Heather, Poetry and Spitfires

When I'm rummaging in charity shops I'm always on the lookout for items that are either made locally or are about this part of Scotland.  So I was absolutely delighted at the weekend to come across this book.

 

Its called "This Heatherland" a book of verse by John Gillespie (local architect)and printed by the Greenock Telegraph, our local newspaper.  After a bit of research using google, I discovered that it dated from 1940/41 and the proceeds from sales went to Greenock's Spitfire Fund!  How amazing is that.

Seemingly during the war companies and individuals were encouraged to contribute towards local Spitfire Funds - raising money to buy more Spitfire aeroplanes for the war effort and the planes would be named after them.

Greenock managed to raise £7000 and a Spitfire was to be named after the town, but I couldn't find out if this actually happened.  A bit more research to do!

 

I'm so pleased that I found a local item, but also learned a few interesting facts about local history.  Have you ever found anything interesting from your home town?

 

By the way, the poetry in the book is all about Greenock, shipbuilding, the Clyde, Robert Burns, etc and is, shall we say, to put it gently ... of its time!

Why do charity shops keep putting sticky labels on things ... argh!!!!!!!

Love, Liz

I know I'm late again, but I'm joining Lakota's Ta Da! Tuesday over at Faith Hope & Charity Shopping.

Blue and White

I  had a particularly good week charity shopping - last week!

I found this plate and thought it was lovely.  I'm really attracted to blue and white china, but don't have much of it.  So when I was thinking about  photographing this plate to show you, I had a wee wander about the house to see what else I had in blue and white which would look nice with it.

Isn't it amazing what you find?

Little blue and white cats - how sweet are those faces!

A little clog which I brought back from Amsterdam in the 70s.

Last but not least, a blue and white pottery heart.

Think I'll keep them here for a while - they look quite nice together.

Blue and white are also favourite colours in this house because they are the colours of the local football team - Greenock Morton!  Hubby and younger son are "enthusiastic" supporters! 

Morton are sponsored by Buchanan's - a local sweetie company - how good is that!  They make (amongst other things), "Millions", tiny, tasty, chewy sweets!

Love Liz