Mini Police return for annual visit

The American Museum & Gardens was delighted to welcome back the Mini Police from Peasedown St John for their annual visit earlier this month.

Run by Avon and Somerset Police, the Mini Police programme gives children aged 9–11 the opportunity to learn about personal safety, community responsibility and the role of the police - building trust and encouraging positive relationships with young people.

During their visit, the group enjoyed a full day of hands-on activities across the estate. Outdoors in the gardens, many of the children worked together to create a dead hedge in the arboretum, an important habitat that will provide shelter for wildlife. Others got stuck in potting plants in the gardeners’ yard, learning new skills and enjoying the chance to get hands-on with nature.

After a well-earned break, the group headed to our Kith and Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend exhibition for inspiration before creating their own colourful quilt designs using scrap materials. Alongside this, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, they each wrote a personal ‘declaration’ - a promise to themselves and their community, using traditional oak gall ink made onsite, which encouraged thoughtful reflection as well as creativity.

The day finished, as is now tradition, with ice cream for everyone.

We’re proud to continue supporting the Mini Police programme as part of our community engagement work, in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and Peasedown St John Primary School. It’s always a pleasure to host such an enthusiastic group, and to play a small part in inspiring the next generation of responsible and engaged citizens.

A special thank you to everyone involved, we look forward to welcoming the Mini Police again next year.