On Thursday 2nd May, a group of Year 7 Risedale School pupils enjoyed a fun-filled educational morning at the opening of a historical exhibition at Catterick Garrison Library. Mike Houlgate, Head of History at Risedale School, said, "The pupils were fascinated by the whole experience. They loved looking at the artefacts, trying to decipher Morse Code messages, and chatting with a real Roman soldier – well, a veteran dressed as one!" The exhibition's interactive elements and firsthand accounts from veterans in the Garrison Origins project brought history to life for the Risedale pupils. The trip was a valuable addition to their curriculum, sparking their interest in the rich local heritage of Catterick Garrison.

A Touching Tribute

Adding a special touch to the exhibition was a display of poems written by Risedale School pupils about Armistice - Remembrance Day. This is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful way to commemorate such an important time in history. If you're visiting the exhibition, be sure to check out the winning poems!

Mark Hill MBE tells us more about the exhibition in his own words.

“As May marks Local and Community History Month, the Catterick Historical Archive, in collaboration with Headquarters Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire Council Catterick, Richmond and Colburn Community Libraries came together to celebrate the rich history of the Catterick area. 

This collaboration culminated in a captivating history exhibition hosted at the Catterick Library, showcasing a diverse array of artefacts from different periods, including Roman and Saxon relics, as well as items from both World Wars. Students also explored a collection of archaeological specimens, including fossils from extinct flora.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Garrison Commander, who delivered a poignant speech before officially opening the event by cutting the ribbon. Attended by local school children from Risedale School, Le Cateau Community Primary School and Cambrai Primary School along with Veterans and members of the public, the exhibition aimed to educate and engage visitors of all ages.

During the exhibition, participating schools engaged in educational exercises crafted by their teachers, designed to encourage fact-finding and note-taking. A highlight of the display was a Morse Code table equipped with an osculator key, providing students with the opportunity to learn about this historic communication method by writing their names and secret messages in Morse Code.

Adding an immersive touch to the exhibition, one of the Veterans from the Catterick Historical Archive Group donned the attire of a Roman soldier, lending authenticity to discussions about the Roman artefacts with young attendees. Additionally, a moving poem titled 'Poppy Fields of Remembrance,' penned by a Veteran around Armistice, Remembrance, was prominently featured, offering a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made during wartime.

The Garrison Library, known for its extensive military book section, further enriched the exhibition experience with recorded voices of Veterans sharing their personal stories through the Garrison Origins project. These narratives provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the experiences of those who served.

Central to the event was the mission to educate young people about the local history and heritage of Catterick Garrison and its surrounding parishes, while also inspiring a love for reading. The opening of the exhibition was covered by BFBS Catterick, amplifying the reach of our message and ensuring that the community was informed about this unique opportunity to delve into Catterick's past.

A BIG thank you to all those involved.”

Mark Hill MBE | Veteran