Youngsters "evacuated" to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome!

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A group of young visitors discovered some of the realities of being evacuated, in an immersive history day at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome on Saturday. Evacuees! gave the children a chance to experience what their great-grandparents might have gone through in World War Two, from being given a tag with their name on and sorted into a vintage truck, to practising air raid drills that could happen at any moment.

Activities included making a gas mask case, packing a suitcase with the few possessions they were allowed to take with them and learning about old money. Plus, every child received a copy of the famous children’s story, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to take home with them, to read more about the experience of evacuees. There was even an optional lunch of Spam sandwiches!

The activity supported the newly opened exhibition Feeding the Nation: Fighting Without Flying. This tells the story of the site’s role as a farm during World War Two, when the farmers of Britain were fighting to put food on the tables. It was the first in a series of themed family activity days, with more to come on Saturdays 21 June, 26 July, 30 August, 20 September and 18 October. These will include the chance to pick fruit and vegetables grown traditionally on site, then prepare and cook wartime recipes. Bookings open soon at www.stowmaries.org.uk/events.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "The 'evacuees' clearly enjoyed their day here, and there were plenty of smiles as well as a great deal of learning along the way, supporting the school curriculum on World War Two."

There will also be a chance for the whole family to step back in time at Back to the WW2 Farm on Saturday/Sunday 21 & 22 June – This weekend celebration of Flambirds farm in the 1940s features living historians, period vehicles and speakers. Visitors can roam around camps representing the Women's Land Army, the Women's Volunteer Service and the all-powerful County War Agricultural Executive Committee of Essex. To make the event extra special, we are delighted to be welcoming a flypast by the mighty Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, showcasing the iconic Supermarine Spitfire on Saturday and the Avro Lancaster on Sunday (weather permitting).

All proceeds fund the ongoing work to preserve and protect Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and support its battle for survival. Situated between Chelmsford and Maldon in the Essex countryside, the site hosts the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world. It was the base of 37 (Home Defence) Squadron Royal Flying Corps, which was tasked to protect London from raids by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha heavy bombers. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman’s Lane, Purleigh CM3 6RN is open from 10am until 4pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Private bookings are available on other days.