Christmas a hot idea at museum

27 July 2006

It's holiday time at Great Yarmouth's Elizabethan House Museum!

People across the borough are slipping into a lower gear, easing up

on the work load and getting into the mood of the season - the Christmas season that is.

Staff at the South Quay Merchant's house are busy preparing a range

of Christmas crafts on a Victorian theme to entertain youngsters during the long hot summer.

Volunteers hit on the idea as “something different” to educate

and amuse children who are learning about festive food, decorations, Christmas cards and Christmas greenery.

The first activity day was unwrapped by youngsters on Monday and organisers are expecting many

happy returners.

Custodian Bernard Embry said youngsters who had attended the first activity day had enjoyed the sprinkling of Victorian festive magic.

He said a decorated spruce greeted visitors coming in from sun-drenched South Quay and that they were very enthusiastic about it.

“It is the first time we have decided on a theme using things that were readily available in the Victorian period.

“I know Christmas seems to come earlier every year but often by the time it comes round it is too late to get on with the craft factor. This way children know how to make things for the future.

“People have been very enthusiastic about it saying 'what a brilliant idea' right in the middle of the hot period. It is something slightly brilliant.

“It is all run by our National Trust volunteers and they have arranged activities geared to different age groups. Some of the decoration making is quite simple others are a bit more difficult,” said Mr Embry.

Themed activity days continue on Monday with make your own tree decorations; August 7, Victorian Christmas food; August 14, Victorian styled Christmas gifts; August 21, Victorian Christmas greenery.

Event times are 10am to 4pm with lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.