A child’s-eye view of Winchester’s history

A small display of colourful and creative work by Year 5-6 children from Indigo Class at Winnall Primary School has gone on display at the City Museum in The Square.

The children's project for the term was to investigate Winchester's journey through time. The class visited the City Museum in September, where they were set the challenge of producing their own museum display about Winchester's history, and you can view the results of all their hard work in the museum from now until 4th December.

The class thought about which areas of history they wanted to find out more about, and went out and about to explore the city. You can find out what inspired the children when asked to use their senses to describe the area around the Buttercross, read all about the fascinating history of the City they have researched, and read the autumn poems written by the children after walking the path through the water meadows, where John Keats wrote his ode 'To Autumn'.

Robin Iles, Education Officer for Winchester City Council's museums service, said:
"I am most impressed by the thought and creativity shown in the school-children's work. It is refreshing to view the history of Winchester through the eyes of today's young citizens. It is a great pleasure to display their work in their local museum for all to see".

Cllr Patricia Stallard, portfolio holder for heritage, culture and sport, added:
"I was thrilled to see that the children at Winnall School had been inspired to investigate the history of their city in their work this term. The resulting display clearly shows that they have learnt a great deal about Winchester's important historic past and how its legacy is all around us today".

Vicky Cromwell, Indigo class teacher from Winnall Primary School, commented:
"The theme has been incredibly successful. Many of the children did not know the wonders that Winchester held. Knowing that the children were going to have their work displayed has inspired them to work as hard as they can. All the children feel incredibly proud to have their work on display for Winchester to see."

Event times:

Saturday 24 October to Friday 4 December 2009
October Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun noon-5pm
November and December 10am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm.
No booking is required
Free admission

Note to editors:

- For more information contact: museums@winchester.gov.uk,
www.winchester.go.uk or telephone 01962 863 064
- photo attached Contact: Sher Kent on 01962 848 557 or email: skent@winchester.gov.uk
- City Museum: Galleries tell the story of Winchester from its origins as a prehistoric trading centre and Roman regional capital, pre-eminence as a principal city in the Anglo-Norman kingdom, development and decline in the Middle Ages, through to modern times. Reconstructed 19th and 20th century shops. Hands on activities and quizzes. Audio guide available (English, French, Spanish).