An old Aunt died the other year and in her bathroom she still had, in use, the poss stick. She had an automatic washing machine but still believed in the simple life. Relatives from the South had no idea what the poss stick was, let alone what it would do
Without wifi and electricity we may need to remember all those games we played as kids. Cannon with a tin can and lolly sticks. Skipping games that even the lads joined in. Jacks
Last weekend Beamish held a funeral and activities to remember Emily. The place was very busy and so many many people were dressed in costume. Amazing how people want to remember her and all she did. One distraction is the replica train.
Today houses have very little storage area. I prefer the time warp approach. The thought that every time you move house you need a new bathroom etc, seems wasteful and unnecessary.
The old poss tubs and posers may be needed when the electricity runs out. Anyone still say the wash house or are they now potting sheds. Anyone still got a mangle.
I have somewhere some more information on Corby. I think it was a rhyme on his grave stone. Maybe some time till I can find it. Our Scottish Grandchildren are now on holiday and we are a little challenged.
This historical diary is brilliant, a World away from life today. My maternal Grandmother was born in the 1870s in Tynemouth and my Great Grandfather was a mariner. The pages give us an insight into life for ordinary folk and how they prove to be extra ordinary. Have we any recollections of the family left behind. Thank you for being a local historian who makes a difference in so many many ways.
Husband and sons down below and the wife and daughters working the Gin Gan. Hopefully they had a horse to wind up the coal from the bell pit. I believe the Gin was from engine, the gan was as in go.
Twice in recent years a toilet has leaked because a thin piece of plastic has broken! In the past it would have been a washer and lasted longer. The throwaway society did not exist. Recycling was make do and mend! Maybe I am just nostalgic for the Sixties and quality control. Remember buy British was a slogan. Obviously lots of people will be too young to comment!
The Beven Boys were sent down the mine instead of war. The dangers were great. My memory of an accident at Netherton was how amazing everyone was at supporting the family. Something I will remember all my life. Basic friendship or neighbourliness and community spirt are often lacking from our modern life . Remembering the people who have gone before, is accepting how important they were in our lives. Even if we did not know them personally.