All Aboard For a Journey Through Time!

Last month, Platform had the great treat of accompanying Hillcrest Primary School’s Year 2 cohort to Loco Klub for the launch of Wunderground 200, a thrilling and immersive journey through the last two centuries of the railway, brought to life by The Invisible Circus and Show of Strength Theatre Company.

Each class was greeted by ‘The Portal Porter’ at the entrance to what were once the ashpits of Brunel’s original station.

Over the next hour, she led them on a journey through time where – through the power of theatrical storytelling, multimedia and interactive installations – they learnt about various significant figures, inventions and events in rail, all of which shaped Britain’s industry, communities, and cultural identity.

First, they met the engineer Robert Stephenson, who introduced them to his now famous ‘Rocket’ locomotive and sought their help when it came to locating some important missing elements.

The children’s reaction when these elements were in place and the engine began to produce steam was priceless.

Next, they watched a short film featuring the inventor Sarah Guppy: the first woman to patent a bridge and a contributor to the design of several suspension bridges.

She introduced the children to her son, Thomas, an eminent businessman turned engineer and close friend of Brunel.

He talked the group through the engineering behind suspension bridges and involved them in putting the theory into practice with a live demonstration using a model bridge.

After successfully testing the bridge’s suspension, the Portal Porter gathered the group together and they continued on their journey through time. On the other side of a set of black curtains, they found themselves in a 1940s cinema, where they settled down to watch a public information film about the significant role women played in the rail industry during WWII.

Fast-forward to 1963 and the class came face-to-face with Dr. Beeching as he delivered a commanding speech outlining his controversial plans to close over 2,000 stations and withdraw 250 train services on economic grounds. A decision that is still being felt today.

There were audible boos from the Portal Porter and members of the Hillcrest party following his comments about the inferiority of train travel and his prioritising of the car when it came to transport in this country.

Beeching further demonstrated his disdain for rail by dismantling parts of their local rail network before their very eyes. As soon as he’d left, the Portal Porter stepped in and challenged the class to work in teams to rebuild Bristol’s precious railway. The students threw themselves into this activity.

To close the show, the class was invited aboard a very special train carriage where they were reunited with the charismatic conductor they had met when they first arrived.

Through the magic of simulation, the already excited passengers were treated to a memorable ride through time, taking in all manner of train innovations.

Platform has loved being part of the Railway 200 celebrations and this wunder-ful project was no exception. Abi and Sam at Loco Klub – and all their collaborators – are always a joy to work with, whether on a standalone venture like this or when hosting Platform’s popular ‘In Brunel’s Footsteps‘ workshops, including free train travel to and from Bristol Temple Meads.

Platform would also like to extend their thanks to GWR, Severnside CRP and TransWilts CRP for their support with this project.

“It was a great opportunity to get out of school and for the kids to do something interactive, on a topic which they enjoyed learning about this year.” Jo Fluke, Year 2 Teacher, Hillcrest Primary School

“The children absolutely loved it.” Kim Lamb, Year 2 Teacher, Hillcrest Primary School

“Fun, immersive, informative and beautifully curated. Everyone involved – behind the scenes and in role on the day – should feel really proud of coming up with such an innovative and inclusive way of celebrating this very special anniversary.” Ellie Swain, Senior Learning Development Officer, Platform

Shortly after Hillcrest’s visit, a group of students and staff from a special school in Somerset also paid a visit to Wunderground.

“I have to say, I, and my colleagues, were really blown away by the Wunderground experience! As with all the Platform-related activities, it was so incredibly well delivered and so well planned by Sam and Abi; they worked so well with me prior to the event, really listening to what I shared with them about our pupils and their needs and were so relaxed and flexible on the day it reduced my stress levels enormously!” Sally Taylorson, Teacher & Careers Lead, Newbury Manor School, Somerset

Who says there’s nothing fun to do in the summer holidays? The ‘Wunderground 200’ experience is now open to the public. Click here to find out more and to book your tickets.