Passport to the Past family sessions at the Hub

‘Allo, ‘allo, ‘allo, what’s all this then? Our March Passport to the Past online family event was all about the law. We were extremely fortunate to have Sue Webb, Police Archivist, leading the session. She told us all about what happened to children who broke the law in Victorian Britain. Surprisingly, children as young as six were beaten and even sentenced to hard labour in prison for as little as stealing soup or rope. Others were sent to reform school and in one case, Ann Fisher was transported to Australia at the tender age of thirteen. 

Josh and Kelly, who work for the Police, also spoke to the children with particular emphasis on their police uniform. They made a fantastic impression on our young audience who could have carried on asking them questions well into the evening! 

Our next event, taking place on the 6 April, will highlight the lives of children in WWII.

Growing up in war time

We will be looking at food and rationing, toys and games, shelters, and the important work children contributed to the war effort. We are also delighted to have Judy, one of our Volunteers, attending the session. Judy, who was a small child during WWII, was evacuated at the start of the war and will be telling us all about her experiences. 

The sessions are aimed at six to thirteen year olds. It is also ideal for primary and secondary schools (KS2 and KS3) teaching WWII. 

To sign up for the live events taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, 4-5pm, please go to Gloucestershire Archives Events

Our sessions are also recorded and can be watched at your leisure on our YouTube channel. Our most recent recording ‘Passport to the Past: Tykes, ragamuffins and scallywags: children, punishment and the law’ can be seen here 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKiG224MKhE 

Please do spread the word to any children, parents and teachers you may know! Thank you.