What: Launch of WWII commemoration and remembrance boxes and CD of local memories<br>When: 21 September 2005, 5.00 – 6.30pm<br>Where: Education Library Service, Block D, Barnsbury Complex, Barnsbury Park, N1 <br><br>Sixty years seems like a long time ago when you are only six or 16 but thanks to an Islington education initiative, local school students are getting a taste of life at the end of World War II.<br><br>In 1945, celebrations were held throughout the borough marking the Victory over Japan (VJ) and Victory in Europe (VE).<br><br>As part of the 60th anniversary, CEA@Islington’s Education Artefacts Library was awarded a £4,000 Islington Council grant to produce eight commemoration and remembrance boxes, and further funding to produce a CD of local memories of this period.<br><br>Containing original and replica historical artefacts, original documents from WWII, photographs and teachers’ guidance notes, the boxes will be used as part of the curriculum in Islington’s primary and secondary schools.<br><br>Councillor James Kempton, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said that the boxes would have a strong local focus on how the end of WWII was celebrated in the borough:<br><br>“VJ and VE days form a special part of the consciousness for many older residents throughout Islington.<br><br>“I learnt all about what Islington was like during the war from my Mum and my other relations who lived through it. But sadly most of them are no longer with us and those memories then get lost. These boxes provide a unique opportunity to experience what life was like at this time and to discover what made it such an important part of our history.<br><br>“Importantly, the range of artefacts in the boxes, including replica costumes, toys of the time and photographs of Islington, will ensure their relevance to all age groups while providing an invaluable educational resource to teachers and younger residents.”<br><br>The boxes will be loaned out to Islington schools with plans underway to digitise resource boxes onto the libraries’ website and showcase children's work on the site.<br><br>In total £50,000 in grants was awarded by Islington Council for more than 30 projects and events throughout the borough. <br><br>Ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009