Women in Wartime - War Bride

Hello, I've got another instalment from the Imperial War Museums Collection Archive for you all today, I do hope you are enjoying these as much as I enjoy piecing the stories back together, it's addictive!

So today we have the story of newly engaged couple Marcelle and Harold as they go about their preparations for their upcoming nuptials in March 1943.

A head and shoulders portrait of newly-engaged couple Miss Marcelle L'estrange and Flying Officer Harold Lackland Bevan on a street in London.

Newly-engaged Marcelle L'estrange and her fiance Flying Officer Harold Lackland Bevan look in a jeweller's shop window for a suitable engagement and/or wedding ring. 
Because of the scarcity of gold and jewels, jewellers are only allowed to sell a certain quota of jewels each quarter, many selling out at the very beginning of the quarter. Gold had been stopped for wedding ring manufacture, but is now released in small quantities, but gold wedding rings are very hard to find, particularly in the cities.

Marcelle L'estrange and Harold Lackland Bevan examine an engagement ring in a jeweller's shop in London. There is little choice, as restrictions, precious metals such as gold and the lack of skilled staff to re-set rings means that couples like Marcelle and Harold must choose for the remainder of pre-war stock.

Harold Lackland Bevan and Marcelle L'estrange examine some pieces of secondhand china in a shop in London. All china now being produced in Utility and plain white. Coloured china sets have disappeared with the exception of some remaining pre-war stocks of Crown Derby and Coleport. Secondhand dinner services are therefore in huge demand.

Marcelle L'estrange looks at a wedding cake in a shop in London. The assistant explains that the icing effect is made of painted cardboard and rice paper and lifts off to reveal the real cake below. According to the original caption: "The cake underneath the trimmings is less full of currants than a pre-war cake and must not cost more than 35 cents a pound".

Marcelle L'estrange stops to buy some cleaning products from a kiosk on her way home. A blackboard lists various products and their uses, such as 'Texacleen' for 'silks, rayons and woollens', and buckets and the like are stacked in the open air. 

Newly-engaged Marcelle L'estrange buys vegetable seeds from a salesman in London. Civilians are encouraged, through the 'Dig for Victory' campaign, to grow their own vegetables anywhere they can, so even if they do not have a garden, a window box should be used instead.

Marcelle L'estrange looks at her permit for Utility furniture which she has just received from Chelsea Borough Council in March 1943

How amazing is Marcelle's Hair!! the is certainly some authentic Victory rolls going on there, well when you are engaged to a Chap in the RAF it's only fitting!!

Marcelle L'estrange fills in an application form for Utility furniture. Identity card numbers, full names, addresses and occupations of the people applying for this furniture must be given, along with the reasons for purchase and the possible amount required.

Marcelle L'estrange looks through a catalogue of Utility furniture in a shop in London. Although there is not much choice, the furniture is simple and practical and all articles are sold at a controlled rate, free of purchase tax, making it a lot cheaper for young couples setting up home for the first time.

Flying Officer Harold Lackland Bevan buys some daffodils for his bride-to-be from a flower seller in Sloane Square, Chelsea.

All images and Quoted text are taken from the Imperial War Museum Collection Archive

Sadly we don't get to see Harold and Marcelle's wedding (Boo!) but I am sure it was a wonderful day even with the cardboard icing on the cake!

In November of the same year, shortly after these pictures were taken, Harold was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his work as a bomb aimer and Visual marker flying in Lancaster's, with 165 Squadron. He continued flying many sorties right up to the end of the war. 

After a fair bit of searching, I finally found both of their names (Marcelle was nicknamed Tessa) amongst those of the passengers aboard the Aquila Airways 'City of Sydney' traveling to Palermo on the 15th Nov 1957. This was an ill-fated voyage. Due to problems with one of its propellers, the pilot made the decision to return to Southampton airport, during this attempt it crashed into a chalk pit on the Isle of Wight. Out of the 58 passengers and crew, only 13 survived, Harold and Tessa were not among them.

"With over 50 people on-board the craft appeared to loose power rapidly and crash into the disused chalk pit just above the small villages of Chessell and Shalcombe. Sadly the crash took the lives of 43 of the passengers and crew, valiant efforts were made by locals including that of the Author JB Priestly and a local policeman but before they could assist anymore passengers or crew the aircraft burst into flames and anyone left in the plane sadly perished."           (Quote source)

I can't help feeling a sad irony to their story, to survive all those potentially dangerous missions over Germany and the bombing of London and then to be killed on a holiday flight. They would have been married for about 13/14 years, I do hope they were happy.

If you enjoyed this then you might fancy looking through some my past Picture Posts click the tab at the top!

Wendy x

Things To Make & Do - 1940s Turban

Today's post is a quick one, about an even quicker stash-busting sewing project

~1940s Turban ~

(Stash Buster)

Designed by: Mary Jane of Make Your Way Around Britain

Free Tutorial: Guardian - T-shirt Turban For Women

The tutorial does not require a pattern, but I find it easier to have a pattern to work from so I can note any adjustments for future makes. So I have created a PDF file which you can download HERE if you so desire!

Ingredients

T-shirt OR *A Light Weight Knitted OR Any Stretch Fabric

Scissors

Chalk or marking pencil OR a Printout of the PDF

Pins

Needle & Thread OR Your Trusty Sewing Machine

* I love the idea of using an old jumper or scarf for this project as it will create the look of a knitted turban without the many hours of knitting, just be sure to overlock/secure the cut edges to prevent it gradually unraveling.

Confession Time!
For the past 5 years of owning my sewing machine, I had no idea that A & B (see left) are stretch stitches for guess what, stitching on stretch fabrics!
What a Numpty! If it hadn't been for me moving some boxes out of the way of my little Pee monster, and finding the manual inside, I would have no doubt remained none the wiser for another 5 years. You probably already knew this, but just in case I'm not alone in my manual reading ineptitude, then is worth looking out for this stitch! It is not essential, but it certainly helps!

This project took no longer than 30 mins from cutting to finishing and it would have been quicker still if I had used a t-shirt with a lower edge seam already included rather than an off cut of stretch velvet which needed hemming.

The stretch stitch is great it takes a bit longer to do, due to the back and forth action of the needle, but it is worth it to have seams that move with the fabric, with no risk of them suddenly popping open under tension! I was so keen to use my new found knowledge that I totally forgot I have a big old head! So my first attempt with the (medium) measurements given was a bit too tight - headache inducing in fact, so I added an inch and a half, to the width and that did the trick.

Pleats at the back!
Since this photo, I've added an extra pleat to remove a bit more of the fullness that was sagging at the back and removed that pesky thread.

It is looser than perhaps it should be (bit more like a beanie) but much more comfortable, and I am only guessing here, but I would think, seeing as there was no lycra back in the 40s then the fabric turbans would have had to have been a slightly looser fit anyway, perhaps with a bit of elastic stitched somewhere to help it stay put!

I love my turban it is stylish enough for wearing out and about (especially in the autumnal weather) and perfect for hiding your hair whilst, cooking, cleaning or just slobbing about on the sofa! It's also a great way to use up old t-shirts, jumpers and scraps of leftover fabric, so I am sure I'll be making many more very soon!

Wendy x

Le Beau Chat

Meet our new family member Beau.

First time out in the big bad world

We found Beau by chance when searching online for local animal shelters. We spotted a link to the Gumtree with an urgent appeal from his old owners to find their beloved Beau a 3 year old female flat cat a new home. Her old owner Gem was pregnant and she and her partner were being forced to move to a larger property which unfortunately didn't allow pets, she desperately wanted to find a good home for her rather than giving her to a rescue shelter. We ummed and erred, unsure if we would be doing the right thing, but after talking to her lovely owners we agreed we would give Beau a new home.

We picked Beau up nearly a month ago now and I can't say that it has been the easiest of transitions. Firstly we found out that Beau was not a girl cat! Oh no, She is well and truly a He cat. An unuttered, he at that! Embarrassing vet consultation that was I can tell you, I must confess due to his territorial nature, I'd not got close enough to him to see when we told his old owners they were mighty shocked too!

One chilled out Cat!
The effect of the very expensive but worth every penny Feliway room spray

Where before, Beau had been a 3rd floor flat cat (in Chelsea no less) with no access to the outside world and importantly way out of smelling distance of other cats. He suddenly from our ground floor windows, could see a garden patrolled by the areas finest felines and this sent his feisty un-neutered mind and body a little potty, to say the least. 

Beau doesn't mind my clashing crochet on the sofa

 So the last few weeks have been quite stressful, it has been like living with a very bossy, grumpy, hissy teenager who constantly howls, paces around, spraying on everything in sight and then wants to eat, but not the food you've given him, oh no the packets of (the same) cat food which he steals out of the cupboard, are soo much tastier, even if you have to bite through the plastic first! 

But thankfully since his neutering and then finally being allowed to venture out in the big bad world (for the first time in his life, awah) he has calmed down loads and is getting increasingly friendly! Almost living up to his 'Beautiful' name in nature as well as looks...

...though not quite, as he has yet to shake his moniker of 'ASBO' or 'Beaufighter', for his sudden and without provocation, Teeth'n'claw sinking-eye watering-tear inducing-foot attacks! He hates feet! Ouch!!!

Just in case you thought he was all sleepy fluff and cuddles :)

 So we still have a way to go, especially as he has now waged a war of terror on my sewing machine, (what to do?) But he's now firmly a family member who we love to bits, and wouldn't be without. We both agree he has certainly been worth the effort and the blood loss ;) 

Wendy x

...and the winner is...

Comment No.8 which by my calculation is Miss Lorena Bebop from Be-Bop Lashes

Congratulations my Dear! If you send me an email with your details to

thebutterflybalcony@hotmail.co.uk

I'll get your goodies in to the post as soon as possible!

Wendy x

A Day In The Life - Holidays At Home

So it's the Summer Bank Holiday this weekend in old Blighty, and if the weather is up to its usual tricks it is probably going to be pouring all weekend (there I go again talking about the weather!) so it will probably be best to stay indoors wrapped in a blanket eating copious amounts of cake - well those are my plans anyway!

If you have been in Britain this year you will probably be aware that 2012 is the year of the Stay at Home Holiday.  We have been actively encouraged by the government and the tourist board that Holidays at Home are Great! - and who I'm I to argue with Stephen Fry! Essentially the idea is to plan a Holiday to one of Britain's many glorious destinations rather than travelling abroad, to Clacton rather than Cannes, and by doing so save ourselves time, hassle and above all money, and in turn, we will help refuel our own economy.

This Holidaying close to home idea is by no means a new one, during WWII the government put out a very similar message 'Holidays at Home'. People were actively encouraged to go one step further than today however and essentially not leave their towns - not that sunning oneself in the south of France would have really been an option - by doing this it would help the country to save money, fuel, and more trains could be given over to transporting food, soldiers and munitions and so ease the pressure on the rail networks, with the money you saved being put towards war savings (if you so desired).



To encourage people to heed the stay at home message Councils provided free entertainment for their locals, such as open air dancing, gymkhanas, swimming events, fun fairs and even baby shows, activities which before the war would have been considered a little shocking, were soon to become respectable and even seen as patriotic.

The ministry of Food even produced a pamphlet (see part of it here) providing menus to help mothers get a bit of a break from the stress of feeding the family, one suggested picnic menu was "Mock hamburger wrapped in greaseproof paper and carried in a tin; green salad carried in a screw-top jar; bread and butter and sweet sandwiches (margarine, golden syrup, coffee and cocoa)" (Quote Source)

Though there are also many reports that not everyone was so keen to holiday in their own back yard, One such account comes from Edinburgh's Evening Dispatch, during the Scottish August bank holiday in 1942 many people chose to ignore this advice, see this article, which talks about the chaos at stations with overcrowding, queuing all night for trains and food shortages caused by mass arrival of tourists needing to be feed.

(Source)

Two ladies who were certainly keen to help the government endorse this message (if perhaps only for the cameras) were Peggy Franks and Pinkie Barnes - seriously I think these names are getting better- So this brings me on to the next installment from the Imperial War Museums archives. Today we follow Peggy & Pinkie as they endeavor to enjoy a Holiday at Home in the Summer of 1943.

Peggy Franks prepares to throw a medicine ball to her friend Pinkie Barnes (not pictured) in the garden of her home, somewhere in London. She is wearing a swimsuit as the two friends have been sunbathing as part of their 'holiday at home'.

Pinkie Barnes and Peggy Franks play with their cat in the garden. They are both wearing swimsuits as they are enjoying a spot of sunbathing as part of their 'holiday at home'.

Peggy Franks pours tea for her friend Pinkie Barnes as they enjoy tea in the sunshine in the garden as part of their 'holiday at home'. Both are wearing swimsuits. A medicine ball can be seen on the grass beside the table.

Pinkie Barnes and Peggy Franks compete in a ladies' doubles table tennis match. Peggy has just made a low backhand return.

Peggy Franks competes in a table tennis match. She has just hit a forehand shot, and is awaiting the return of the ball.

Private Christopher Murray, Peggy Franks, Aircraftman Jimmy Clark, and Pinkie Barnes (in the boat nearest the camera) enjoy a spot of rowing on the Serpentine in London's Hyde Park. Several other boats can be seen, making their way across the water, whilst men, women and children wait their turn on the bank.

Private Christopher Murray, Peggy Franks, Aircraftman Jimmy Clark, and Pinkie Barnes enjoy a spot of rowing on the Serpentine in London's Hyde Park. Christopher and Peggy have an oar each, but Peggy seems to be having trouble with hers.

Four friends raise their tea cups in a toast to celebrate an afternoon's fun in Hyde Park, London. Left to right, they are: Aircraftman Jimmy Clark from Edinburgh, Pinkie Barnes, Private Christopher Murray from Cork and Peggy Franks.

After an afternoon in Hyde Park, Private Christopher Murray, Aircraftman Jimmy Clark, (both hidden behind their companions), Peggy Franks, and Pinkie Barnes enter the Regal Cinema and Ballroom at Marble Arch, London. The film they are about to see is 'Watch on the Rhine', starring Bette Davis, Paul Lukas and Geraldine Fitzgerald.

All images and Quoted text are taken from the Imperial War Museums Collection Archive

And in case you fancy Holidaying like it is 1943 then you can always take a leaf out of  Peggy & Pinkie 's book and have a viewing of Watch on the Rhine which stars the fabulous Bette Davis!

So Peggy and Pinkies 'Holiday at Home' seems like a lot of fun. A spot of sunbathing, a game or two of table tennis, lots of tea, some messing about in boats and a couple of rather dashing men in uniform, what more could a girl ask for!

Now for the first time in this series of posts, I have actually been able to find some more information on these two lovely ladies.  It appears that Peggy and Pinkie were both accomplished Table Tennis players who played for England at competition level, during the war they joined forces and formed an exhibition partnership, they toured fires stations where they showed off their impressive TT skills.

Peggy Franks 'The Blonde Bombshell' married Ronald Hook also a TT player, Here is a clip of Peggy at the English table tennis Championship (not sure what year) she later retired from the sport to raise a family but in 1960 she was featured on a Pathe news reel 'This Colourful World' You really must see what our Peggy was getting up to from her Faerie Glen factory in Walthamstow (my hometown, I wonder where it was!), it is delightful!!

Pinkie Barnes 'The Black Beauty'  actually born Lavender Rosamund Marguerite Barnes, as well as being an accomplished TT player she was also one of Britain's first female advertising copywriters, she married Sam Kydd a TV/Film actor, her son Johnathon Kidd (also a well know British TV/Film/Advert actor) you can read his account of his mother here and also see pictures of the fabulous Pinkie as she is today!

Since publishing this post I have now learnt that Pinkie has died at the age of 97, I found this fabulous article which I have quoted below as it gives us a much broader picture of her life and career

Lavender Rosamund Marguerite Barnes was born on April 18 1915 in Luton into a poor family of six; her father, George Barnes, was an alcoholic journalist, and her mother performed in music halls as Stellar Sinclaire. Determined to improve her lot, she took a variety of jobs on leaving school in Norwood at 15, eventually becoming secretary to the manager of the Chiswick Hippodrome. During the 1930s she was in a singing act called Sweet and Swing with her sister Shirley. 

Starting just after the Second World War she made 11 appearances for England, taking part in Corbillon Cup table tennis internationals (World Team Championships) in London, Budapest and Stockholm. The London venue in 1948 was the Empire Pool, Wembley, in front of a sell-out crowd of 15,000 , and Pinkie Barnes was “shaking in her plimsolls” as she “gazed in awe at the size and noisy enthusiasm of the crowd”. Despite the jitters, she and her English team-mates went on to win , repeating their success in Paris from a year before. She was a key member of the team – a highly-effective chop backhand causing her opponents to dig the ball out high over the net, whence she would dispatch it with glee with her venomous forehand. 

She took her looks equally seriously, declaring “the better I look, the better I play” and was regularly pictured with her doubles partner, Peggy Franks, in newspaper reports. In fire stations, where they played exhibition matches during the war to boost morale, they were promoted on posters as “Pinkie Barnes the Black Beauty [she had black hair] and Peggy Franks the Blonde Bombshell”.  After the war Pinkie won the Dutch open singles on several occasions and was equally successful in Scandinavia, as well as playing for her county, Surrey. 

In the 1950 world championships at Stockholm, having parted ways with Peggy Franks, she played doubles with the then world singles champion, the Hungarian Gizi Farkas, reaching the final. But the partnership did not endure – back in London, the allure of Selfridges proved too tempting after life in war-ravaged Hungary, and Farkas was deported for shoplifting. 

In 1952, after her marriage to the actor Sam Kydd (who would go on to make more than 200 films and countless television appearances in the next 30 years), Pinkie Barnes gave up table tennis and concentrated on a career in advertising. She became a successful copywriter with Masius and Ferguson (one of the few women in the business at that time) working on the Ponds cream and Veet hair removal accounts among others. 

Advertising ran in her family. One brother, Micky, was chairman of the Bensons agency, where Howard (Boogie) was a leading copywriter . Pinkie Barnes won an award for her catchline: “Veet. It’s always summer under your arms”. Another result of her career was that she practiced the Ponds neck and face anti-wrinkle exercises — “QXQXQX” spoken rapidly — all her life. 

Pinkie Barnes continued to teach table tennis in Shepherd’s Bush well into her fifties and devoted the rest of her life to her husband’s busy career. She proved a highly able hostess to his showbusiness friends, who included Eric Sykes, John Mills, Trevor Howard, Harry Secombe, Harry Worth, Hattie Jacques, Jack Warner and Dirk Bogarde among many others. She was a fine poet and a stalwart of the Barnes poetry society in south-west London. (Quote Source: The Telegraph Pinkie Barns Obituary 4/10/2012)

Wendy x

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