Last week, our final two groups of Year 8 pupils from Risedale School embarked on an exciting journey back in time as part of their history field trips with historians from the Catterick Historical Archive. The Risedale Explorers walked along a significant portion of the old Catterick Camp Military Railway track, once a bustling line in its heyday. This hands-on experience offered the pupils a unique opportunity to connect with their local history and understand the profound changes that have shaped their community over the past century.

The adventure began with a talk about the history of what we now call Catterick Garrison, setting the stage for an engaging and educational walk back towards the Camp Centre Roundabout. Along the way, pupils had the privilege of interacting with Veterans from the Catterick Historical Archive group. These Veterans shared their wealth of knowledge, painting vivid pictures of how the area has evolved over more than 100 years. Their stories and insights provided invaluable context to the historical significance of the Catterick Camp Military Railway.

On Thursday, the first group of pupils enjoyed their packed lunches at Sandes Soldiers Home, a place rich with history and memories of soldiers past. The following day, the second group dined at The Centenary Hub in Piave Lines, another venue steeped in military history showcasing photos and pictures from over the decades. These lunch stops were not just breaks in the journey but also opportunities for the pupils to immerse themselves further in the historical ambience of the locations.

After lunch, both groups travelled to the Locomotion Railway Museum in Shildon. Here, the pupils attended a short presentation by the museum’s Senior Explainer, who provided a comprehensive overview of the Catterick Camp Military Railway. This presentation was instrumental in linking the local history they had been exploring with the broader narrative of railway development and military logistics.

The pupils also had the chance to explore the museum, delve into its exhibits, and visit the shop and cafe. This part of the trip allowed them to explore the incredible and legendary locomotives throughout railway history and gain a deeper appreciation for the technological advancements in this field. Part of our guided tour included the New Hall, which tells the story of the North East’s role in early railway development with six themed roads of railway vehicles.

Overall, these field trips were a resounding success. They not only enriched the pupils' understanding of their local history but also allowed them to engage with historical sources and veterans firsthand. Last week’s exploration has undoubtedly sparked a deeper interest in history among the Year 8 pupils and provided them with memories that will last a lifetime.

Catterick Historical Archive continues to inspire and educate, bringing learning out of the classroom and into the lives of young people. We look forward to many more such enriching experiences in the future.

Mark Hill MBE | Veteran | Catterick Historical Archive

#TeamRisedale💙💜🧡❤️