Oh what a lovely day (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Oh what a lovely day

3:19pm Sunday 21st October 2007 in Search By Christine Briddon

Grove Park School was evacuated to the country - or rather to Chiswick House Kitchen Garden - to "dig for victory".

Every week the Kitchen Garden welcomes a school class to work in the garden, and Grove Park's year six decided to kill several birds with one stone.

As well as learning about science (life processes, growing things), geography (environmental change, sustainable development), teamwork, good citizenship and creativity (drawing) the class, teachers included, dressed in 1940s clothing - gas masks at the ready - to do their bit to "keep the home front supplied with fresh vegetables".

This formed part of their school history curriculum on World War II, and provided a memorable day's lessons.

The children even gave up their own names for the day, taking instead 1940s names such as Arnold and Alfred.

The Kitchen Garden holds monthly public drop-in gardening sessions - dressing up not obligatory.

The next session is on Sunday, November 4, from 1pm to 4.30pm. For more details see kitchengarden.org.uk