Pupils from Golden Grove School/Ysgol Gelli Aur went back in time recently on an educational visit to Castell Henllys in North Pembrokeshire.

After leaving Pembroke, heading north over Preseli top and arriving at the Iron Age site, the pupils were greeted by one of the 'residents' of the Round House village. He invited them to follow him to his village to see for themselves the way of life for the residents. The pupils had first to go back in time over the entry spiral before crossing over a bridge and up to the site. Recent sightings of otters ensured the pupils kept a keen eye on the surroundings, sadly to no avail.

As the pupils climbed the path, they were told of the Iron Age ways and stories. On approaching the site, the pupils were stopped in their tracks by three ferocious warriors intent on taking them as slaves! Only the intervention of the guide stopped this and instead the pupils were welcomed in to the village for a day of hard work.

The hosts divided their visitors in to four groups and set about the task of teaching them the skills needed to cook, weave baskets and most importantly build a new round house.

The latter task was much enjoyed by the trainees as it involved getting their hands covered in wet cold and sticky mud to apply to the branches they had earlier weaved around oak posts.

After a clean up, they retired to the main Round House for lunch and to hear tales of the past times. Having carried out their duties well, the pupils were rewarded by being able to take home some of the bread they had made, although it may have only been fit for the birds!

A great time was had by the pupils who returned to modern times in Pembroke, tired, happy and just a little bit muddy in places.

The staff of the site, which is run by The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, did a marvellous job of entertaining and educating the pupils.