Richard Jones, a member of the British Re-enactment Society, demonstrates the customs, implements and history of the Roman soldiers who invaded Britain in 55 B.C. (Charlie Reed/ S&S)
Jan Munt, an education outreach coordinator at Ely Cathedral, teaches Lakenheath Middle School students about monastic traditions in her “A Day in the Life” program on medieval monks at the school’s U.K. Day last week. Students took a vow of silence for the duration of the lesson. (Charlie Reed/ S&S)
RAF FELTWELL
When you live in England, delving into the local culture is easy, thanks to the common language.
Everything from Victorian playhouses to Saxon villages to the very British sport of cricket awaits just outside the gates here in the United Kingdom.
On Friday, British culture was imported to Lakenheath Middle School for U.K. Day. The halls were awash in London Underground signs, the Union Jack and other British iconography. And the classrooms were filled with experts in every manner of British history, culture and sport. The cafeteria even served up cottage pie to stick to the day’s theme.
"Being overseas is such an incredible experience, but for a lot of kids who live and go to school on base they don’t get to see it as much, so this is fantastic because it brings the culture to them," said Christine Parker, a parent volunteer who helped instruct cricket lessons throughout the day.
Played with a bat and ball, this sport is foreign to most American children, who grow up with baseball, football and basketball.
But with a little help from the local cricket club, the school’s gym was transformed into a cricket pitch, though students batted and bowled with a softer version of the cricket ball.
"Watching the kids try something new and excel at it like this is fantastic," said Parker, who has never played cricket but learned the basics Friday. "I know a little something about cricket now too."
The brainchild of the school’s host-nation teacher Fiona Guyer, U.K. Day was devised to get students interested in all things British, from history to food to fun. In its second year, Guyer said she hopes the event grows in the future.
"Since the kids are here, we want them to experience Britain as much as they can. This gives a way to enhance that experience and get them more interested about being here and maybe even get their parents more interested too," said Guyer, who teaches British history. "It’s also a chance for members of the British community to get involved."
Students seemed to embrace the idea as they interacted with period-costume-clad visitors and even local constables who came to the school for the day.
"It’s really great to be able to experience things like that and open up a whole side of the culture you’ve never seen. It’s such a great experience," said eighth-grader Dominee Roehm, who was captivated by the archery demonstration.
"I’m a big ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan so that was really fun."
