Pensioners share wartime memories with pupils

PUPILS from Helsby High School have been learning about wartime Britain by sharing memories with local pensioners.
They have discussed rationing, school meals, the fashion of the times, air raids and war updates on the radio – or the “wireless” as it was often known then.
The initiative was launched by Frodsham-based care company Home Instead Senior Care to encourage inter-generational communication during the Covid-19 pandemic when many elderly people have found themselves isolated.
Although Home Instead clients have continued to receive home care visits from the company throughout the pandemic, many have been unable to receive visits from their loved ones, reducing the communication and interaction they had before.
Jane Pinnington, the company’s community relations co-ordinator, said: “In the early stages of lockdown we ran a letter writing initiative between primary school children and our clients to reduce social isolation, which was really well received and has formed friendships and pen-pals who continue to write to each other.
“We wanted to create another opportunity for inter-generational communication in our local community into the winter months.
“Our ‘Living History’ project allows our clients to reminisce about their childhood memories, as well as communicating with others and educating local children.
”Phyllis, one of the contributors commented:“I loved being a part of ‘The Living History’ project. It brought back so many memories and has really lifted my spirits.”
Mrs Marvin, head of history at Helsby High School said: “This helps our Year 9 students to understand so much more about what wartime was like, and how different it was to be a child back then compared to now.
“It will also help youngsters to understand seniors in a different light by hearing about their childhood experiences. We are looking forward to using this valuable local resource in our future World War Two topic.”