The Not Forgotten Project

Yesterday was a throwback to summer as I spent the entire day volunteering for Westminster Archives. The Not Forgotten project that I helped to work on during my internship is finally taking on life. Different primary schools from around the area participate through day long workshops, learning about World War I and the four soldiers featured in the project. Each school focuses on one particular soldier, and yesterday's class happened to learn about the soldier I spent the most time researching, Pvt. Thomas Highgate. It was an exhausting day, having to be at the train station at 7:20 am, but definitely well worth it. Below is the view from the train window as it sped away from Charing Cross.

I spent so much time digging up the facts of Highgate's life that it was quite validating to share the story with other people. The day ended with a short walk to a park in Sidcup, the town the school was located , to see the war memorial that bears Highgate's name. The class gathered around while (on the left) Peter, my former boss and the Education Officer from Westminster Archives, and (on the right) Simon, the head of the Bexley Archives, led the talk.

Again, we couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Which was quite fortunate, considering as soon as I posted last time about the beautiful sunny weather the skys opened up for about a week straight. Since the sun was actually OUT I couldn't resist taking a few shots to prove that sunshine does indeed exist in England. This scene is right behind the War Memorial at the Sidcup park.

Otherwise, life has been rather straight forward here. Loads and loads of reading, which I will continue on with Popular Religion in Sixteenth Century England once I finish this post. Try not to be jealous. Francesca and I did go to Portebello Market on Saturday, which was a fun way to spend the afternoon. We also hit Oxford street so that Ces could get a few items to complete her outfit for cheerleading initiations. (The theme was 'American' so I helped dress her up as a sorority girl.) It threatened to rain the entire time (did I mention I'm in London?), but we lucked out and it held off until right before we got home. I was slightly naughty and got another scarf (fun circles this time!) and some cheap pearl costume jewelry at Portabello. I threw my CV into a few different places at the job fair on Tuesday, so hopefully I will be able to afford to continue to buy scarves in the future.

Now, I must needs get to my reading. My seminar class today has me slightly intimidated, so I want to prepare prepare prepare for next week. Ah, the life of a student.