[A] GROUP of Tanzanian visitors has explored West Cumbria’s past with an interactive trip to a popular museum.
Members of the Cumbria Rungwe Community Link (CRCL) enjoyed a morning at The Beacon Museum, in Whitehaven, learning about the area’s rich history, in particular its links with the Norse settlers.
The museum’s Learning Officer, Alan Gillon, welcomed the group as his Norse alter-ego, Nala Nillog, before delivering a fascinating talk on the area’s Norse links, in particular the armour and weaponry used during the period.
He also demonstrated coin-pressing and explained how some Norse words, including la’al and beck, have found their way into local dialect. The group then enjoyed a tour of the museum, delving into the area’s mining, trade and nuclear history.
“We are proud of our legacy here in West Cumbria and it was a pleasure to share it with the young people involved in the Rungwe link,” said Mr Gillon.
“The discovery of the Norse silver in Beckermet in 2014 has generated a huge interest in that period, and I chose to highlight that link to the Rungwe visitors for that reason.”
The CRCL is celebrating is 30th anniversary this year, and sees regular exchange visits between the two communities. During their three-week visit, the nine Tanzanians (six students and three adults) have taken part in a host of local community and educational events. There are 25 West Cumbrian students involved in the programme.
Ian Thompson, vice-chair of CRCL, said: “It’s wonderful that our guests get this insight into our local history.
“Our young people get the same benefit when they go to Tanzania and the culture swap is a really fascinating eye-opener for both sides of the Link.”
The Link is hosting a farewell Ceilidh for the Tanzanians at Egremont Market Hall on July 14 at 7pm. All are welcome and entry is paid on the door.
The fascinating collection of newly-discovered Norse silver is on permanent display at The Beacon. and has proved to be a hugely popular attraction. Telephone 01946 592302 or visit www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk for more information.