An event organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Education Service (HES), which recreated the scenario that tens of thousands of school children went through during the early months of World War II, was held recently.
Based at Havenstreet’s Isle of Wight Steam Railway this event allowed children to discover what it was like to be evacuated during the Second World War with Havenstreet Station transformed to replicate a wartime station and children undertaking activities relevant to those of evacuees.
Children and staff from both Island and mainland schools dressed in wartime clothes, with some arriving at the IW Steam Railway with gas masks, teddy bears and luggage ahead of a ride on the train, mirroring the experience from the war years.
Pupils were able to learn about wartime food and rationing, how life in a war-time school affected learning and had the chance to look at make-do-and-mend toys and clothes. Activities included learning about rationing, how much margarine was allowed each week as well as how to make that sweet treat last a bit longer.
As happened during the war their school lessons were interrupted by an air raid siren. and they experienced a visit to the air-raid shelter. Pupils also undertook a ride on the train with a bomb on the line.
The event was planned and presented by Estelle Barker HES Officer and a team of volunteers.
