Local History Talks by Steve Packwood

During this term, our Year 9 students have been studying the build up and experiences of soldiers fighting in World War I. This year we have had the pleasure to invite Steve Packwood into school to talk to our Year 9s about WWI history, closer to home. Steve is a retired police officer who has conducted extensive research of a few names listed on the Sunbury War Memorial and is more than willing to share his findings. 

During his talks, Steve introduced some of the exciting stories of soldier, sailors, pilots and remarkably the only woman listed on the memorial, a one Marjorie Croysdale. Marjorie receives recognition on the memorial, as she was party of the nursing corps, helping out in Etaples during the war. Sadly in 1919 she contracted the Spanish Flu and succumbed to the illness.  The talks were so powerful and have led to our local Sunbury Soldiers research topic, where students have researched the lives of some of the people listed on the memorial.

I would like to thank Steve again for his time and enthusing our students about bringing local history to life.

Grace – It was so interesting to hear the individual stories. It makes you think that local people actually played a part.

Dom – It was great to get an insight into the lives of someone I’ve just seen as a name in the past.

Angela – It makes you realise how powerful that memorial can be.

Ruby – It was so interesting, and for me, emotional. It made me cry.