ernie & ethel
Ernie and Ethel posed for this picture in 1914. They sent it to my Seymour grandparents, with greetings and a signature. Their surname was Walton. They were probably neighbours. Perhaps he was in the St Chad's choir.
I've about ten photos of men in uniform, mainly unknown, mainly from this year. You can sense their eagerness to serve their country, and their pride in wearing uniform. I find them poignant. Some of them are very young. They didn't know what lay ahead. They are either alone or with other men. Ernie is the exception, wanting the world to know he's missing Ethel.
I've about ten photos of men in uniform, mainly unknown, mainly from this year. You can sense their eagerness to serve their country, and their pride in wearing uniform. I find them poignant. Some of them are very young. They didn't know what lay ahead. They are either alone or with other men. Ernie is the exception, wanting the world to know he's missing Ethel.
In this second photo, also signed and sent to my grandparents, Ernie is at war, dreaming of his wife. Her head is superimposed from the first photo. Ernie looks older. He's put on weight, which is unusual as rations were inadequate. I like the composition, and the chair. His boots are well polished, but worn in.
Allotment fashion
I've no idea who these four friends are. I love the way they've dressed in their finest clothes to be photographed in their allotment. On closer inspection the men might have had a drink. The one on the right's pocket handkerchief is a bit skew whiff; the one on the left's tie needs straightening. The women could be suffragettes, or that might be wishful thinking. The one on the right looks like she could address a crowd. Her companion seems friendlier. Her hat is more chic and her clothes better fitting.
I can't work out what's growing behind them. Everything seems to be thriving. My mother thought they were friends of the family, but wasn't sure.
I can't work out what's growing behind them. Everything seems to be thriving. My mother thought they were friends of the family, but wasn't sure.
the outing
This photo was in my grandparents' oldest album. It must be a Sunday or public holiday. It might be Autumn as there's a mistiness to the air and everyone is warmly dressed. Some very splendid hats. I imagine there was an element of competition. The men are mainly in caps. Only one man, on the outer edge of the group, is bare headed. Every one looks happy and eager to have their presence at this place, on this occasion, captured. I've no idea what the monument behind them is. I don't recognise anyone. It's an unsolved mystery, but I'm hopeful I'll find out more.
There are more women than men. I especially like the three women in black, who stand out from the crowd. You can still feel the energy in their gaze. They're probably widows and slightly older than the rest.
There are more women than men. I especially like the three women in black, who stand out from the crowd. You can still feel the energy in their gaze. They're probably widows and slightly older than the rest.