Snug Memorial

Pupils use SNUG to commemorate soldiers

11 Nov 2010

Children at a primary school in Hampshire found a touching new purpose for SNUG – they used the equipment to create a war memorial.

Year 2 pupils at SouthFarnboroughInfant School were inspired to build their own monument to commemorate Armistice Day after a visit to a local war memorial. They used SNUG’s red ‘bump’ element to represent a poppy.

“It was entirely the children’s idea to make the war memorial,’ says headteacher Helen Fletcher-Davies. ‘The next thing we knew they were bowing their heads and saying prayers to commemorate the soldiers who died in the wars – it was really moving to see.”

On November 11th, the memorial became the focus of a special drumhead service conducted for the children by The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

The topic is very close to the hearts of pupils and staff, as several of the children have parents serving in Afghanistan. As a result, the school’s nominated charity this year is Help for Heroes.

SouthFarnboroughInfant School often uses SNUG, which was installed by Sutcliffe Play, as part of its curriculum. The equipment has featured in geography lessons in which the children have built bridges and tunnels, and in drama lessons to re-tell stories.

“We do all sorts with SNUG – it’s not just part of playtime,’ says Miss Fletcher-Davies. ‘Recently, for example, we used the ‘cone’ to build a lighthouse – we covered it with red and white strips and put a yellow light at the top.”

She adds: “Whatever the topic, SNUG always has something that fits.”