On arrival at the museum, you will be met by our Billeting Officer, who will guide you and your evacuees through the day. Our wealth of artefacts from the 1940s enables us to give a real flavour of what life was like for people on the Home Front. We offer jam-packed sessions covering the evacuee suitcase, hearing an authentic air raid siren, examining and trying gas masks, blackout procedures, life in the home, the changing role of women, and a make-do and mend activity. All of this is topped off with an immersive experience in our genuine underground shelter.
What activities are available during educational visits?
Our four-hour session comprises of as many as the following activities as we are able to cover:
* Evacuees - why was evacuation necessary and what would they have taken with them?
* Gas Masks - examining why were they needed, a look at the different types and a chance to try on a replica.
* Air Raid Precaution - what was the role of the ARP warden and an interactive activity to illustrate
* Air Raid Siren and Shelter - hear a genuine hand-operated siren and visit our on-site shelter, which was purpose built for the Post Office workers in Bewdley.
* Make Do & Mend - examine the campaign and why it was needed. A 'take part' activity for all children and a chance to take a sample back to school.
* In The Home - explore what life was like for those left at home. What was life like for children?
*Changing roles of women - explore the roles that women took on during the war and how life changed for them afterwards.
We are happy to discuss how we can tailor your visit to best suit your learners - just contact us to discuss your requirements.
* Evacuees - why was evacuation necessary and what would they have taken with them?
* Gas Masks - examining why were they needed, a look at the different types and a chance to try on a replica.
* Air Raid Precaution - what was the role of the ARP warden and an interactive activity to illustrate
* Air Raid Siren and Shelter - hear a genuine hand-operated siren and visit our on-site shelter, which was purpose built for the Post Office workers in Bewdley.
* Make Do & Mend - examine the campaign and why it was needed. A 'take part' activity for all children and a chance to take a sample back to school.
* In The Home - explore what life was like for those left at home. What was life like for children?
*Changing roles of women - explore the roles that women took on during the war and how life changed for them afterwards.
We are happy to discuss how we can tailor your visit to best suit your learners - just contact us to discuss your requirements.
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
World War School Trip
Women in wartime Air Raids Blitz and Battle of Britain The Home Front Evacuation World War II
From gas mask to evacuee's suitcase, Air Raid Wardens to air raid sirens, our interactive activities, genuine air raid shelter and wealth of artefacts from the 1940s enable us to give a real flavour of what life was like for people on the Home Front.
What size groups do we cater for?
Our themed Education room is suitable for one class of children, approximately 30, and we feel this offers the best experience. However, it is possible to bring 60 and for us to use a second room, an additional teacher and for groups to rotate round the activities.
On-site classroom facilities?
Our teaching session take place in our dedicated spaces, but also make use of the highlights of the museum. A covered lunch space will be provided for visiting groups and we encourage picnics in our gardens when the weather permits.
Is there first aid on site?
We do have trained first aiders and access to first aid equipment on site, but, due to the nature of the programme, we encourage schools to bring their own first aider and equipment.
Groups with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
Our Education team have a wealth of experience working with learners with Special Education Needs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Our Education room and the majority of the museum site is wheelchair accessible. The Air Raid Shelter and the second teaching space for large groups are accessed via steps.
Teacher Checklist
Get Risk Assessments
Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers
Anything else?
Our shop is available for children (and adults) to purchase a souvenir of their visit.
We have a cafe on-site which adults visiting with schools may be able to use.
Severn Valley Railway is a short distance away and groups can be met at the train station should they wish to arrive via steam train. Train travel is arranged direct with Severn Valley Railway.
Free coach parking is available at West Midlands Safari Park, which is a short distance away.
Groups arriving by minibus may be able to have paid for parking in the town.
We have a cafe on-site which adults visiting with schools may be able to use.
Severn Valley Railway is a short distance away and groups can be met at the train station should they wish to arrive via steam train. Train travel is arranged direct with Severn Valley Railway.
Free coach parking is available at West Midlands Safari Park, which is a short distance away.
Groups arriving by minibus may be able to have paid for parking in the town.
Who are Bewdley Museum?
Bewdley Museum is set in the heart of the beautiful market town of Bewdley, nestled on the banks on the River Severn on the edge of the Wyre Forest. The museum specialises in the rich local history, including the town's Georgian heritage, varied trades and industries and the stories of its people. Our complex of buildings includes one of the oldest brass foundries in the country; a genuine air raid shelter in its original location; Georgian jail cells and the historic Shambles, which is an iconic feature of the museum.
Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 2AE
Subscribe
