Wartime Christmas at Lincolnshire Aviation Centres

Pupils of Reynolds Academy were given the opportunity to visit local aviation centres to experience a ‘wartime Christmas’.

The Academy visited Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby and Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre.

The children learnt how to do the Charleston and jive, bake wartime recipes, how to ‘make do and mend’ and partake in wartime crafts.

They were told about how their lives are different compared to those who experienced wartime.

They reflected on what children in war experienced and how they would feel if it were them.

The children were also told about key figures during the war including Norman Jackson VC, who saved his fellow crew members during a mission in 1944, which encompassed the

Academy’s driving principals of ‘respect, courage and inspiration’.

Assistant Principal at Reynolds Academy Gareth Cookson organised the visits in conjunction with Sue Miller at Lincolnshire County Council.

He said: “It was so good to see the children engaging with different generations of people, to help them gain an insight of how British Values were formed during one of Britain’s darkest times.”

The visits have played a huge part in helping Reynolds Academy to engage with its community.

The school worked with the county council to engage children in Lincolnshire’s rich history and the part it has played in many significant events through time.

Year 6 student Abbie enjoyed the visit. She commented: “I learnt lots about how people lived their lives. Sue and the other ladies were great fun.”