On Friday 27 October, during the half term holiday, the museum will be holding an open day for families to raise awareness of the new project as well as getting any feedback they may have - refreshments will be provided for participants! The museum is looking to work closely with families from the local area in the development of these activities, so that the best facilities can be set up.

Plans include enhancing the range of activities for families, especially for times when the engines are not in steam and include resources for families with children under-five. This will mean that families have plenty of activities to complement their visit and the range of resources will also allow for different learning styles and abilities within any age group.

Planned new activities will include:

• Dressing up props such as hats and costume for groups to dress-up
• A Passport or clocking in card to complement the various activities, which will encourage families to stop off at certain places in the museum.
• Comfy floor mats to designate space for families
• Redesigned activity trolley kits in the Water for Life Gallery and Main Engine Steam Hall.
• A new family map and leaflet to highlight family areas with children focused activities.
• A display with further information about the museum and the collection.
• 2 more interpretation carts for the museum’s 90” engine and Maudslay engines
• Laminated ‘passport’ trails
• A 3D and sensory trail

Lesley Bossine, Museum Director, said: “This marvellous award from the Abbey Charitable Trust will enable us to continue to further develop the range of educational facilities on offer to families when they visit. We are keen for local residents to assist in the development of the programme, by letting us know the kinds of things they would like to see here when they visit and we welcome their suggestions.”

Also on during the half-term holiday:

• The Environment Agency exhibition - 'Creating a Better Future: the work of the Environment Agency, which includes artefacts found on the river bed, including a fragment of a witches’ bottle and a model of the Thames barrier.
• New under 5s jigsaw engine puzzle - kids can have a go at putting two puzzles together, one of which they can make work!
• Design a Christmas Card for the museum competition - last chance to create a masterpiece as part of the Big Draw. Visitors are invited to have a go at designing a Christmas card the museum can then produce – the winner will get a year's free membership to the museum and a supply of the cards they designed.

If you are interested in being involved in this exciting project please contact Jo Willis, Education Co-ordinator on 0208 568 4757.