Howzat! Cricket's holy grail unveiled in Perth

8/12/06
Premier Alan Carpenter today unveiled cricket's holy grail, the famous Ashes Urn at the Western Australian Museum.
It is the first time people will have the chance to see the highly prized sporting artefact on WA soil.
The Ashes Urn will be on display to the public from December 10 - 20, while Australia play England in the third Ashes Test in Perth.
"This is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the famed and celebrated Ashes Urn," Mr Carpenter said.
"The Ashes Urn has never been to WA before and has only visited Australia once, for the nation's 1988 bicentenary celebrations in Sydney."
The Premier also officially opened a special cricket exhibition called Howzat! which includes a unique collection of cricketing objects and memorabilia telling the story of the origin of the urn and its contents.
"Howzat! also celebrates WA's proud cricketing history and profiles greats such as Dennis Lillee, Rod Marsh, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist," Mr Carpenter said.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale encouraged people to visit the exhibition and see the Ashes Urn up close.
"Cricket is in the nation's blood - it is a sport that can bring people together, ignite incredible passion and forge a shared sense of pride," Ms McHale said.
"While the Ashes Urn will be at the Museum for 10 days, Howzat! will be on show until next March and I urge people to visit and be inspired by the exhibition, which is sure to bring back many wonderful memories."
Tickets for the Ashes exhibition cost: Adults $12.50; concession $10.00; children $7.50. To book for the exhibition contact BOCS Ticketing 9484 1133 or http://www.bocsticketing.com.au
Premier's office - 9222 9475
Minister's office: - 9213 6900