Spadeadam showcase lots of big bits of equipment, representatives from the Cadets are evident and charities such as the British Legion, SSAFA and the ABF are also present to chat to folk as they wander round. It is good to talk to representatives from all these organisations to see how we can work together and support each other, so AFD provides me with an excellent networking opportunity too.

But one of the highlights for me is talking to the many veterans that stop by, whether to share their National Service days or try on a helmet like the one they wore in Northern Ireland. Or the local people that tell me about their relatives that served in the war or their son/daughter who is currently serving. It is an opportunity for the Museum to be outside in the community in which it is situated, engaging with local people and highlights how this historical military collection can connect people. Armed Forces Day is important for us not only to say 'thank you' but to make our collections relevant. Long may it continue.