Museum of Life
Are you able to find 10 items around your house that mean something special to you?
Things that you have saved over your lifetime, and then tell us about those items and why they are important to you.
Here is Janet’s 10 items, one of HRGS’s committe.
Where does one start? I have several collections, but not as many as ten!
My main ones are: Owls, Pendelfin rabbit figurines, teddy bears, local history books, and Guiding memories – then there is my charm bracelet!
The owls came about as a result of my running a Brownie Pack as Brown Owl and I was given a money box owl made from a coconut. It was joined not long after by an owl musical box, a present from my husband on our wedding day. Since then the collection has outgrown the purpose bought display cabinet, and even though cut down in size, has spread its wings.
The latest Pendelfin figure to join the family was a bridal pair, a present from my elder daughter on her marriage. Other figures have significance too, the baby rabbit with a towel having a good cry reminds me of my elder daughter as a baby not liking a bath and the small rabbit holding out a plate is reminiscent of my other daughter asking for more!
Teddy bears range in age from 70+ (my rather worn childhood companion) to small souvenir bears purchased more recently, usually in aid of the RNLI and as mementoes of visits to museums.
Local history books range from George Paynes’ “Collectanea Cantiana” to more up-to-date volumes.
Once started, when to stop? Other things have come to mind as I have been writing – the silver link bracelet with two charms given me as a 21st birthday present. These charms now number 25, each one representing specific events over the intervening years. (Needless to say, the lInks are full and the whole rests in my jewellery box.)
When I was enrolled as a Guide it was a year of celebrations and souvenir programmes were collected then, and in future years to be retained and stored in a file, along with happy memories of about 20 years in the Movement.
Editors note – We know that Janet has an extensive collection of newspaper articles and photos….she surely undersells her ‘collection’ skills.
Why not contribute to the Museum of Life.
Send us a list of your 10 items and photographs to mailto:research@hrgs.co.uk