Our study day begins with the delivery of a presentation by Professor Reynolds who introduces the project to the schoolchildren. In this talk, Chris explains the global, national, and (all important) local context of World War 2. This is an opportunity to set out what the schoolchildren can expect from the day, as well as to explain how and why the local ARP preparations and shelter provision were so important and specific to the local West Bridgford context. Here, and throughout the day, the pupils are encouraged to ask questions.
The Abbey Circus World War 2 Air-Raid Shelter project has been conceived to help provide a valuable learning resource for local primary schools. The opening and development of the shelter has enabled the creation of a comprehensive study day that features expert talks, World War 2 artefacts discovery, role play with an ARP warded, and of course, a visit inside the shelter for a range of immersive activities.
Following the introduction, pupils are then given the opportunity to discover a quite magnificent and rich collection of World War 2 artefacts. In this hands-on session, led by Jason King, students explore a range of objects and costumes that have been carefully selected and curated to link to the wartime experience, and particularly to air-raid shelters. They are encouraged to research the material as budding historians to discover who the characters are that lie behind the extensive objects they investigate.
Having explored the artefacts, the pupils are then brought to the Abbey Circus Air-Raid Shelter where they are given the opportunity experience what it was like to have been inside the shelter. Once inside, the pupils are given another brief presentation on the specific history of this shelter as well as the opportunity to ask questions. Our animated film is then shown to the pupils, and they are encouraged to offer their thoughts on it. They are then allowed some time to wander around and discover the shelter and the many objects that are placed inside.
Upon exiting the shelter, the pupils then meet Air-Raid Warden Victor Alsebrooke who, very much in character, transports the schoolchildren back to the wartime era. Warden Alsebreooke drills the new recruits on a series of activities using stretchers, mock bombs, stirrup pumps, and bells and whistles, before deciding if they have met the grade or not to be awarded a certificate.
This brings the day’s activities to a close. The pupils then return to school where, time permitting, we gather some feedback and reflections on the experience.