Lower Park School safely evacuated a party seventy nine evacuees and twelve adults from Poynton Station to the safety of the Stockport Air Raid Shelters. Dressed in an authentic costume, they travelled to Stockport on the train, leaving behind a tearful crowd of ‘anxious and upset’ parents fondly waving goodbye to their children.
To enhance their topic about World War Two, children from Years 5 and 6 took part in a ‘Day in the life of an Evacuee’ experience. The day was broken into two parts. The day started at the Stockport Story Museum where they took part in workshops to improve their chances of being selected by the billeting officer and families. They learned how to be useful around the house, washing, ironing and darning socks, learning ‘make do and mend’ skills, how to exchange clothes and use ration coupons. In addition to this, they were shown how to safe during an air raid.
Following a typical 1940’s lunch, the pupils visited the Air Raid Shelters. They experienced what it might be like to be one of the four thousand Stockport residents who would spend their evenings underground during World War Two. Their visit included singing popular wartime songs, visiting the medical areas, canteen and toilets.
The trip was truly memorable for all those who took part, as everyone remained in role throughout the day. The children were impeccably behaved, with comments from them including “I loved every minute!” and “This was the best day EVER!”
