Portals to the Past’s award winning WW2 team, Corporal Alf Vincent of the Home Guard and Mrs Coombe -Watson provide a vivid experience of life in Britain during WW2.

The interactive delivery is a balance of education based activities, facts, useful knowledge and a chance for children to see and try real period clothing. Alf and Bunty to put across the community spirit, the national cohesion of the time and what total war meant to everyone, especially children.

"We all had a fantastic day. This is a great way for children to learn. They all enjoyed it very much and retain the information given. Bunty and Corporal Vincent’s enthusiasm of their subject was captivating. Thank you both very much." - Eversholt Lower, Beds

"Thank you for such an interesting workshop. The feedback from the children was very positive. As teachers we feel they learnt a lot from it. Thank you for the “hands on” nature of the activities – this is what our children like to do and how they learn best." - Northmead Junior School, Surrey

"Thank you so much for an informative, enjoyable, very well organised, jam – packed with information day. The pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed it and everybody learnt so much." - Breckland Park School, Norfolk"

"Another great WW2 Day for our Y6’s." - Riverview Junior School, Kent

The day’s activities begin with a lively introduction to the period.

Home Guard drill, ARP training to exploring an evacuee’s suitcase, with genuine WW2 artefacts, Utility clothing and reserved civilian occupations, Corporal Vincent’ and ‘Mrs Coombe-Watson’ really show the details of daily life during the war, using a variety of teaching aids including a genuine air-raid siren and genuine WW2 artefacts.

The afternoon includes having fun in the war, a good old-fashioned sing-along and dancing.

Full details of this workshop can be requested from our website.

Richard and Beverley Bowring are members of First Allied Airborne Association (American Army Nurses), Battle for Europe (British Army) and the Real Dad’s Army (Home Guard).

In 2010 they won the ‘Best Contribution to Schools’ by World War II Re-enacting magazine. Whenever possible they talk to veterans to get the real facts which are used in their presentations.

Our workshop leaders are all experienced re-enactors, amateur archaeologists, historians, authors and teachers. All workshops are based on current archaeological evidence and historical fact.
Our aim is to inspire children and stimulate them to do further research and encourage a life-long interest in this fascinating subject.

The Portals to the Past team have appeared in the BBC’s “Horrible Histories”, many historical documentaries, feature films and regularly entertain audiences at museums and historical sites around the country.

Key Information

• Curriculum based
• Interactive, hand on experience
• Enhanced CRB
• Full PLI