Manchester Museum 22nd October 2009

We visited the Charles Darw[n exhibition which had been produced by Henry McGhie and Peter Brown from the wealth of their Darwin collection.
Yhe story boards show Darwin as a young boy of ten through to later life and records his many adventures and discoveries. Due to their fragility, some specimens are shown in a dim light and it would have been of great help to me if they could have been mounted on a contrasting base and background.
Henry told us about Darwin the man who at age 16 had been sent to Edinburgh University to study medicine and then age 18 to Cambridge to study theology but \ttended few lectures and devoted his time carousing with his friends. His real passion was for collecting and studying items of natural science. We were enthralled by Henry's descriptions of Darwin's life and his amazing ability to understand the progress of evolution.
We had the opportunity to handle some items such as a duckbill platipuss, tawny owl, the shell of an armourdillo, a sponge two very different corals and many more with the help of Alan, Michelle and Vivienne who are Museum volunteers.
Ann gave us her usual vivid and detailed descriptions, when she could get a word in edgeways that is, because of Henry's enthusiasum about Darwin.
We rounded off the morning with a welcome drink and biscuit and thanks to Mary and all of the volunteers who make these visits possible for us.
The Museum has published maby of Darwin's texts in the form of a newspaper in braille and large print as well as the normal format.
posted by Elaine

Gallert Oldham Thursday \st October 2009

The artist we were all thrilled to meet was Gary James Williams who had worked hard with Jennifer Vickers from the Gallery to put together a hands on selection of pressed flowers, moulds and exhibits for us to enjoy.
Gary explained that he had researched the use of different materials to create sculptures and one of these was the materials used in the manufacture of prosthetics such as false teeth and the re-construction of bones after injury.
Some of the items on display were quite amazing, such as a branch, a cup saucer spoon and sugar lump. A cotton reel complete with thread and needle was fabulous and Ann Hornsby gave us her usua; entertaining and colourful descriptions of everything in the exhibition, including the huge paper planes flying above our heads.
We had all been invited to bring an item from which to make our own mould and sculpture and there was a lot of hilarity as we got to grips with the materials which Gary then filled with plaster and cooked to create our own personal sculpture.
During yhe cooking process, we had a cuppa and chocy biscuit to end the visit, much enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Mary and all of our volunteers for getting us there, to Ann for her descriptions and the Gallery and Artist Gary Williams for a memorable morning.
Posted by Elaine