Colvestone Primary School, Hackney
3 December 2014
Letter from Eugent Clark
Dear Aunty,
I’m missing everyone
I can’t wait to come back home.
It’s freezing like an ice cube
I can’t wait to come back home.
We ran into a blizzard
It was the first time we’d ever seen snow.
The conditions have been terrible.
It was the first time we’d ever seen snow.
The food is cold and wet
Almost as cold and wet as I am
But I don’t regret my decision.
All I do is rebuild the trenches,
Stock ammunitions, fill up the sandbags
Clean the latrines.
Kill the rats, collect the bodies
Bury the dead. Risk my life!
Dear Aunty,
I’m proud to know that I’m making a difference
And the Empire is in need of my support.
I rebuild trenches without complaining but it’s back-breaking work.
The horrible weather and the sound of gunfire keep me awake.
I can’t help but think of Jamaica
Homesick for the sun on my bones.
I miss jerk chicken, playing ball in my yard
Salty sea water, sizzling sun.
Tropical trees, smooth sand,
Joy, my sweetheart.
I miss my family.
You were right, we’re just German bait.
We’re just German bait.
I only pray that I see you soon.
You’ll put a smile on my face.
Your ever loving nephew,
Eugent Clarke
The Costume Interpreter enabled students to use a personal viewpoint in their writing. The project met and exceeded expectations – the work produced over the project was of a fantastic quality. – Staff at Colvestone School
I learned a lot about how life was back then which really intrigued me and I thought was very interesting. – Beatrice, Year 6 student at Colvestone School
Artfects Workshop: It was brilliant – we got to hold old medals and put on funny clothes. – Layla, Year 5 student at Colvestone School
Artfects Workshop: We got to hold the artefacts and wear the soldier uniforms! We got to hold the guns! Maksymillian & Columba, Year 5 students at Colvestone School
Artfects Workshop: I learned how well preserved things from the war were and what the conditions were like for the majority of soldiers. Max, Year 6 student at Colvestone School
Costumed Interpreter: It was easier to understand because the soldier was acting like it was 1918. Max, Year 6 student at Colvestone School
Costumed Interpreter: The best thing was when he showed us the games they used to play in WW1. – Melvin, Year 6 student at Colvestone School
Costumed Interpreter: I enjoyed making our puppets and seeing them come to life in the end. Beatrice, Year 6 student at Colvestone School
Costumed Interpreter: Trench brothers was one of the best projects ever. – Lily, student at Colvestone School
Costumed Interpreter: Friendship is how you win. – Lana, Year 5 student at Colvestone School
Costumed Interpreter: It is a very good idea to get children in Primary Schools to learn about the war and how was fought. This was an interesting way of teaching it. – Freddie, Year 6 student at Colvestone School