Second World War and the Exeter Blitz Gallery: Handling

The Second World War and the Exeter Blitz Gallery is running handling sessions at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), with the next one on Tuesday 27 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm. It's held in the Making History gallery, and the whole thing is free.

The sessions are run by RAMM volunteers, and the main draw is that you're actually encouraged to handle the objects on display. There's a mix of authentic pieces and replicas, ranging from Home Front household items to artefacts that show the impact of the air raids. It's a good way to get a feel for what life was like in Exeter during the war, rather than just looking at things behind glass. The experience is open to individuals, families and small groups, so it works whether you're heading in on your own or bringing the kids along.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the gallery is fully accessible, the air-raid shelter experience is the exception — some visitors won't be able to enter the Anderson Shelter to see it. The handling sessions also run alongside the 307 Polish Squadron Project display, a tribute to the Polish night-fighter squadron that defended Exeter during the Blitz, so you can see that too while you're there.

If you can't make the 27 October date, there are several more coming up: 30 September, 14 October, 11 November, 25 November and 9 December, all from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Entry is free.