I thought it was time to give a quick update on the John Gray Centre. You might have noticed, if you live or work in Haddington, that there is some activity happening outside the planned location on Lodge Street. Archaeological digging started in September – they’ve found nothing exciting as yet. No huge finds of treasure sadly.
Studioarc, the museum designers, are progressing with plans. As an Education Officer, I’m obviously really interested in the interactive side of the museum and it looks like it’s going to be really successful on that side of things. So far we have dressing up, postcard stamping, helping farmer John with his grandparent’s strange objects, unlocking secret boxes and much more!!
I visited Wallyford P3s recently to ask for their advice on one interactive element called ‘Senses of the Sea’ (you might remember me mentioning it in an earlier blog). Their ideas were priceless, here’s a taster:
Smells of the sea – fish, seaweed, custard(?), seals
Tastes – hotdogs, chips, ice-cream, salt, beers…
Sounds – Children playing, splashes, laughing, speedboats, “icescream van jingle”
Touch – shells, sand, water, starfish, rubbish
I was particularly intrigued by one thing they all kept suggesting – “cheona”. Have you guessed what it is yet?
Of course, tuna.
They were a delightful class and their teacher Miss Reeves had them all enthusiastically talking about science, would you believe? I’ve asked if they will all be our tour guides when we open!
