Enjoy a ‘month of miniature’ this October at the HMC!
The Heritage Motor Centre is inviting families to enjoy a month of family fun activities themed around transport in miniature this October. Highlights include seeing miniature planes at the Large Model Aircraft show and miniature trains at The Great Electric Train show plus during half term week there will be LEGO Technics drop in activities, a Children’s Digital Photography workshop, Halloween family crafts and miniature Steam Engine rides.
The month kicks off with the Hornby Magazines Great Electric Train Show Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October. This superb new model railway event will feature over 25 top quality layouts across all of the scales including the Taunton MRG’s Bishop Lydiard stunning recreation of the Somerset & Dorset Joint railway’s northern terminus.
Sunday 27 October sees the return of the ‘Large Model Aircraft Show’, organised by the Large Model Association. This exciting family show offers visitors the chance to view over 100 large static radio controlled model aircraft built by dedicated enthusiasts. There will also be a large trade area offering everything from miniature propellers to small jet engines and pre-assembled models - everything you would need to get a flying start in a new hobby!
Half term will focus on free* hands-on family activities - there will be plenty of activities on offer including a LEGO Technic day on Monday 28 October when children can design and build their own model racer. Miniature themed ‘Big Draw’ activities continue on Tuesday 29 October with artist in residence Ian Cook. As part of the National Big Draw campaign, Ian will be encouraging families to draw and paint transport in miniature. With half term coinciding with Halloween, there will be a special Halloween family craft activities on Thursday 31 October and to round off the half term fun there will be the opportunity to ride for FREE on miniature Steam Engines on both Friday 1 & Saturday 2 November.
For older children there is a digital photography workshop on Wednesday 30 October where using cars from the Museum, students will be shown how to get the most out of their cameras, set up the perfect shot, edit them and upload it to the web. This day workshop is £25 and must be pre-booked, contact 01926 645120 for more information.
In addition there’s the new outdoor play and picnic area, built this year, which is a great space for children to let off steam and for those that want to experience the thrills and spills of off-road driving a 20 minute demo ride on the Land Rover Experience is a must! Qualified instructors drive visitors around a challenging off-road course over rocky inclines, steep descents and some impressive water sections. Suitable for children 5 years and over.
Emma Rawlinson, Life Long Learning Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We’re delighted to be hosting our month of miniature! As well as all our events and activities we will also be focussing on some of the ‘miniature items within the Museums collection, such as our Corgi and Airfix models, with a special trail to follow, so there is plenty to entertain the entire family this October!”
* FREE activities are those listed but normal Museum entry fees apply: Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Buy one day and get 12 months free if you Gift Aid your entrance. For more information about the HMC, visit heritage-motor-centre.co.uk.
