Primary Four had an amazing time at The Folk Museum in Cultra during their Shared Education trip this week. The sun shone as they walked through the ‘old town’ of Ballycultra where they saw a lot of thatched cottages and old terraced houses with turf fires, settle beds, washing mangles, old irons, pots and pans. The houses did not have running water or electricity. The children were very surprised by the outdoor toilet used in the olden days and by the fact that many children were expected to bring a piece of turf for the schoolhouse fire so that they were kept warm during lessons. The old schoolhouse was very different to schools nowadays with chalk boards, slates and old maps on the walls. The children enjoyed the whole experience especially being allowed to play with the wooden stilts, hula hoops and skipping ropes at break time though they did say they preferred their own P4 classroom which was much more exciting!
They also met the school master, the doctor, the printer and the weaver who showed them the skills of their trades and crafts. They visited the old Picture House where they watched a short black and white film, went to the old Northern Bank, tried out some printing in the print shop, looked into the medical dispensary, the drapery shop and the tea shop.
In the afternoon, the group ventured up hills and down dales to the ‘countryside long ago’ where they saw carriages, carts, farmhouses, rivers, stone bridges, streams, a water mill, barns and even a few chickens! They enjoyed walking through busy farmyards and woodlands taking in the fresh air, diverse landscape and many beautiful habitats.
The highlight of the day was when some of the children spotted a replica of St. Patrick’s Hall, Shore Road, Portaferry which now sits proudly in Ballycultra. This was their meeting point and where they enjoyed lunchtime chats with their friends.
Mrs O’Neill and Shena were so proud of everyone. As slways, the guides complemented the children on their listening, curiosity and knowledge. A brilliant day!
