Youngsters stepped back in time as Asquith Primary School took part in a drama workshop at Mansfield Library.

Working with Dragon Breath Theatre Company, they focused on Papplewick Pumping Station, described as a Temple To Water.

Through drama and drawing they learned how the station was designed and built to bring clean water to Nottinghamshire, as well as the people who worked there.

Peter Rumney and Nettie Scriven, of Dragon Breath, joined with Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries at the Library to put on two sessions that used installations of resources such as children investigated key characters linked to the pumping station through poems, pumps, coal, clothing and writing.

The children then used their learning about the building, the jobs and the conditions that people worked in to draw their chosen character.

Some children dressed up to interpret the lives of their chosen character while the rest of the class asked them questions.

Mark Bellamy, Year 5 lead teacher, said: “Children were encouraged to be independent learners to find out facts for themselves as well as having practical activities to do.”

The children’s drama sessions were devised to support the opening of an exhibition at the library, which included film, archive images and Carol Adlam’s illustrations for Nottingham University. The exhibition continues until 20th April.

Nettie said: “The education programme, A Temple To Water, is held each summer and autumn at Papplewick Pumping Station, where schools can visit Papplewick for the day, discovering local characters and uncover the significance of Papplewick.”
The Pumping Station is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays.”

Asquith head teacher Clare Harding said: “I have heard all about the Papplewick Pumping Station drama sessions from many children. It certainly made an impact on them as they wanted to tell me all about it. I am sure I will see an impact upon their creative writing skills.”