Talk and creative writing workshop with children’s author Miriam Halahmy
Thursday 6th April, 11.00am
Miriam Halahmy’s book Saving Hanno is the moving story of a young German Jewish boy, sent to England for safety via the Kindertransport, who saves the life of his dog, Hanno, as war looms. A gripping story based on historical events.
Both the talk and workshop are included within the admission price. Miriam’s talk is 11.00am to 12.00pm, followed by a 15-minute book signing. The workshop will run from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. You have to leave your home at very short notice and you refuse to leave your pet behind. Through short writing exercises and brief drama / discussion the theme will be developed – and everyone will be given a pet to use on the day!
In My Suitcase – creative writing workshop with local poet, performer and educator Leanne Moden
Wednesday 12th April, 1.00pm until 3.00pm
In My Suitcase is a gentle exploration of the Holocaust Centre’s thought-provoking artefacts, discussing themes of migration, ancestry, and the understanding how the past shapes us all. The group will be using objects, artwork, sculpture, and information as inspiration for creative writing. This workshop is suitable for all ages and abilities, but is most suitable for ages 14+.
Kino and Kinder – A Family’s Journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust
Sunday 30th April, 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Dr Vivien Sieber shares her family’s personal papers and letters and tells of the journey her father and grandmother made when they fled to England.
Charismatic Paula led a glittering life in 1920s Vienna running her cinema: the Palast Kino. A blissful marriage, cut short by a tragic accident, left her alone with her son. When the Nazis arrived, they left family, friends and business and fled to safety in England as penniless refugees.
Paula spent the war caring for 40 girls saved by the Kindertransport in hostels in Tynemouth and Windermere. Her son was interned before serving in minesweeping and intelligence whilst his half-brother entered Bergen Belsen a month after liberation with the War Crimes Investigation Team. Few of Paula’s family in Europe survived the genocide.
Her battle to regain her cinema and the fates of the family left behind in Vienna in 1938 are reconstructed from correspondence and archival documents.
This is event is hosted in partnership with Newark Book Festival. For more details, visit www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk.
Tickets for all the above events can be booked at www.holocaust.org.uk/whats-on.
The Centre is closed for Easter on Good Friday through to Easter Sunday, and then opens on Easter Monday with a talk from Holocaust survivor Arek Hersh.
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum is on Acre Edge Road, Laxton NG22 0PA. It is open from 10.00am to 4.30pm, with museum exhibitions and memorial gardens in addition to these events. For more information visit their website or call 01623 836627.