Where Does it Hurt?

Pictured right: Huyton Today reporter Neil Leavesley shows off the very latest in fashion accessories - the plague doctor’s outfit!

Huyton Today reporters have been investigating the health and medical practices of yesteryear at an exhibition at Prescot Museum.

Reporters, Neil Leavesley and Jamie Halliwell were given exclusive access to the exhibition, which runs until 5th April. Here, they discovered some of the gruesome surgeon's tools and strange herbal remedies that have been used by doctors and surgeons in the past.

The exhibition is notable not only for some of the blood-curdling tools on display, but also for the unique emphasis on hands-on activities. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of a Victorian chemist's shop and try out some of the doctor's jobs. There is even the opportunity to dress up as a plague doctor from the Middle Ages.

Tom Hughes, educational outreach worker for the museum, explained that it is only relatively recently that people have been able to survive major illness or injury.

"Now we have a care system. There used to be nothing," Tom pointed out, "We think there are problems with our health services but really we're very lucky. Even just a hundred years ago things were a lot worse. You would have to pay for everything yourself and treatment was very hit-and-miss."

It is a very busy time for the museum, which celebrates its twentieth birthday at the end of April. In addition to special birthday events, the Prescot museum will continue its programme of exciting and educational exhibitions. The next exhibition, opening on 12th April until 21st June, will be entitled 'Curious Customs' and will explore unusual traditions from across the North West, from Mumming plays to Morris Dancing, from weddings to walking days.

'Discovering Dinosaurs' is an exhibition running over the school summer holidays this year. This opportunity to come face to face with prehistoric monsters is bound to be popular with young visitors. As usual, special events, workshops, talks and performances will run throughout both of these forthcoming exhibitions.

The popularity of the museum's exhibitions is largely down to the philosophy behind them. Tom explains, "We try to make sure that there is a hands on element. It's not just objects in cases. For example, at the Curious Customs exhibition, you'll be able to try out egg-rolling and Morris Dancing as well as dressing up in period costumes. There will be lots of things out of cases for people to get to grips with."

For further information about the museum, special events or its education and outreach programme, call 0151 430 7787. Admission is free. Meanwhile, May is officially 'Museums and Galleries Month'. Look out for special events in the area.

What’s your poison?
Huyton Today reporters join Tom Hughes of Prescot Museum in a mock up of a Victorian chemist