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The word 'history' is not immediately attractive to children.
It often reminds them of boring lessons at school and even worse exams. National and
international history seems to have little relevance to the places where they live.
Readers who are grandparents or parents can, however, help to tip the balance. They can do
it by encouraging their young ones to do practical things; perhaps by taking a specific
topic and keeping a scrapbook. On those family car outings, spotting an example of the
subject: photographing it, sketching it. Near to home, where a car is unnecessary, walking
rights of way and local roads will have the same effect.
A few examples of subjects come to mind: bridges and fords, churches, wells and fountains,
animal (parish) pounds, ancient pubs, pub signs, remains of needle factories, old barns,
old railway lines, (tracks, bridges and stations), war remains (shelters, airfields, war
memorials).
Adults may argue that they know little themselves about such subjects. The trick is to get
to know just a little more than the children. Before expecting youngsters to look up
things in libraries, get some background knowledge oneself:
the 'Victoria County History of Warwickshire' (volume 3 for local villages); 'Alcester - A
History' (1986 hardback book); 'Gazetteer of Arrow Valley Industrial Archaeology' (ADLHS);
Many ADLHS Occasional Papers on specific subjects; all are within easy reach in Alcester
reference library. All will give ideas for subjects and visits. Perhaps the best aid is
the local Ordnance Survey map, making a detailed examination of what it contains.
Children like finding out things - everyone gets pleasure in discovering something new. If
it involves getting ones feet muddy, so much the better!