Back to the future
or
What did you do in the war, Gran?
Take yourself back to London during the Second World War (1941 to be precise) when despite frequent bombing raids
and shortage of materials, the rebuilding of Waterloo Bridge was successfully completed - by a workforce that was
70% women. Written out of official history, the story has been kept alive by the Thames riverboat men, who refer to
Waterloo Bridge - London's longest - as 'The Ladies Bridge.'
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Come and watch a fascinating film that reveals the story behind the The Ladies Bridge, giving an insight not
only into the challenge of this bridge building project but also civilian life during the war.
Come and listen to a young woman engineer talk about the work she has been doing on Waterloo Bridge
today.
Hear from other role models about the wonderful world of engineering and learn about the paths they took
towards their chosen career.
Ask questions, take part in a quiz.
This workshop brings together a story from yesterday, with role models of today, to give some ideas for your future.
The opportunities today are many and varied, whether you’re male or female, whether you are aiming for university or
for a vocational route. For ages 11 - 14
Notes for teachers
The workshop will give students an insight not only into the scale of a major construction project but also civilian life
during World War II, which forms part of the history national curriculum.
The workshop is based on a successful project that took place in December 2010, when 62 Year 7 students (age 11/12),
male and female, visited Waterloo Bridge. They learnt about its construction before going on to the Imperial War
Museum to see the Ladies Bridge film and hear three women currently working in engineering and construction,
alongside representatives from the team undertaking current work on Waterloo Bridge.
The combination of a fascinating story from the past, insights into how bridges are constructed and personal accounts
from women engineers working today proved to be a powerful one, generating a lively question and answer session.
The workshop is devised by the Association of Women in Property (WiP) with support from Westminster City Council
and Hyder Consulting, both of which are putting forward speakers and supported the first project alongside Indigo and
charity Schools Around the World. The Ladies Bridge film was based on research carried out by Dr Christine Wall of the
University of Westminster, directed by Karen Livesey and produced by Concrete History.
www.womeninproperty.org.uk