Greenmount Primary School visit Ryde Cemetery 10 June 2015

On 10 June 2015 Year 5 from Greenmount Primary School visited Ryde Cemetery with their teacher Mr Alabie and several other school helpers.

The morning was spent studying the Victorians. The children all had a guided tour of the Cemetery, following maps which showed how the Cemetery grew throughout the Victorian period as Ryde became a larger, more populated and important town. They located graves and conducted computer research on many Victorian people. They also went on a cross hunt, identifying lots of different crosses and discussing how symbolism was so important in Victorian times. Refreshments were served half way through the morning and the children had the opportunity of looking at current exhibitions in the Learning Centre.

In the afternoon, having enjoyed lunch, al fresco, and a brief rest, the children went off in their groups to follow the First World War Trail. Many of them found the stories of those who died and the families they left behind very sad.

David Earle as always assisted with groups around the Cemetery which he knows so well. John the Sexton enjoyed his first experience of being a Group Leader, as did Shelagh Gaylard and Liz Black. Ann Barrett was in charge of computer research and Poppy Higgin was in charge of refreshments. Dave Bushell and Sommer West were also on hand as general helpers.

The children were very well mannered, enthusiastic, interested in everything, full of questions and chatter. They were a credit to their teacher and school.

Kate MacDonell, who organises these school visits, made everyone work very hard and by 2.30 pm all adults and children were exhausted but happy.