Children at St Julian’s School, Wellow, have been devoting much of their study time recently to learning about life during the Second World War.

Pupils in Years 5 and 6, Sycamore Class, were visited by local history enthusiast, Jeff Coles, and his WWII Matador Truck. The experience was a first for many children, who were able to see and handle artefacts from the Second World War.

St Julian’s School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: “The children experienced trying on a variety of 1940s army attire and looked at original WWII deactivated guns, a hand-grenade, an air siren and many more artefacts.

“The safe environment at the school gave children an opportunity to handle objects and paraphernalia that others rarely do. We’re grateful to Jeff for giving the children such a memorable experience.”

As well as the school visit, children also travelled to the STEAM Museum in Swindon, where they took part in an air-raid and evacuation experience.

Ruth continued: “This really made the topic come alive for the children and enabled them to experience first-hand what it was like to live during the war. They dressed as evacuees and were able to ask staff at the Museum lots of questions about life in Britain during the 1940s.”