Lee Mackin the Head of Humanities at Chesterton Community Sports College in Newcastle Under Lyme whose specialism is History visited Chelford Together recently at Chelford Community Hub for a specially organised War Years Day.He was accompanied by pupils from Year 8 (12-13 years of age) and Lee said, "They are part of my most able and talented program. They love history and are very into all sorts of study (they already read extracts from books that I read at university). The information that they gain will benefit them when they choose to study GCSE History at the end of the year and look at life during WW2."
The students delivered the day with a group of older persons in their 80s and 90s who had real life experience of the War years.A range of activities were organised with pupils teachingthe older persons how to make model Anderson shelters which led to some nice reminiscence.
The pupils then interviewed the older persons about their wartime experiences followed by a wartime themed lunch prepared by Chelford Together and helped by 14 year old Jonny Massey from Chelford who is undertaking volunteering with Chelford Together as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
After lunch the group watched the movie "The Ghost Train", an Arthur Askey propaganda film from 1941, followed by discussions.The day proved an amazing success with members of Chelford Together and the pupils.... Lee commented on the journey back to Newcastle Under Lyme"Thank you so much for today. The pupils were buzzing all the way home and couldn't wait to tell their parents how much they had learned. We have had some really positive feedback on our Facebook page already. I hope you guys enjoyed it too.I really can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us today and I'd love to do something again with you guys"Iris Ryder from Chelford Together said "It was a fantastic day, the children were amazing and it was good to talk about the war years, we hope a return visit will be made by the school"
Chelford Together is based at Chelford Community Hub in Chelford and organises social events, activities and support. For further information please contact David Kent, Secretary mailto:mikeanddavid31@gmail.com(st) 01625 861038