Museum's Wounded Weekend!

Last weekend, crowds of people were seen leaving the Thackray Museum on Beckett Street, Leeds, with horrific wounds. The victims had everything from bruises and boils to even tiger scratches and bullet holes! These were not overspill from the Accident and Emergency department of nearby St. James’s hospital, but the happy visitors who attended the museum’s vintage ambulance event.

The education team put their skills to use by creating special effects similar to those seen on TV and in films.

“Everyone waited patiently for their turn to become our victims. Some of the wounds were so realistic I even made myself feel a bit queasy!”, said Elee Kirk, Education Officer. She added “We’ve had great fun with not only children, but mums & dads who were just as keen to look like extras from Casualty. We did over eighty people, and some loved it so much they came both days running”.

The whole weekend centered on the five vintage ambulances being displayed by the East Midlands Ambulance Group who gave the visitors a chance to look round the vehicles and the equipment, as well as treating them to the sounds of yesteryear by ringing their bells and sirens. The ambulance group said they had a great time as “some visitors shared memories about their time during the war, some had even driven the K2 Ambulance, and kids were having fun listening to the old sirens!”. The K2 ambulance on display was the same one that featured in the classic 1958 film Ice Cold in Alex.

Also attending was the East Yorkshire Regiments Living History Group who added character with their Jeep complete with first aid kits and equipment from World War II. The fully uniformed enactors truly got into their part by brewing up and enjoying friendly banter with the visitors.

“The weekend has been wonderful. Having these amazing vehicles parked in front of the museum created quite a spectacle” said Marketing Manager Irene McNulty “We can’t wait to do it all again next year”. 

The winners of the ‘Ambulance of the future competition’ were selected by members of the East Midlands Ambulance Group. Family first aid kits and Thackray Museum tickets go to Tom age 12, Erin 6, and Rochelle 10. The runners up who get Thackray family tickets are Danielle 10, Eleanor 5 and Hollie 10. The judges of the competition said they would be proud to drive any of the winning entries. Click here to view the winning entries.