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FAMILIES are being challenged to make their very own ‘dream boats’ at Brunel’s ss Great Britain for launch this month (May). |
It is part of a number of events being held in the run up to, and during, the school ‘half term’ break.
Visitors will have the chance to make and decorate giant origami boats at drop-in workshops held on board ship between 11am and 4pm on May 16, 17 and 23. The colourful paper boats will be one metre in length and will include families’ dream voyages.
There will be a mass launch into the harbour on bank holiday Monday (May 25) at 6.15pm and a night glow launch at 9pm, with the paper boats illuminated by glow sticks.
The launches – one of the events featured in the Floating Harbour’s 200th anniversary celebrations – will be available for the public to view by the Dockyard Café, which will stay open for the spectacular.
Other events at Brunel’s ss Great Britain for May include visits from Mr Brunel, between May 23 and 31 (except May 26), and Sinbad’s Sea Chests on May 29 and 30, which is a crafts-based workshop where children can take their works of art home.
This year’s ‘dream boats’ theme comes from the diaries of passengers who travelled on board the ss Great Britain – many in search of a new and better life in Australia.
In total 15,000 people emigrated to Australia on board the historic ship, in the mid to late 1800s, following the discovery in gold.
Passengers included novelist Anthony Trollope whose dreams may have included record sales for ‘Lady Anna’, the book he wrote on board. The first ‘All England’ cricket team to tour Australia travelled on board the ship in 1881, with their dreams of making cricketing history – despite the two-month voyage without serious cricket practice!
Claire Champion, the ss Great Britain Trust’s Interpretation and Informal Education Officer, said: “The ‘dream boats’ workshops and launch are highlights in our events calendar. Families love working together to make and decorate their very own giant paper boat, including their dream voyage and what they might pack.
“Dream journeys can be inspired by the ss Great Britain’s rich history with voyages to New York, America, and Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, and her last voyage from the Falkland Islands to Bristol – on a pontoon.
“Alternatively families will have their own dreams, whether it is sailing on Chew Magna lake, a narrow boat holiday on the Norfolk Broads, to more exotic climes. Some families may have ‘Star Trek’ inspired voyages in mind, to the moon and beyond!
“Whatever the destination, we are expecting families will include a sun-drenched summer as part of their voyage requirements!”
Claire added: “The launches are absolutely stunning events, both the early evening launch and the later ‘night glow’. The boats create beautiful reflections as they drift down the harbour.”
The workshops are included in the admission price to Brunel’s ss Great Britain, which allows for free unlimited return visits in a year, and all materials are provided free of charge. The ‘dream boats’ launch spectaculars are free.
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