Highnam Church Of England Primary Academy

Inspiring Everyone to Shine

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Trip to the Dean Forest Railway

On Wednesday 29th June, Unit Two travelled to the Dean Forest Railway near Lydney. The trip was organized so the pupils could experience being evacuated like the many thousands of children who were evacuated during World War II. Many pupils wore replica clothing to look like those being evacuated and carried their gas masks and suitcases on the trip.     "Tearfully, we said goodbye to our parents on the school playground and headed for the train," said Izzy.

At Norchard station we were split into four groups. Each group visited; the large workshop where old trains and carriages were being carefully restored; the museum to learn about the history of the Severn and Wye Railway; the signal box to see how the points worked  and finally the shop, to spend some money.

At precisely 11:25 the steam train puffed along the track and arrived at the station. Carefully, we all climbed on to the train and sat down in the carriage. We headed towards Lydney Junction where we all got off the train and the billeting officer arrived to send us to stay with our new families. While we were there members of the public told us that they had been evacuated during the war from London to Folkstone in Kent.

Following this experience we returned to the train and headed up the track to Lydney Town. We got off the train and had our lunch in the beautiful Bathurst Park. After lunch we had the opportunity to have a game of cricket on the field and play in the park. "The best bit was the obstacle course," commented Byron.

We arrived back at the station just in time to catch the 13:20 to Parkend. During the day we had a retired head teacher looking after us and a number of parents also came along to help which was great.

"I had to carry around an original evacuee suitcase, it was very heavy," said Jack B.

"We had a fantastic time, I enjoyed it all. What a great experience" said Tom.

 

Written by Unit Two