I went to have a look for this air raid shelter a few weeks ago, following another tip from Canute.
I didn’t find an entrance to the shelter.
The school was sealed up too but I thought it was interesting and very similar to St Gerard’s, Coleshill.
But bigger. And Emptier. And sealed.
Western Park Open Air School was built following medical principles based on those of sanatoria: fresh air, rest, exercise and good food were keys to health.
Pupils spent as much time on outdoor activities as possible, even sleeping in the playground every afternoon.
Glazed all around, the chalet-style classrooms, and the hall, could be opened up to the air and sunlight.
Another novel feature of the school was a spray (shower) room, not just for cleanliness but as hydrotherapy, supposed to stimulate and strengthen the body.
The school allowed pupils, with respiratory and other debilitating illnesses to access education
A couple of days ago I heard that the air raid shelter was open so I went for a look.
Twelve short tunnels arranged in three connecting squares.
Both of the original entrances are full of rubble. I think this one had a ramp rather than steps.
Three of these were the only bit of signage I found.
The remains of a ventilation fan.
Remains of a partition and door with lock
I didn’t find an entrance to the shelter.
The school was sealed up too but I thought it was interesting and very similar to St Gerard’s, Coleshill.
But bigger. And Emptier. And sealed.
Western Park Open Air School was built following medical principles based on those of sanatoria: fresh air, rest, exercise and good food were keys to health.
Pupils spent as much time on outdoor activities as possible, even sleeping in the playground every afternoon.
Glazed all around, the chalet-style classrooms, and the hall, could be opened up to the air and sunlight.
Another novel feature of the school was a spray (shower) room, not just for cleanliness but as hydrotherapy, supposed to stimulate and strengthen the body.
The school allowed pupils, with respiratory and other debilitating illnesses to access education
A couple of days ago I heard that the air raid shelter was open so I went for a look.
Twelve short tunnels arranged in three connecting squares.
Both of the original entrances are full of rubble. I think this one had a ramp rather than steps.
Three of these were the only bit of signage I found.
The remains of a ventilation fan.
Remains of a partition and door with lock
The school remains on my list.
