FUN and games from a by-gone era have been keeping children from their smart phones and games consoles.
The events at Audley End House & Gardens were the genius of Victorian time travellers Walter Burke and Rosie Bottom, from BZ Ents. The pair were at the stately home as part of English Heritage’s ‘Time Travellers Go… Victorian Fun and Games’ week.
Miss Bottom said: “English Heritage run these events throughout their properties and the idea is to get people interested in history through fun and entertainment.
“We do an educational play twice a day and also teach the children about the toys that were played with in that era.”
Last week dozens of children were exposed to the simple delights of toys such as stilts, cup-and-ball and wobble boards. They were also called to take part in the play, donning costumes and handling props appropriate for their characters.
“It’s amazing the response we get from the children and their parents,” said Mr Burke.
“They obviously love learning how to do new things, such as walk on stilts. But it’s sense of achievement they get when they realise they’ve walked unaided on stilts for the first time.”
One first-time stilt walker was nine-year-old Jessica Gittins. She said: “That was brilliant. It’s really good fun. I’ve been here a few times and always had a great time.”
Stansted residents Alice Pichel and Melissa Fothergill attended on Tuesday with their children, Alfie, Oliver and William.
Ms Pichel said: “We like to come here. It’s great for the boys because they can safely run around but they also love taking part in all the fun and games.”
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