Wartime Children
The talk is in the form of a PowerPoint presentation using very many original photographs, music and videos with narration by us. Topics covered are:
When WW2 started
What life was like in the 1940s
Clothes rationing
What clothes children wore
Bombs
Air-raids
Gas Masks
What School was like
Punishments
Fun, games and toys
Pets
Evacuation
Food rationing
Dig for Victory
National Service
Salvage
Groups for Children (Wolf Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides, others)
VE Day and the end of the war
Please note, we have a practice air-raid which includes a loud siren and sounds of explosions.
Face-to-face talks
We are very happy to come to your school to give a face-to-face talk within Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Berkshire. In addition to the talk we will bring a small display of related original memorabilia for the children to look at.
A minimum of 30 minutes is needed to set up for the talk, which can be reduced considerably with help transporting from the car and the use of a smart board if you have one. The talk lasts for 1 hour, but please allow additional time at the end for questions.
(All photos displayed with permission.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read these before making an enquiry or booking, most of the answers are below, however please ask if you cannot find the answer you are looking for:
Do you charge?
We are non-profit making and talks are free, however due to the current high cost of fuel we sadly have to ask for help with our travel costs (at 35 pence per mile) and if you wish to make a donation to help with our other expenses (software and photo licenses, equipment, etc) it would be appreciated. The amount for travel expenses will be agreed at the time of the booking.
How many Children can you talk to?
There is no maximum number of children, we have talked to small classes of 20 and a combination of three classes of 90 children.
How long is the talk?
A minimum of 30 minutes is needed to set up for the talk, which can be reduced considerably with help transporting from the car. The talk lasts for 1 hour, but please allow additional time at the end for questions (and bear in mind, the more children, the more questions they have!).
What do you provide?
Projector, stand, screen.
A small display of 1940s memorabilia.
If your school has a projector, HDMI connection or screen please let us know.
What do we need to provide?
Address, Post Code and clear directions to the school.
Contact details including phone number.
Number of children and any who have special needs (this is to make sure we are fully inclusive).
3 x 6ft tables (if this is not possible we can bring 2 tables, but need advance notice).
Electric point
Help transporting to and from the car is much appreciated.
Cup of tea!
Do you have DBS checks?
No, we do not have DBS checks. We have been advised by the agency that we are not entitled to get DBS checks as we are not a company or affiliated with a charity or church. However, Karen is a registered Brownie leader.
We do not expect to be left alone with the children at any point and at least one other adult must be in attendance at all times.
Zoom Talks
Sadly we cannot offer talks by Zoom any more as our internet connection is so poor we cannot guarantee a stable connection.
How do I make a donation?
Donations may be made using any of the following:
1. Bank Transfer:
Payee Name: Doing Their Bit
Account Number: 13225895
Sort Code: 04-03-33
2. By cheque to Mr B Wiles, 85 Church Road, Long Hanborough, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 8JF
How do I book a talk?
Please e-mail contact@doingtheirbit.co.uk with your request. We aim to answer e-mails within 1 day. We do not accept bookings by phone.
(All photos have been displayed with permission.)