Children’s wartime lesson as they ‘dig in’ to home-front life
Families have been enjoying a fun-filled day at Beamish, learning about the Second World War home-front effort as part of the museum’s Dig for Victory event.
Visitors were issued with identity cards that had to be carried during wartime and were checked by the museum’ s onsite Home Guard.
Children planted seeds in the farm garden, as would have been the case 80 years ago as many families resorted to growing their own food due to supply shortages as the impact of the war led to rationing.
Grace Kelly, seven, said: “I’ve really enjoyed visiting the museum and it was fun plantingthe seeds. People needed to grow their own food as there was a shortage during the war.
"It’ s fun to see all the soldiers dressed in their costumes.”
Zachary Guthrie, also seven, added :“It has been interesting to learn about the war and see all the farm tools.”
Zachary’s grandmother, Anne Barnes, believes it’s important children learn about the efforts and sacrifices of what is now sadly becoming a rapidly diminishing wartime generation.
She said: “I really wanted to come to the event as I feel it’s important children also learn about what was happening on the home-front and not just overseas.
"Being able to see things in real life here at Beamish really gives them a feel for what it was like.”
Visitors were able to visit a conscription tent and see first-hand some of the weapons which would have been used by the Home Guard and soldiers on the frontline.
Dressed as an Airborne soldier was the museum’s rural life engager, Kevin Caroll, who said: “The children really enjoy being able to see the items first-hand and it’s really important they learn about what took place 80 years ago which has given us the freedoms we have today.”
A key feature of the event was showcasing the role of women who worked as Land Girls and Lumberjills farming the land and providing a vital source of timber – two roles which had traditionally been
carried out by men.
Kevin added :“These women played a vital role in keeping the country going.”
Also visiting the museum with her family was Sophie Wright, 15, who attends UTC in Newcastle.
She said: “I already knew about the role of the Land Army, but being here at Beamish really brings it to life.
"It’s important that were member the efforts of this generation as without it we would be in a very different world to what we have now.”
The event also played host to a range of vehicles used during the war effort including a Duffie Dodge jeep owned by Pauline and Bob Parkins.
Pauline, 74, said: “Seeing all the vehicles and costumes really brings history to life. I think it’s just as important we remember what was happeningat home as well as overseas .”
The four-day event will run until September 5 and will also include firing displays and performances of classic wartime music.
Historic events officer Paul Foster said: “Beamish is about living history which can engage people through sight, sound, smellsandtaste.It’simportant for children to learn about the war effort and see history in action rather than in a book .”
Visitors will need to book time slots via the museum's website.