The story of young people who were evacuated to the Fens during the Second World War and the local families who cared for them is being brought back to life thanks to a major film project by a local arts group.
Home from Home is a Heritage Lottery funded project that has seen local volunteer actors, script writers and film makers roll back the years for a story about evacuees to a rural town.
The film is currently in the editing stage and will be screened at the Light Cinema in Wisbech in January.
It has been made possible thanks to a £40,900 funding boost and was shot on locations including Heacham old railway station, the beach, St Peter’s Church in March and Ramsey Rural Museum.
The 20Twenty Academy Home from Home project included 10 interviews with people who spoke about what it was like to be a child growing up during the second world war.
“We are so lucky to have the Ramsey Rural Museum on our doorstep, this has enabled us to film the scenes with real authenticity,” said Gary Tustin, youth theatre director.
20Twenty Academy will be teaming up with the Chatteris British Legion Youth group in November for an exhibition at the Chatteris Museum as part of the project.
Young participants researched the lives and experiences of teenage evacuees who came to the area during the Second World War.
Katherine Nightingale of 20Twenty Productions said: “The 70th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War is a unique historical moment in time for young people to investigate.
“They will capture first-hand accounts of the 40’s, they will ‘uncover’ items in the museums’ collection and create a dedicated exhibition, and they will gain an understanding of an important and life-changing period in recent history.
“This project will support young people in the area to be active citizens and gain a greater understanding of local history and the courage needed during the war years.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to support this timely and creative project. This has been awarded through our Young Roots programme and will enable the future custodians of our heritage to gain a personal insight into a part of history which has had a lasting legacy for our communities.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here