Memories on Mothering Sunday

Whilst I was sifting through my mum's old photos and envelopes full of certifcates, newspaper clippings, diaries, recipe note books and other stuff looking for specific photos I came across this one of me and her.  It's old and not too clear but I like it.  I must have been three or even four perhaps? So taken in 1953 or 1954.  I have no idea.  I was always clutching a teddy, I didn't like dolls very much.

It was taken at the back of our house on Napier Street, Leicester.  When my father died in 1955 we moved back to Derbyshire.  The house was demolished sometime in the late 80s or 90s as were the Granby Halls which were more or less at the top of the street and across the road.  The houses in our few streets were demolished to make way for the hospital car park.

What I was actually looking for were photos of my Mum in the outfit she bought to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.  The year was 1965, the month was May.  My mum was chosen to represent our village W.I.   The garden party was being held to mark the Golden Jubilee of the National Federation of Women's Institutes.  Each village or area had a chosen representative from their W.I. group and they all met locally and travelled on a special bus down to London.

I remember her posing for the photographs in her navy blue and pink outfit which had to fit the specifications laid down in the instructions that came with her invitation.  Size of hat, must have gloves, bag not too big but large enough for a pac-a-mac - just in case.  Umbrella? I can't remember what the weather was like that day but I expect if it had been raining she would have said.

 This was taken on our front lawn near the Lilac tree which was so beautiful in May.  I've always loved Lilac and  the scent of it always brings back memories of this one.

All for now.