Visitors to the First World War exhibition that opened last week at Castletown’s Civic Community can get a real feel for what life was like in the trenches.
A life-size model of a trench, complete with sandbags, a sleep hole that visitors can try out for size and soldiers going over the top, is one of the exhibits on display.
The exhibition is part of Castletown Commissioners’ commemoration to mark the centenary of the Great War’s outbreak.
It saw some 300 visitors in its first four days.
Castletown Commissioners clerk Eddie Convery said: ‘The aim is to commemorate not just the First World War but all wars.
‘It’s particularly aimed at the younger element. As time goes on memories and sacrifices slip away.’
It was organised by resident Phil Taubman, whose great uncle, Henry Taubman, was killed on November 4, 1918, days before the war ended on November 11.
As well as the trench to explore, memorabilia includes soldiers’ outfits, photographs, postcards, trench art and newspaper cuttings.
There is also a bike from WW1 and two machine guns.
It is open to visitors Monday to Wednesday and Friday, from 9am to 4.30pm, Thursday after midday and Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm.
The exhibition is expected to continue until the end of the year.