South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 24 October 1942

Harvest Camp

Wath G.S. Boys on the Land

Fifty boys, pupils of Wath Grammar School are spending a fortnight at Red House Farm, Gedney Marsh, Spalding. The main body arrived at the camp on Friday, October 9th, and were immediately served with a hot meal, prepared by the advance party of six boys and one master, who arrived there on Wednesday, October 7th.

The advance party had prepared the camp for immediate occupation, having thoroughly cleaned out the huts and the kitchen. The accommodation consists of three Nissen huts for sleeping quarters. another for recreation and a dining room and kitchen.

The majority of the boys are engaged in lifting the potato crop, while the rest are engaged in sugarbeet lifting.

Already a successful week’s work has been accomplished under the direction of the organiser. Mr. H. Wilkinson. The earnings are pooled to pay all expenses and it is hoped that there will remain a substantial amount to be shared between the workers. There is a great demand for the assistance of the boys, who work at reasonable rates and the farmers are already satisfied with the standard of the work. The cooking is done by the boys on a rota system and is of a high standard.

The boys rise at 6 a.m, each day and those of a more Spartan nature take a cold shower. Breakfast at 6.45 a.m. is followed by the issuing of luncheon and work commences at 8 a.m. The boys work about seven hours each day, no work being done on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. After the day’s work hot showers are provided, followed by the main meal of the day.

In the evenings a ” singsong ” is usually arranged by the seniors in the recreation room. Later supper is served, after which everyone gladly retires to bed. The hard work and fresh air create healthy appetites, which are appeased by the hard work of the cooks and orderlies.

The party will return home early on Saturday afternoon, October 24th.