The Road Trip That Brought History to Life
You never know where your next filming adventure will take you. Over the years, we’ve captured incredible moments across the UK—from the shores of Portrush to the rolling countryside of Donegal, the vibrant heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, and even the historical Silverstone race track. But this past February, we set out on a different kind of journey—one that blended history, education, and a little bit of mystery.
Destination Unknown
We kicked off our adventure by boarding a Stena Line ferry in Belfast, teasing our Instagram followers with one burning question: where were we headed? Once we docked in Cairnryan, the real journey began—a 300-mile drive to our overnight stop, positioning us for an early morning start on location.
Our mission? To capture a promotional video showcasing an extraordinary restoration project: a World War II air raid shelter, lovingly transformed into an immersive educational resource for schools.
Restoring the Past
The shelter’s revival began with Professor Chris Reynolds of Nottingham Trent University, who first introduced the structure to his children. Realising the vital role it could play in WWII education, he approached the local council to explore restoration possibilities.
With secured funding and community support, work commenced, breathing new life into a relic of the past.
Bringing History to Life
Our role was to capture the engaging educational program that Professor Reynolds developed in collaboration with local schools. The experience is fully immersive, giving children hands-on access to history.
The day begins with an introduction, providing historical context about the shelter. Then, groups split—half entering the shelter for an interactive presentation, while the other half explore a classroom filled with authentic WWII artifacts which they can handle and period clothing they can try on.
Inside the shelter, students watch a gripping video that transports them back in time, giving them a first hand look at what it was like to seek refuge during an air raid. They learn about the shelter’s significance and see how people survived in its confined space.
After lunch, the learning gets even more interactive. Students step into the role of Air Raid Warden trainees, taking part in engaging group activities where they practice parading, carrying stretchers, and using stirrup pumps.
The warden overseeing the session plays the part of a strict instructor—adding authenticity by making students run drills when they slip up. The kids couldn’t get enough of it, even saying he should’ve been tougher on them!
A Journey Worth Capturing
Filming this project was a joy, seeing students fully engaged, learning, and experiencing history in a way that textbooks simply can’t provide.
For educators in the UK seeking a truly immersive historical experience, this project is a must-see. Learn more about this exceptional resource here: ng2shelter.com
And where can you find this WWII air raid shelter?
Nestled in Abbey Circus, Nottingham, it stands as a living tribute to the past—waiting to inspire the next generation.
This adventure proved that history isn’t just words on a page—it’s a living, breathing experience that sparks curiosity and connection. And bringing those moments to life? That’s the true magic of storytelling.