As part of our work on the First World War history of Sheffield we found the story of the trees of Binfield Road. Paul wrote a poem about them which we developed in to a short film.
The film tells the story of the infant children of Meersbrook Bank Primary School who raised the money to pay for the planting of 30 trees to remember the 240 ex-pupils who served in World War I. The Binfield Road trees were dedicated in a civic ceremony April 1919.
“When we were young and small the world went mad
And stole our fathers
And our big brothers too.”
This is an extract from the poem that provides the narrative in the film. Paul researched the story and wrote the poem. His research uncovered the 1919 newspaper article that said that the ceremony of dedication included the children waving flags and singing the national anthem. It was their Headteacher, Mr E. Snelgrove, who said that the trees “keeps green the memory”.
Another remarkable fact is that, Miss Cleghorn, Sheffield headmistress and the first female president of the National Union of Teachers, dedicated the trees saying, “We shall never forget those who have gone and fought, and conquered and died for us. But in times to come people may forget, then these trees will be a reminder.”
“When we were young and small we beautified Binfield Rd
To keep the memory green
For the years to come
We will grow old and take our turn beneath the ground,
But we are never gone
As long as trees stand tall in place of us.”
“It is a sad and happy story.” said Gene Thompson, six years old.
“It is important that we keep the trees the children planted.” said Isabel Fyfe, five years old.
“When we were young and small the world went mad
And stole our fathers
And our big brothers too.”
This is an extract from the poem that provides the narrative in the film. Paul researched the story and wrote the poem. His research uncovered the 1919 newspaper article that said that the ceremony of dedication included the children waving flags and singing the national anthem. It was their Headteacher, Mr E. Snelgrove, who said that the trees “keeps green the memory”.
Another remarkable fact is that, Miss Cleghorn, Sheffield headmistress and the first female president of the National Union of Teachers, dedicated the trees saying, “We shall never forget those who have gone and fought, and conquered and died for us. But in times to come people may forget, then these trees will be a reminder.”
“When we were young and small we beautified Binfield Rd
To keep the memory green
For the years to come
We will grow old and take our turn beneath the ground,
But we are never gone
As long as trees stand tall in place of us.”
“It is a sad and happy story.” said Gene Thompson, six years old.
“It is important that we keep the trees the children planted.” said Isabel Fyfe, five years old.
