What a gem in the Heart of Herts!

This is a place everyone should know about!

When I was invited along to visit the Lincolnsfields Children’s Centre, little did I know what would be hiding down the long and winding road? There is a hive of 1940’s activity nestled among trees and fields.

The Centre is a charity which offers a unique programme for children and adults to learn about life in the 30’s and 40’s. They have recreated the evacuee experience in a WWII heritage setting – formerly Bushey Hall U.S.A.A.F 8^th Fighter Command H.Q.

Calling ALL teachers and Heads ...whatever their key stage school children will benefit from ‘Children at War’. This is either a 1-day visit or 3–day residential experience. History is re-created in a fun, hands-on and educational way. Activities include dressing up in period clothes and using money to buy items in the authentic shop.

By attending a ‘rationing class’ the children realize how little food there was available during this period. They then dig their own potatoes and learn about the vital part animals played in the food chain and how important it was to be self-sufficient just to survive.

Also covered is food types, and how everything was prepared with no means of technology. There were no ‘oven chips’ or ‘microwave dinners’ back then!

All this is topped off with a VE Party Day which includes hats and streamers made by the children themselves. View details on www.schooljourneyinfo.co.uk.

The 1940s House is also open to the public between 10.30am and 4pm on the last Sunday of every month. So whether you are 7 or 70 you can still enjoy the Lincolnsfield WWII Experience with rides on the 1940’s weapons carrier, volunteer re-enactors bringing alive the history of the site and a full programme of seasonal events. Top it all off with a visit to the NAAFI Café for traditional rock cakes and strong tea!

All Lincolnsfield events are coordinated by Frances McClennan who has been general manager of Lincolnsfield Centre for 30 years, together with Jayne Dilkes and a dedicated team of volunteers. For further details telephone Jayne on

01923 233841

email fmclennan@lincolnsfields.co.uk,

or visit the web www.lincolnsfields.co.uk.

This article was created on Monday, 21st April 2008. It was last tinkered with on Tuesday, 22nd April 2008.

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