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Hi again @Pegwoman. I think you may be right about that meaning. I’ve searched the archives and Internet and cannot find any mention of a PSFR, which Tony suggests (that’s not to say that it doesn’t exist, only that I can’t find any mention of it anywhere). My earlier idea that the medallion may have had something to do with the food office or rationing, I have totally abandoned. I’ve viewed several dozen ration cards over the past couple of days and all use the personal National Registration Number allotted to every person following the completion of the 1939 Register, in preparation for the pending war, ie: GCEV 310: 1 (the reg. nr of Vic’s late father-in-law) or GCCI 154: 2 (allocated to Ada Robson in Ashington). Looking again at the medallion, I’m still inclined to think it reads G. F. S. 2 376 and that would equate nicely with the ‘Girls Friendly Society’. In 1942, during the war, the Girls Friendly Society branch in Bedlington actively maintained local, parish-based youth work and community support for young women, 14 – 18 years old. The Bedlington Branch operated under the framework of the local Anglican Church. According to what I’ve been able to find out, groups like the GFS in industrial and mining communities kept young women connected through community work, assisting in local war efforts, Red Cross Support and regular meetings as well as providing safe recreational spaces. Members received an annual membership card, pin, or “stamped metal disc/token” which could feature the society’s emblem on the reverse. I don’t suppose you have a picture of the reverse of Elizabeth Gibson’s medallion? There were, as far as I can see, two types of members, the working- class girls, known as ‘members’ and the ladies, who were called ‘associates’. They both paid an annual subscription, tailored to their income, and the associates often provided recreation rooms in parish facilities or even in their own homes where the members could meet, read, sew etc. There may still be some records available at the Northumberland Archives and, if you’re lucky, they may document meetings and member’s activities. Alternatively, the GFS is still active in both Blyth and Cramlington and they may be able to throw some light on the matter.

Definitely not planering anything! We’ve left all pines and birches which spread their seeds for free and without backache. It’ll be lovely in a few years.

Not too bad here in Sweden. Funnily enough, the worst heat has been in the far northern regions. Here, further south, we've had 3 substantial periods of heat with temperatures in the upper 30s. Naturally, there are bans in place in the whole country regarding, garden fires, BBQs and watering of plants and washing cars- for those with mains water supply. Water reservoirs are apparently quite low. There's the odd idiot who doesn't comply so a couple of small fires have happened near us but nothing dramatic. We felled 5-6 acres of forest nearest the house in May, just after the first heat wave, but it was planned already last year. Never the less, were glad we've done it because we think the problems will get worse.