Store packs in the rations at event
A Washington store helped children from local primary schools and toddler groups go ‘back in time’ at the Springwell Village 1940s Weekend.
Asda supermarket donated products from its groceries range to make up ‘ration packages’ for the youngsters.
Children up to the age of five enjoyed a ham or jam wholemeal bread sandwich in greaseproof brown paper and a bottle of water, mirroring the type of lunch evacuees would have received during the Second World War.
Live re-enactors and volunteers helped to educate the group of 130 children about the evacuation process through drama, as well as wartime food rationing, gas masks and air raids.
The free event, organised by Springwell Village Community Venue and the Bowes Railway heritage site, took place over four days.
Community members from across the Washington and Springwell area were invited to commemorate the history of Second World War and the heritage of the village during this period.
Other activities and highlights on the weekend included live music, 1940s dance, a farmer’s market and a display of vintage vehicles.
Project co-ordinator at Springwell Village Community venue, Suzanne Shaftoe, said: “The donation from Asda Washington played an important role in educating local toddlers and pupils about a time of historical significance in British history.
“Having a real lunch to eat helped to bring the concept of food rationing and evacuation to life in a fun way.”
Community champion at Asda Washington, Maureen Wallwork, said: “It was fantastic to go down to the event in person to hand over the donation and be a part of such a great community event.”