Colne Valley Railway Victorian Day enjoyed by Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School pupils, staff and parents

13 Nov 2013

Doctor Who is not the only time traveller – sixty three children left their usual haunt in Hertfordshire to spend a day in the year 1895!

The Upper Shell (year 4) pupils from Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School were taking part in the Colne Valley Railway Victorian Day. There are only three days a year where this event takes place.

It is a wonderful opportunity for the children and adults to dress as Victorians, have Victorian packed lunches (bread, cheese and apples or pears – even plastic bottles needed to be disguised) and take on a role of a Victorian.

The children experienced a Victorian classroom, with a strict teacher, visited market stalls and bought typical Victorian fayre, travelled on a steam train and met Queen Victoria, her eldest son and other important dignitaries.

The children had prepared a song (It’s a long way to Tipperary) with Mrs Aitken and fifteen of them stood on stage, participating in the Music Hall, which went down really well with the other schools attending. The eight and nine year olds met Rowland Hill and saw a real Penny Black stamp, listened to a recount from Charles Dickens, explored the signal box and watched a very entertaining Punch and Judy show.

“It was an amazing day, made even more enjoyable by fantastic weather,” said Belinda Callow, Head of Shell. “The parent helpers were fabulous and really helped to make the day a wonderful experience.”