Anderson Shelter Restoration Project

In February 2011, Elburton Primary School in Plymouth, acquired a wartime Anderson shelter from a local resident. By June, 300+ hours later, the shelter was restored and installed in the school's 1940s themed garden in order to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz, and to educate the children about life on the Home Front during the second world war. This video documents the restoration process from the initial collection of the shelter, to its eventual installation in the ground. It is hoped that the Anderson shelter will survive for many years to come, and provide the children at Elburton with a stimulating learning resource, giving them first-hand experience of what residents went through during the air raids that destroyed the City of Plymouth during WWII.
Please visit our 'Dig for Victory' garden Blog to find out more:
http://1940s-dig-4-victory-garden.blogspot.com/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Anderson Shelter
• restoration
• world war 2
• home front

[97WarriorGrad]

It is hard to explain why -- and maybe I shouldn't even attempt to -- but this film made tears well up in my eyes. If there ever was a more poignant example of bringing history to life, this short film fits the bill. Job well done!

[stugriggs]

@97WarriorGrad Thank you so much for your comments; glad you enjoyed watching! :)

[Harveyyboyy47]

A really fitting tribute to all Anderson shelters in Britain. The men and women who made them were protected in them, who survived and those who perished. My mother who has sadly pased away grew up with one of these in her back garden during the War. I too now am the proud owner of one of these in my allotment. This film has inspired me to restore the shelter once I have finished building my Allotment shed. Brilliant job! Making the link between this film and October sky are truly inspired.

[stugriggs]

@Harveyyboyy47 Thank you for your lovely comments - good luck with your restoration too!! :)

[rfjp]

wonderful job done

[stugriggs]

@rfjp Thanks very much! :)

[drakethick1]

The good old days-when people took responsibility and accountability for their own lives.

[onlywhenprovoked]

Great restoration! but I can't believe people thought these things would provide much shelter in a bombing... but, great smoke shack :)

[Colombillla]

We have a new place to smoke our weed!

[huskierider1]

Wow! Thanks for this very interesting piece of history. 

[jabbadu431]

Ready for duty!

[KRadetzky]

keep the vids comin'

[Phantasmos]

"Mother, do you still think they'll drop the bomb?"

[hafezeku]

nice video dude,,good job!!

[wiccanmoonman]

this wouldn't stop a 22.

[IvoCroBeduin]

man that material is asbest...you shud go in hospital now.....why to hide from tornado if asbest will kill you?