Work Off the Christmas Pud - Thursday, 13 December 2012
A costumed Sergeant Major will put visitors through their paces at the Royal Armouries Museum, Fort Nelson, from Thursday, December 27, to Sunday, January 6.
Visitors can blow away the festive cobwebs by trying out obstacle course training and gun drill practice at the Victorian Fort between 10.30pm and 4pm daily.
The Royal Armouries’ education team devised the have-a-go gun drill activity earlier this year to teach young people about the Victorian Fort’s history and the troops who lived and worked there.
The muzzle-loading gun drill – which is also suitable for adults – allows participants to learn the different aspects of a gun drill, both during a practice loading session and then working against the clock.
Participants begin by cleaning the gun piece, using a process known as worming and sponging. They then “ram” the charge and the shot to make it ready to fire, before simulating firing the cannon.
Standing high on Portsdown Hill near Fareham, Fort Nelson showcases one of the world’s finest collections of artillery and cannon, from across the ages and from all corners of the globe.
Museum entry and parking are free but a £3 charge applies for the obstacle course and gun drill practice.
Other Christmas school holiday activities include:
- Daily guided tours of the Fort, bringing to life some of the facts and stories behind the building and the National Collection of Artillery £3.
- Self-guided walks around the site, of differing lengths, available in a brief guide and map format.
These will help visitors explore areas, both inside and outside the Fort.
£1 per guide
For more details about Fort Nelson activities and events, please visit Royal Armouries website
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...ENDS...
Notes to editors
- Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour and has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London, Fort Nelson and Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first British national museum to open a permanent presence in another country
- Admission to the museum is free. However, there may be a small charge for some special events.
- Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-25 December
- Information Line: 0113 220 1999
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
To find Fort Nelson, follow the brown Tourist signs from the M27. The Fort is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm.
Download the PDF press release.