CANADIAN women visited Glusburn Primary School as part of their time-hopping Swiss Family Robinson quest.

Women from Victoria, in British Columbia, wanted to see the school where their great-grandfather Stephen Wharfe Kendall had studied nearly 130 years ago.

The only information they had was a copy of the classic children’s book The Swiss Family Robinson that Stephen had been awarded for good attendance in 1891.

School deputy head Neil Bithell, who showed the women around and shared knowledge of the school and village, said: “We took great pleasure in welcoming the ladies.

“Whilst on holiday in the local area, they were keen to discover more about the local area and the schooling that their great-grandfather experienced at Glusburn.

“The main focus of the visit was to see the school buildings and get a feel for what it may have been like for him when he attended Glusburn School.”

Carol Kendall, wife of Stephen Kendall’s grandson, accompanied on the visit by three of Stephen’s great granddaughters – Kristina Fernando, Kathleen Kendall (Kuhnert) and Charlene Kendall Burles.

Mr Bithell said: “The visitors said that Glusburn was a lovely school and that the visit proved to be an ‘amazing experience’ for them all, making them very proud to have this connection.”

Stephen Wharfe Kendall emigrated to Victoria in 1911 with his wife Mary Smith (of Embsay) and their three children.

Anyone with information that may help Stephen’s relatives track more of their family history should email krisfernx@gmail.com.