Secrets of the Deep

ON Saturday, 12 February 2011 and Sunday, 13 February 2011, U Boat story, the £5m attraction that tells the story of World War II German submarine U-534, will open its archives to exhibit artefacts, some of which have never been seen before.

The items on display at the ‘Hands on at the U-Boat’ weekend will include a personal decontamination kit used after exposure to mustard gas, a testing kit used for checking seawater, a roll of silk in amazing condition which was amongst several luxury items the crew picked up in France to be sold once they returned to Germany and half a pelvis from a wild boar, which would have been a luxury food item on board.

This is a unique opportunity to get up close to these highly prized, rare artefacts, some of which can be handled, with clear information from the knowledgeable staff who will be on hand throughout the weekend offering extra guided tours

With original film archive and interactive displays, the cross-sectioned submarine tells its amazing story through a highly interactive and exciting exhibition, giving a unique insight into life on board a submarine during wartime.

Neil Scales, Merseytravel chief executive said:- “It’s great to be able to open up our archives to the public in this way, giving access to a piece of living history and a great opportunity to find out more about the U-534.  The U-Boat Story has been a tremendous success, attracting over75, 000 visitors to date, ranging from youngsters wanting to know more about the history of World War II to former sailors who served in the conflict.”

Admission times and prices for this special event are as normal with the U-boat Story being open both days from 10.30am to 5.30pm (last admission 5pm).

Combined tickets are also available for the U-Boat and Mersey Ferry, or why not really make a day of it and buy the joint River Explorer, Spaceport and U-Boat Story ticket.

Visit u-boatstory.co.uk or phone:- 0151 330 1444 for more details.

Spaceport launches exclusive competition

YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance of a lifetime to win an animation master class from top Wallace and Gromit model-maker Jim Parkyn at their school.

Visitors are invited to create their own alien models using the clay provided at the Spaceport clay station, take them home and then simply upload a picture of their alien creation and fill in the on line application form on the competition website.

The Competition will be launched on 18 February 2011, and is open to three age groups, 4 to 7, 8 to 11 and 12 to 16. One winner from each age group will receive a Wallace and Gromit Goody Bag and there will be one overall winner who will win the modelling masterclass to be held at their school. Closing date is 2 May 2011, and the masterclass will be held in June or July, subject to availability.

To launch this exciting competition and following the success of his visit in October, Spaceport welcomes back Aardman Animations’ model maker Jim Parkyn for a three day extravaganza of Aardman style modelling from 18 February to 20 February 2011.

Join us between 12pm and 4.00pm each day as Jim takes you through the process of creating a model clay character, follow his step by step instructions and make your own Gromit to take home.

Visitors will also be able to meet Wallace & Gromit who will be at the Seacombe attraction throughout the half term holiday, recalling their ‘Grand Day Out’ while checking out Wallace’s workshop, the famous orange rocket, the dynamic duo’s picnic site and a selection of sets from the award-winning films.

As well as having their pictures taken with Wallace & Gromit, visitors to the exhibition can learn much more about the universe we live in, with fascinating factual displays about the Moon, our Solar System and the history of space exploration. And you can even design your own rocket/alien in a dedicated drawing area!

Spaceport is housed in a listed building alongside the Seacombe Mersey Ferries Terminal. Wallace and Gromit will be making special public appearances at set times throughout the week of half term.

Opening times:- 10.30 with last admission at 16.30 closing at 18.00 (check website for further details)

Admission:- Adult £8.00, Child (3 to 15 years) £4.50 and a Family ticket £20.00 (this consists of two adults and three children) Combined Spaceport/Mersey Ferries tickets are also available.  For full competition details please visit the Spaceport website.