Taunton Parishioner Volunteers as Guide for Anne Frank + You

This article is by Paula Corke, a parishioner at St George’s, Taunton. Paula is voluntary guide at the fantastic exhibition ‘Anne Frank + You’ which is currently taking place at Temple Methodist Church in Taunton.

A multimedia exhibition documenting the life of Anne Frank has been running at the Temple Methodist Church in Taunton since the beginning of March. The touring exhibition which is organised by the Anne Frank Trust UK examines the experiences of Anne Frank and puts them in the context of British life today and particularly the issues faced by young people.

The exhibition is presented in two parts – contemporary and historical. The contemporary part is based around five main themes:-
conflict versus peace;
dictatorship versus democracy;
inclusion versus exclusion;
racism and social justice;
identity;

Messages from Anne’s diary connect up with these themes. Current issues such as racism in football, the right to wear religious symbols, bullying and the plight of child soldiers are all included.

The historical parts of the exhibition present the story of Anne Frank and her family and a pictorial timeline charting the rise of Hitler, the Nazi Party and the holocaust.

The exhibition includes a photo album with poignant pictures of Anne and her sister, Margot, replica artefacts from Anne’s life and an almost life size replica of Anne’s room in the secret annex. Also included is the “Holocaust Tunnel” a chilling genocide tunnel with powerful film footage.

The exhibition runs to 30 March. Admission is free and the opening hours are as follows:
Weekdays 2.30 to 5.30 pm
Thursdays late opening to 8.30 pm
Saturday 9.30 to 5.30 pm
Sundays 2.00 to 6.00 pm

Paula Corke
Useful URL : http://www.annefranksomerset.org.uk