A HIGH school history club’s exhibition of wartime rations left visitors to the Cheshire Show feeling somewhat unsatisfied, but only in their stomachs.

Hartford CE High School’s History Club ambassadors chose to focus on farmers’ contributions to the World War Two war effort with their entry into the Show’s Schools Out tent competition.

This year’s theme was the 80th anniversary of VE Day, but it was the children’s idea to tie this into agriculture for the Show.

And certainly paid off, as the judges awarded them first prize. 

On display were items making up the typical week's ration for an adult in 1942, which included: butter, 4oz; bacon or ham, 4oz; egg, one; loose tea, 4oz; sugar, 8oz; meat, one shilling’s-worth; cheese, 1oz; jam, 2oz.

In addition, the club top research on the Dig for Victory campaign, which encouraged those who didn't fight to help turn public land, including parks, over to food production by growing vegetables.

Hartford CE High School's Cheshire Show exhibit focused on famers' and other food producers' tremendous contribution to the war effort, ultimately leading to victory in EuropeHartford CE High School's Cheshire Show exhibit focused on famers' and other food producers' tremendous contribution to the war effort, ultimately leading to victory in Europe (Image: Hartford CE High School) Present at the show on Tuesday were History Club year seven ambassadors Harvey Kirhup, George Page, Mason Brett-Matthews, and from year eight, Lola Botticchio.

Hartford CE High science teacher, Vicki Keegan, who went along for moral support, said: “They were absolutely outstanding ambassadors for the school.

“Me and our head of history, Mr Brown, are immensely proud.

“We thought it was a great idea to recognise the role played by farmers and agriculturalists in bringing about victory in the war effort.

Seeing how little food people had to make do with was a massive culture shock for the children. They were like, 'is that it?'

“The visitors could hardly believe what we had on display was the whole weekly ration for an adult.

“The History Club ambassadors loved talking to the visitors, some of whom actually remembered rationing. It didn’t fully end until the late 1950s.

“Some of them had really interesting experiences to share, which was very nice.

“It was a great opportunity for them to have that chance to talk about living history with people who’d experience it first-hand.

“It was also a nice compliment to the curriculum as they have to learn about World War Two anyway over a number of their study years.”

Asked whether the History Club had any plans to turn the school ground over to food production, Vicki added: “It's not something we do at the moment and there are no firm plans as such, but it is something we’re keen to get off the ground some time soon.”