Rise from the Rubble

In August 2020 we partnered with Nugent for Rise from the Rubble, we explored different creative ways to engage with the history of the Second World War, visiting Formby Beach where D-Day landing soldiers of the King’s Regiment trained to hear stories about the soldiers, and investigate the Blitz-rubble.

We focused on the Second World War, which ended in the summer of 1945, 75 years before the start of our project. The summer of 1945 was one of celebration. All over the country, communities came together on VE (Victory in Europe) Day to mark the moment with vibrant parades and street parties, but it was also a period of contemplation. Whilst many rejoiced at the prospect of peace, years of air raids, rationing, hunger and displacement had been hard.

During Rise from the Rubble, Project Lead Cat Foley helped us to explore different creative ways to engage with the history of the Second World War. Items from English Heritage’s WW2 Collection at Dover Castle were used as inspiration to create artwork and poems. Formby Beach, which is local to Nugent, was where D-Day landing soldiers of the King’s Regiment trained. Some of the group visited the beach to hear stories about the soldiers, investigate the Blitz-rubble, and to try out photography. Drawing on the ‘Rise from the Rubble’ VE day spirit, we also learned vintage dance moves and ate VE-day style food like spam sandwiches!

Poem written by Venus, who took part in the Rise from the Rubble project

Poem written by Dylan, who participated in the Rise from the Rubble project

“The ‘Rise from the Rubble’ project offered something for all the young people who took part… It was incredible to see their level of interest in Heritage increase, and become inspired by the engagement with it. Each of the young people were able to use their own personal experiences or circumstances and apply it to the project.”

Francesca – Community Fundraiser, Nugent

Nugent is a charity that cares for, educates, and protects vulnerable children, young people and young adults. Over 1 week, we worked with 12 young people living in Nugent’s sheltered accommodation centres. Those living in sheltered accommodation do not always have the confidence or the opportunity to access creative activities like this, so we were extremely happy that we were able to partner with Nugent on this.