Evacuees - the next draft!

Evacuees!

YES! It's Back!

By popular demand, and in support of our latest exhibition, Feeding the Nation, this family-focused event is a rare chance for young people to get a feel for the experiences of child evacuees.

Please all evacuees need to be on site by the start of the event. This is not a 'Drop-in' event.

You should plan to get to our museum by 0945hrs on the morning of Saturday 26th.

Directions can be found here: https://www.stowmaries.org.uk/contact/directions-road

Please note there will be a limited Catering offer in the Airmen's Mess Cafe on this day due to matters beyond our control.

Don't you know there's a War on?

We invite you to learn all about what it was like to be evacuated to the countryside from the big city!

The days activities include:

Registration

Get your label and have your self checked in, ready to be sent off to the nearby farms on the rickety old lorries, pressed back into service!

Air Raid Practice

Do you know what to do when the siren goes off?!

Making a Gas Mask box

Everyone needs one, so get making (all materials supplied)

Home Comforts

What are you allowed to bring in your suitcase? Let's find out.

Story Time

We all know the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe...don't we? Don't we? Let's look at the story again - this time through the eyes of the evacuees! (copy provided)

Important bit - TICKETS!

Each adult ticket holder can bring one or two new evacuees - aged 6-11. They will spend the day together, along with all other evacuees, as they move through a series of sessions, led by our award-winning team. So it's simple! Each adult books one ticket and they can bring up to two young evacuees with them.

What if I am not bringing Evacuees with me?

All adults attending evacuees should be either bringing evacuees with them, or accompanying someone that is. If you are accompanying someone bringing young evacuees, you should expect to 100% be part of the day! You need to buy a ticket for the event (£5), even if you are not bringing any evacuees.

I need space for four young evacuees, but I am on my own. Can you help?

Sorry, not really! You need to choose someone to come with you and they need to buy a ticket. We are not allowed to take responsibility for your young evacuees. This is not a 'drop-in' event.

What if I am not bringing young people, I just want to take part?

Sorry, this is not possible. Only young people, their parents and/or guardians for the day can take part - and they need to be part of a group that includes at least one evacuee.

If you would like to visit the museum on the day of the event, you can - but you will need to buy a regular admission ticket and you will not be able to take part in the Evacuees event.

You can find out about regular visits here: https://www.stowmaries.org.uk/contact/plan-your-visit

Other Details:

What about Lunch?

You can either take advantage of our limited menu offer in our cafe, or bring a packed lunch. If you bring a packed lunch, we encourage you to think WW2! Spam sandwiches?! Cheese sandwiches?!

What do I wear?

We encourage all of our Evacuees to dress up in their evacuee outfits.

Some suggestions:

You'll want to focus on practical, functional clothing and accessories.

Dressing as a boy could involve school trousers or shorts, a flat cap, and a jumper, with brown or black lace-up shoes.

Dressing as a girl might involve a pinafore dress or school skirt and blouse, long white socks, and brown or black lace-up shoes. Plaits, a ribbon, or a headband can complete the look.

We also would LOVE it if the adults joined in!

For a civilian outfit, think floral prints, swing skirts, and practical styles like dungarees for ladies and trousers, ties and shirts with a jumper for men. Don't forget your hat!

If you want a military look, you can opt for a British uniform, or what about a farm worker or Land Girl's attire - dungarees, anyone?!

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