Performance at Bexleyheath Broadway

24th June 2017

Today was the beginning of Armed Forces Weekend in Bexleyheath. Stalls, tents and vehicles had been brought to Bexleyheath Broadway to display the history of the armed forces as well as to support current armed forces in action. At the top of the street was a stage where the St Paulinus pupils would be performing their Wilfred Salmon musical.

St Paulinus pupils waiting to have their picture taken

Information about Joyce Green Airfield and Lieutenant Deighton Simpson an RFC pilot

4 tents at this event were part of the Wiff Salmon project – the first tent contained the replica uniforms from the beginning of the week. People were invited in to learn Wiff’s story whilst trying on the uniforms and posing for photos. Many St Paulinus students came to this tent and posed for photos alongside Wiff.

Another tent consisted of a craft table, where local kids could colour and decorate images from World War 1. Kids could use a variety of methods to add colour to the pictures including pens and pencils, tissue paper and googly eyes.

Animating the funeral scene

Local kids help the animation team

The final two tents included within the Wilfred Salmon project were the stop motion tent. All the figures, buildings and trees created on the first two days by the year 5s and 6s were brought to Bexleyheath Broadway, where the animation of Wiff’s funeral would begin. Local kids could come in and assist with the animation – and all of them will receive a credit for helping to create the film.

Pupils go over their lines with Chris

Before their big performance, the pupils had a final run through of their lines and a mini rehearsal. The performance was split into three acts each lasting 20 minutes. The audience began to gather around the stage as well as many passing pedestrians. The performers put on their costumes before starting the first act at 1:00pm.