Day four: First day at work

Today was our first real day at work. We managed to catch the bus and made our way to Hilsea's Lidl where Charles will pick us up everyday as our bus doesn't stop near the museum. Charles, the one who turned WW1 Remembrance centre into reality, told us some interesting stories that are displayed throughout the museum. For instance how Alice in Wonderland, The Titanic and Peter Pan are related to World War 1. Yes you read that right, Alice in Wonderland was a real person, as well as Peter Pan! Jez told us all about the helmets, weapons, etc. which was really interesting. You can truly see that anyone that works there is really passionate about what they are doing/ telling you.

We also met almost all of the other volunteers who work there alongside of Charles. We taught Jez, Tony and Charles how to correctly pronounce Flemish cities as they seemed to not have a clue about how to pronounce them. We welcomed visitors and helped set up some things as the museum is still being constructed.

The building in which the museum is located has been used in the World War which adds a lot of value. Charles told us, really passionately, about it when he took us for a walk around the museum. The building once was a ruin which Charles and a couple of volunteers (mostly Alan, his father in law and an amazingly handy 80 somewhat years old man who doesn't know what resting is.) have managed to convert into a very special Remembrance Centre. It has turned out to be a cosy museum which really takes you back to 1912-1918.

As you can read above, we are more than happy with our jobs and will try to contribute to the team as much as possible!

See you tomorrow!

June & Eline

(ps: Charles is still looking for artefacts so if you or anyone you know has anything that has to do with WW1 and you would be so kind to e-mail it or sent the artefacts to the museum, Charles would be really grateful! Details down below.)

Contact WW1 Remembrance Centre / Charles:

HILSEA LINES BASTION 6, AIRPORT SERVICE ROAD, PORTSMOUTH, HAMPSHIRE PO3 5PJ

WW1RemembranceCentre@gmail.com