The Lincolnsfields Childrens Centre

The Children at War experience offers a unique hands-on insight into life in wartime Britain. We encourage each group to get into the role and if they come dressed as an evacuee it can really add a whole new dimension to the experience. Teachers, do not be afraid to dress for the occasion too.

When you visit, you will be the only school visiting that day, making it a more personal tailored experience within this unique historical site.

Children would need to bring their own packed lunch which will be eaten in our “authentic Village Hall” or our Gym. Lunchtime is taken together so no staggered breaks to worry about. Coaches can remain on site if they wish. If a snack needs to be incorporated into the visit, please inform us so it can be accommodated at the start of the World War experience.

Lincolnsfields

Our Children at War day visits are tailored to each school, their numbers and time allowed. We try and provide the personal touch which is easier due to only one school visiting at any time.

As far as we can, each of the sessions are interactive with very little time looking through glass walls. Altogether it means no worrying about getting lost in the crowd or feeling pressurized by other visitors. It’s not just a museum – it’s a living History experience as our site was an operational World War 2 Headquarters for the USAAF 8th Fighter Command.

We are easily accessible; we are 2 minutes from Junction 5 of the M1 and 4 miles from Junction 19 of the M25.

Our LOtC Quality badge number is R1QB102959.

The “evacuees” day will start in the village hall or school room where an introductory talk by the Billeting Officer will be given and ID cards issued. The group will then be split again into either 3, 4, 5 or 6 groups depending on numbers. They will in rotation get a chance to visit the following: – the 1940s house to meet the housewife and discover that life was not easy as there were no mod cons to assist with day to day life. They will visit the Dig for Victory garden complete with Anderson Shelter and discover what one had to do in the event of an air raid and the aftermath once the “All-clear” had sounded. The visit to the Blitz Building will lead them to a public shelter as the planes fly overhead and bombs are dropped. The museum has a wealth of artifacts from many nations. Some of these can be worn or handled to see how heavy older items are in comparison to the lightweight materials of today. There could be a trip to the cinema to catch up with some of the Pathe News reels for up to date news of what’s happening in war torn Britain. There maybe a chance to go back to school to see how lessons and treatment of children have differed over time (modern day teachers will be revered after this!!). Finally, to bring everyone back to the modern world we do have a gift shop if the children would like to buy a little reminder if their day.

Each of the sessions are led by a member of staff or one of our committed volunteers whom have personal stories from World War 2, dressed from that time period to enhance the role play.

Our minimum number requirement is 30 and we can accommodate up to 90 at any one time. This sometimes helps those schools that have multiple form entries or aiding in keeping coach costs down.

We have teachers notes that may help prior to arrival. We can provide a gas mask box template, if you wish to make one for your arrival to aid the role play. It does not matter at what stage of the topic you are at when visiting.

Teachers/Visitors are encouraged to take photographs/video/audio of their own class of children subject to their organization’s policy. If children bring cameras, we are equally happy for them to take photos.

There are no copyright restrictions on any of the material exhibited.

We would not be responsible for any photographic/audio equipment belonging to the school or its pupils.

By prior arrangement, we welcome pre-visits as this enables the organizers to acquaint themselves to the site prior to arrival where we can discuss individual needs along with any risk assessments required. Alternatively, we can provide risk assessments for all activities but advise they may need to be amended to suit each group’s individual purpose/requirements.

Project Coordinator

Nicola Carlow: nicola.carlow@lincolnsfields.co.uk

The cost up to maximum of 30 children is £375 + VAT. Any additional children up to the maximum of 90 would be £12.50 + VAT each.

We offer 1 adult free with every 10 children.

1:1 Carers are free of charge.

Period dress can enhance the visit as it recreates an atmosphere suitable to the role of being evacuated and life in the 1930’s and 1940’s. We believe it does immerse the child into the whole experience. However, all clothing and footwear should be suitable for all weathers as there will be movement between indoor and outdoor activities.

Many of the Lincolnsfields Centre staff are first aid trained. However, our booking conditions requires each group to bring their own first aider to cover any eventuality which includes their journey to and from the Centre.

Children and teachers would need to bring their own lunch and we provide a facility in which to eat it. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided for adults.

There is a gift shop which sells a range of memorabilia products from 50p-£5.00.

The site is fully accessible although depending on the disability it may be that an activity such as the jeep ride (maximum 30 children) may need to be modified.

We are open term time and recommend an arrival time of 9.30-9.45am with departure 2.00-2.30pm. If these times are not appropriate due to distance/traffic, please discuss as we are adaptable where possible.

Nancy – “My favourite part was holding the gun and learning about what the women did during the war.”

Louis – “I got to ride in the jeep even though it was bumpy I felt like a World War 2 soldier.”

Daisy – “The house was amazing, but I wouldn’t want to do the chores.”

Harry – “Meeting Stan was the best thing ever, he was a soldier in World War 2, he told us what it was like and when he was caught by the Germans, he really is a hero.”

Luke – “I was scared when we went into the shelter it was dark and smoky and the bombs where dropping and the guns were trying to shoot down the German planes. We survived because we were the Blitz Kids. Thank you for the best trip ever.”

Repeat visits have proved how worthwhile schools feel this visit to be and if you are interested, we advise early enquires into possible dates.

Please refer to our website www.lincolnsfields.co.uk or email info@lincolnsfields.co.uk