A Trip Back to the 1940's

Do you ever have one of those days when you set out to just have a rest but end up doing so much that at the end of the day you think, I would never have planned this?  Well, Saturday was one of those days.  Myself, Mumsy and Miss Teenager set off to the 15th century mansion Ayscoughee Hall to one of their events.  Now, it wasn't the best of weather but it made us take a break out of the norm of a typical Saturday of cleaning, washing, ironing...yawn! and it was FREE!  Such a treat during summer holidays when the prices are hiked up to sting us parents further.  So, this week we are going to step back in time to those war time years, take a look at those iconic and nostalgic items that we may still choose to remember.  So, as I am taking you on another tour, you know the drill, a nice cup of English tea, a yummy cake and feet up as I take you around.

The first thing that struck me as we came to the front of the Hall was this lovely little MG, such a cute little shiny car and beautifully set against the old brick and stone work of the Hall.

Another view of this car with this fabulous man.  Yes, even back in the day, they had socks and boots with shorts!  And look at that magnificent mustache.

The Hall itself is a magnificent building that has just had some improvements to keep it at the right standard and the sweeping horseshoe driveway is perfect for these vehicles.

The ambulance set off the view from the road perfectly.

So, shall we take a look inside?  Let's start with this fun lady, she was so happy to pose for photos and just jumped into action every time she was asked.  It was so strange to see her sit back at her desk and work on her computer but everyone was commenting on her friendliness and great smile.

In the background you could hear this great lady singing her heart out to the tunes of the 1940's.

And dotted amongst the paraphernalia of the age were the Home Guard.  This one was very knowledgeable and I just loved the way he posed next to the artwork of 'Dad's Army'.

The exhibits were full of things that shouldn't really be familiar but they were, even to Miss Teenager.  The brand names were there, just the containers were a lot more robust in those days and probably more environmentally friendly than those used today as they could be used again and again.  Oxo, Vicks and Spam really jumped out at me as they have hardly changed.

Then, obviously a completely different era, the cigarette containers.  All made to look inviting and sophisticated.  How times change.

Sunlight soap My washing day would have been a lot longer way back then!

Coming from a fire brigade family, this exhibit made me smile, stirrup pumps and buckets.

Then the heart strings start to pull with things that we would love to see again.  The old record player and the turn dial phone being two of them that brought back so many memories.  Miss Teenager couldn't believe the phone and there being no buttons to press.

Then there was this, it's a saying that has become fashionable once again - Make Do and Mend.

And obviously, there had to be the weapons of war too.  Such awful things to see but necessary for the next generations.  Miss T couldn't stay near this exhibit and quickly exited the room as she felt uncomfortable with the gas masks and weapons.

Of course Ayscoughee Hall is not just about events such as this.  There are permanent displays of this historical place.  The kitchen is my favourite place, with the rocker by the range.

The stained glass windows that give you sneaky peaks of the building outside.

As I looked out I could see the weather was turning more and more grey and the gargoyles looked menacing so I was glad I wasn't on my own!

So, off we set into the wind and rain (guess who didn't bring a coat?!).  I very nearly jumped into the back of the ambulance - that stretcher looked quite comfortable.

And into Spalding Town Centre.  It was market day but not really a lot was going on apart from walks along the river bank.

So, a drive to the local garden centre for a nice spot of lunch and a look at more telephone boxes that the owner had bought.  He buys all sorts of bits and pieces but the telephone boxes are great as he plants them up!

Also looking at the new stock he has in.  These deck chairs were great - Save Water, Drink Champagne and the VW ones (especially 'Hers' Mr Hubby - my birthday coming up... hint hint!) 

Then through the cornfields with Moulton Mill in the distance.

I then started to take on the role of Land Girl!  The plums on the tree were just ripe and the wasps had begun to descend so to start the ball rolling - and to give the hubby and Mr Teenager the pleasure of dealing with those horrible stingy insects, we started to pick some for a crumble.  There were loads, to date we have 15lbs picked and more ripening!

The crumble was rather thrown together, but it was delicious!

The grape vine didn't escape my sudden harvest, but the grapes were left (we have tonnes this year!) and my favourite part - the leaves - were thinned out a little.

Miss T's favourite dinner is Dolmades and during the year we collect loads of leaves so that we can freeze them for the winter months.  These little parcels contain such delicious flavours - maybe an acquired taste but we absolutely love them!).

And now, there is even more washing on the line, which means more ironing to do and a full working week next week, so time for me to take advantage of a couple of hours on a Sunday, kick off my shoes and relax with a cup of tea to read what's been going on in blogland. 

Have a wonderful week and take care. 

♥Chel♥ 

 (Remember that if you want to see a larger version of my photos just click on one and a slide will appear)

This week I am sharing with:

Time Travel Thursday