Patterdale C of E Primary School World War One Project

As part of the First World War Commemorations, Years 3 to 6 from our local primary school completed a project which culminated in an exhibition of their work at Rheged.

As well as researching the lives of the individuals listed on the Patterdale War Memorial the children also found out more about life in World War One. The work included online research, as well as visiting libraries in Penrith and Kendal to look at microfilms of the local newspapers. Some even visited the strongroom archives at Kendal Town Hall to research Parish Council meetings from the war. They also researched everything from the local regiments involved, to the medals awarded and the weapons used. They even had an afternoon World War One Cooking session where they made (and ate!) some delicious Trench Stew. The Year 6 children also interviewed the oldest surviving person from the village, 102 year old Tommy Coward.

The project was a lot of fun and very educational for the children, as well as giving them a better insight into the relevance of the war and the need to commemorate it. We know that at least 88 of the men from Patterdale and Glenridding who fought in the First World War attended Patterdale School and many of them were also born, grew up, played and lived in the same places and in some cases the same houses that some of today’s children live in. The children also made wreaths which they laid at a special Remembrance service at the Memorial on 11th November 2014.

As well as the exhibition in Rheged which ran until September 2014 some of the children’s work is also displayed in St Patricks Church and Glenridding Village Hall We would like to thank Liz, the head teacher, for her hard work and dedication, and for all the children for their commitment, enthusiasm and contributions. So a big thank you to Thomas, Millie, Luke, Chelsea, Harry, Rachael, Ghana, Tilly, Molly, Reagan, James, Dom, Alex, Nikea, Harry, Jessica, Holly and Billy.

Checking the Newspaper Archives with an old bloke

Cumberland News Article 7th Nov 2014 on Patterdale School WW1 Project

Wreath Created by the Children of Patterdale School