Visiting the 1940s at the Tin Shed Experience

Visiting the 1940s at the Tin Shed Experience

Friday 28 September 2012

Hiding out in the bunker

We didn't have much planned for our first day in Laugharne. But over breakfast at our hotel, Natalie told us about the Tin Shed, a 1940s museum in the middle of the village. After visiting the castle, we toddled off to find it.

And I could have stayed there for days.

The Tin Shed came into fruition when the creators found themselves out of work. With a huge amount of WWII memorabilia and a rather fetching tin shed to hand, the museum had everything it needed. The guys have done a great job at transforming a space, filling it with interesting artefacts that you're allowed to touch!

I came over a bit idiotic and girly when faced with the beautiful old uniforms worn by women in the war. If I was half the size, I'd have begged them to let me try them on. The size of their waists! You could grab them around the middle with one hand.

 

The main exhibition space is in the tin shed, with a rather dashing car playing centre stage.

 

 

 

I'm a bit funny around wartime things. I spent most of my childhood terrified that we were going to be sent to war again, while half-fantasising about being an evacuee. I hate watching wartime movies, because they genuinely do upset me, and there's nothing I hate more than seeing a kid playing combat computer games.

The owners of the museum agree with me on that one. Apparently, when some school children come in and clock the range of weaponry on the wall, they can name each and every gun. But soon the reality of war dawns on them as they're shown around.

Dee didn't really mind the rack of guns, and was soon allowed to play with one. I cowered next to her in terror, each time the barrel swung towards my face, and soon insisted it was taken back from her. I didn't like the power hungry glow in her eyes, I tellsya.

 

We were shown around the place by Matt, who took us through each and every piece, explaining everything. Considering you only pay £3 to get in, this is an amazing feat.

 

My favourite part of the experience was the shack in the back garden. Completely kitted out with war time memorabilia, you genuinely felt like you were in the 40s. I was a little upset that I wasn't dressed up, I have to say.

 

Real old fig syrup!

 

As someone who can do the V&A Museum in 20 minutes, you know the Tin Shed experience is impressive when I tell you we were there for 2.5 hours. There are often events, gigs and little parties held here, and I would kill to go to the next. It's well worth keeping an eye on their site to see what's coming up.

And if you're ever in the area? It is your duty to pop in.

Your duty, I say!

Tin Shed Experience
Montague House  
Clifton Street
Laugharne
Carmarthenshire
SA33 4QG

www.tinshedexperience.co.uk