Enjoying a lovely little afternoon break from lesson planning by looking through some old photos. 

Whilst reading a personal account of the lives of my grandparents. 

I bought these books as gifts for them a few years ago. They have finally completed and passed them back to me.  These books are available on Amazon and are a really lovely idea. It gives your loved ones the opportunity to tell you things about them that you could have never imagined. 

One story from my Nanny's book, tells of how as a child she used to sell firewood with her best friend. But she had to keep it a secret from my Great Grandmother, as the friend was of gypsy origin and my Great Grandmother disapproved! 

I think I might get one for everybody! 

This tin belonged to my Grandfather, George. 

I never knew George, he died before I was born. Despite this, he has been an important part of life. The impact that he had on my own father was immense and I was always told how proud he would have been of me. 

Much like the man on the tin, I have been told that he was a gentleman. I also know that he was passionate about his occupation as a pilot in the RAF. 

Most of the trinkets and momentos that my family have held onto surround his career in aviation; medals, flight log books, dog tags. But for me, it's the little black and white photos of him with his pals, that give me a real insight. Always a whisky in hand and a sideways smile with a very evident twinkle in his eye. 

I have a sneaky suspicion that he was a real charmer. I wish I could have met him. But I'm so glad I have this little tin. 

An interview with myself:

Why the fascination with old, discarded and previously unwanted objects?

I have always been curious about other peoples belongings, if I'm left alone in your house, I will want to look through your things. As a child, I loved to rifle through my grandmothers mementos, it gave me a greater impression of her personality and in a way helped me to feel closer to her even after she had died. I still enjoy looking in her handbag and reading her correspondence with my Grandad! 

Objects that have had previous owners, feed my already over active imagination. I like to create romantic narratives surrounding the origins of the objects that I find and the people they may have belonged to.

I also cannot escape that feeling and excitement of discovering something that may be worth a secret million! 

Which objects first captured your imagination? 

1. 'Amy' aeroplane ladies pin - found whilst digging in my Great Grandmother Iris's compost heap. WHO WAS AMY? 

2. crystals from my Grandmother's purse- Are they magic? Was she a secret mystic? Will they help me to find my one true love? 


3. Grandfather's RAF Flight hat - What can I say; it looks good on both my head and as an ornamental piece in my house. Despite the fear that he may be passing judgment on me down from heaven. Its well worth it.

What is this blog about? 

In a nutshell, my husband told me that I needed a hobby apart from teaching. So I decided to write about all of my bargains that I find. By bargain, I am aware only a select few will see them as bargains and the vast majority will view them as a bloody rip off "Put that tat back in the charity shop" sort of bargain.

Stay tuned!