Being under Weymouth Town Bridge, as it opened, was a revelation to everyone, children and adults alike. Entering the control room, situated on the bridge, was synonymous to entering "The Tardis", in the famous "Dr Who" series.  We wondered if everyone would fit in, but there was plenty of room!  After being shown the controls we entered into the dark depths under the bridge: cars thundered overhead and eerie noises greeted us.  We listened as the alarm bells rang overhead, the barrier clanked into place and a short silence followed as the cars stopped and waited for the bridge to open.  Loud grinding and a thin slither of light shone into our dark gallery.  All manner of cogs and counter balances moved as the bridge gradually opened.  We stood in awe and wonder watching the spectacle before our eyes.

This was part of a Year 1 & 2 trip to Weymouth to study the local area.  The aim of the trip was to link a variety of subjects and topics together, particularly Geography and Design Technology.  After watching the bridge open the children were taken around the Weymouth Marina where they learnt about different types of watercraft and how they were moored.  They also examined how the water flowed under Westham Road Bridge.  The trip ended with an autumnal walk along the "Rodwell Trail" whereby the pupils noted the weather and different types of bridges and their uses.  The children were inspired about Weymouth as they looked down on their local town and spotted the many interesting local landmarks surrounding them!

Written by Mrs N Appleton, February 2010