The children were met on a cold and frosty morning by Jenny (Education Co-ordinator) and Melinda (Museum Curator). They were welcomed to the palace in the Grand Hall and introduced to some of the important history of Fulham Palace. They moved through to the museum exhibition and discussed the artifacts and primary sources of evidence they had on display.

The children were captivated by the interesting historical articles, especially a well preserved rat found under the floor boards many years ago. They looked closely at the layout of the exhibition, labels and information. This began to give them ideas of how their display of information about Sands End may look.

Their challenge for the day was to use a variety of artifacts from the Tudor times to create their own display. They worked in teams with a theme (Wood, metal, clay) and designed how their table of artifacts would look and what labels they should include. At the end of the challenge each team presented their exhibition and invited questions from other groups.

The children thoroughly enjoyed the day and demonstrated excellent organization, listening and team work skills. They were able to identify this skill being useful for all types of projects.

Children’s Comments:

When we arrived we saw the frozen pond in the entrance, you could tell it was a chilly day because there was ice on the top. The owner then met us and took us into the museum. She told us interesting things about the palace. I did not know that is where the Bishops of London used to live. After that we looked at the exhibition, it was great! Then we had to create our own exhibition using things from the Tudor times. It was very difficult because we didn’t have enough space to fit everything in and we all wanted to do it in a different way but we got there in the end and it was really good fun.

- Morgan Ferguson (Year 6)

After looking at the museum we were given a challenge, design your own exhibition. We arranged things neatly, added labels and tried to make it ‘hands on’ because we liked the museum exhibition where you could touch, smell or hear things. I had a really good time.

- Chayenne Moran-Gomez (Year 6)

Said Project Education Officer Jo MacMenamin, who persuaded the Store’s management to display the boards; ” The exhibition has gathered lots of interest. The store manager is very pleased!”

Local folk gave their reaction to the exhibition.

“I thought the display was very interesting and well presented.” said Peterborough Road resident and St Matthews Church deaconess Sue Pierson.

“The content was good in that it encourages our young folk to research the past” said lifelong Beltran Road resident Marion Avela.

Sainsbury’s Superstore in Townmead Road

A local shopper views the display

The display boards were positioned for all to see

This plaque near the main entrance reminds visitors of the site’s previous occupant

Said Nick Bardoni from Furness Road; “Congratulations. That’s a nice display you’ve got together in the Centre!”

Sands End Conservative Councillor Ali de Lisle said; “I looked at your display in the community centre this morning and thought it was very good. Well done for all your hard work.”

Sands End Community Centre

Local residents from left to right: Nick Bardoni, Rosie Borgia, Nicholas Waldemar Brown and Ann Rosenberg.

Stephen Cowan Labour Leader on Hammersmith and Fulham Council and an official view the display.

Stephendale Road resident Caroline Wolff

Sam Healy, who lives near his grandparents Eddie and Marie Healy in Oakbury Road.

Langford pupils who participated in the Project were presented with special achievement certificates by Education Officer Jo MacMenamin.

Invited guests included Julia Rose Grants Officer from the Heritage Lottery Fund and John Putnam Chairman of Trustees Hammersmith and Fulham Urban Studies Centre.

Jo said the pupils had come up with some interesting facts about Sands End and one or two interesting pieces of folklore.

Langford teacher Tim Delves said the Project had been a meaningful exercise for the pupils and he also acknowledged the role played by the volunteers.

Some of the pupils who were involved in the Sands End Heritage Project

John Putnam, Chairman of Trustees Hammersmith and Fulham Urban Studies Centre catches up on the history of Sands End

Frank Czucha and Jane Kimber share some Project information

Former Sands End residents Richard and Maureen Ray (nee Springett) who acted as volunteers during the Project

Pupils show off their achievement certificates

Parents are absorbed by Sands End’s History

The display appealed to people of all ages

A pupil points to an item of historical interest

A packed audience of relatives and friends enjoyed the sketches about Sands End’s past

Headteacher Anne-Louise De Buriane congratulated the children and staff on staging such an impressive event and stressed the importance of recognising one’s heritage. Teacher Tim Delves said that pupils had greatly enjoyed discovering new resources and working with former residents and pupils.

Margaret Prestedge (nee Hills) who attended Langford during the early 1950s returned on July 6th 2010

She is pictured showing pupils some of her old school photographs. Commenting on her visit Margaret said; “I was very impressed. The building had changed very little since my time although there were obvious improvements such as the computer room which gives pupils much more scope for learning. I thought the pupils were polite and all the questions they asked were very relevant to the subject and they were interested in learning about the previous history of Sands End.”

Margaret was accompanied by another former pupil Derek Sayers, who went to the School during the late 1940s

He showed the children some old toys, a gas mask and coins. He said; “I really enjoyed the day at Langford. I am sure the children we met were far better behaved than when I was at the school. If this school and children are an example of primary education today then we have nothing to fear for the future.”

Margaret and Derek joined pupils for school dinner – their first in over 50 years!

“I was very impressed with the lunch.” Said Margaret. ” I had pizza and salad followed by flapjack with white sauce. It was all delicious and I could tell it was all freshly prepared.”

“I think the idea of stopping packed lunches was very good as the meals on offer were nutritious and probably compared favourably to most packed lunches. Definitely better than my school meals although we have to acknowledge that post war rationing was still in place when I was at the school.”

Langford Teacher Tim Delves helps Margaret to find her name in an attendance register from the early 1950s

Maureen Ray (nee Springett) visited the School on 21st July 2010 with her husband Richard; “We had a lovely time. The children were wonderful and the tour of the School brought back lots of memories. The school dinners did them proud – we had chicken, carrots, cabbage and roast potatoes, and sponge cake and custard or apple. Not a lumpy piece of potato in sight, or a bowl of frog spawn!!!

Margaret and Derek were happy with their visit to Langford Primary School

The pupils were accompanied by Tim Delves, Jo McMenanmin and Frank Czucha.

During their visit pupils met resident Victor who spoke about Fulham Gas Works and the smogs that once enveloped the area and other local companies ie the tarmac firm Limmer and Trinidad Asphalt.

The pupils were also absorbed by the childhood recollections provided by Nicky. These included the the street life she and her peers experienced and the lack of basic amenities in her home.

A measure of the interest of the pupils was indicated by the large number of questions they asked.

Refreshments were provided by the Warden of Elizabeth Barnes Court Sorki Cassidy.

Elizabeth Barnes Court opened in 1984 and consists of 40 one bedroom flats in a nicely landscaped environment. Facilities include a lounge, laundry and garden and there are regular social activities for residents.

Also present were volunteers Derek Sayers, Richard and Maureen Ray, Jill and John Barratt, Brian Lawrence and Project Co-ordinator Frank Czucha.

During the first part of the visit the pupils studied photographs, maps and other records connected to their research.

Following a break for refreshments pupils and teaching staff split into groups and were assisted with their research by the volunteers who provided first hand background information.

Commented Jane Kimber; “We have received visits from older children in the past but not from primary school children. They seemed to enjoy looking through our resources and using microfiche equipment.”

“This is certainly something we would like to repeat in future.”