Fordyce kids go back to wartime
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE sound of an air raid siren outside Fordyce Primary marked the beginning of a very special school trip.
The pupils, who are currently studying the Second World War, had got dressed up to travel back in time nearly 80 years.
Their destination was Keith and Dufftown Railway, which each year holds a 1940s Weekend that features displays from the battlefield and the homefront.
Head teacher Lesley Mair said: "During their studies the children have learnt that young people their own age were evacuated to this area during the war from the Channel Islands.
"So it was really interesting for them to dress up as evacuees themselves and learn more about how life was back then.
"Parents and staff went to great lengths to make sure everyone looked the part.
"Even the children's packed lunches were authentic, containing items of food such as sandwiches with spam or homemade jam."
Some of the things the youngsters learned surprised them – such as just how cramped it was inside an Anderson bomb shelter.
Some of the things left them a bit shocked – such as just how strict the rationing of sweets was during wartime.
Only toffees were available, and each child received four ounces each month, which is the equivalent of about ten toffees.
What's more, if there had been a U-boat attack, the ration could often drop to just three ounces.
Full pictures from the children's day will be published in the June 25 print edition of the Banffshire Journal.
