A Glimpse into the Past: Weston-Super-Mare, 1917

magine holding a piece of history in your hands, a tangible link to a time long past. That's precisely the feeling evoked by a recent discovery: a vintage postcard mailed over a century ago, on September 12th, 1917. Despite the ravages of time, this postcard offers a fascinating, albeit faded, window into the Edwardian era, specifically featuring the charming Marine Parade Gardens and Rozel Shelter in Weston-Super-Mare.

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Echoes of a Bygone Era: The Faded Message

The most poignant aspect of this postcard is its badly faded written message. While the postal print remains remarkably clear, the personal words intended for a loved one have largely succumbed to time, leaving us to wonder about the full sentiment they once conveyed. However, with careful deciphering, a fragment of the past emerges:

Mr F Denning,
30 Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol.

Dear Dady, just a few lines hoping you arrived home alright and what time did you get home last night

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A Snapshot of Daily Life Amidst Global Conflict

It's humbling to consider that this simple message, inquiring about a father's safe return, was penned in the midst of World War I. While battles raged across Europe, life continued on the home front. This postcard serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human need for connection and reassurance, even in the most tumultuous times. It speaks to the everyday concerns and affections that persisted amidst the broader global conflict.

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Then and Now: Weston-Super-Mare's Enduring Beauty

The image itself transports us to Marine Parade Gardens and Rozel Shelter. A natural question arises: does the Rozel Shelter still stand today? While its fate remains a mystery without further investigation, we do know that the Marine Gardens themselves have stood the test of time, continuing to grace Weston-Super-Mare with their beauty. This contrast between the potentially lost and the enduring offers a compelling insight into the evolution of our landscapes.

The back of the card offers another tangible link to the past: a King George V Half Penny stamp remains firmly attached, a small but significant detail that helps date the postcard and grounds it in its historical context.

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This vintage postcard, with its faded script and enduring imagery, is more than just a piece of paper; it's a whisper from the past, inviting us to contemplate the lives of those who walked these paths before us. It sparks curiosity about the stories behind the names, the everyday moments that made up a lifetime, and the remarkable resilience of both nature and human connection.

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What other forgotten messages do you think are waiting to be discovered, telling tales of a world we can only imagine?

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Celebrating Heritage: The Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing

Get ready to experience a slice of living history! Every first weekend in September, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, comes alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Rushbearing Festival. This isn't just any parade – it's a revival of an ancient tradition, a joyful celebration that echoes back to the Middle Ages.

Imagine a time when earthen floors were the norm, and rushes, readily available, provided warmth and cleanliness. These rushes, gathered with care, were brought to the parish church in a festive procession – a practice known as Rushbearing. While this custom, once widespread across Britain, faded with the advent of stone floors, Sowerby Bridge proudly rekindled the flame in 1977.

This year marks a fantastic milestone: 40 years of continuous celebration! Picture this: the streets buzzing with excitement, a kaleidoscope of colours, the infectious rhythm of bands, and the captivating swirl of Morris dancers. The festivities kick off on Friday evening, a warm-up act in a local pub before the main event.

Saturday morning dawns with the parade setting off from Warley St. John's Church. The procession snakes its way down the valley to Sowerby Bridge, pausing at friendly pubs along the route. Here, the music swells, the Morris dancers leap and twirl, and the atmosphere crackles with energy. The parade also makes its respects at Christ Church and St. Paul's Church in the town. The day culminates in a lively gathering at a local pub, the perfect end to a day of revelry.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Sunday sees a more reflective start with a church service at St. Peter's Church, Sowerby. From there, the procession continues its journey through the picturesque villages of Cottonstones and Triangle, culminating in a final song of praise at St. Bartholomew's Church, Ripponden. The Rushbearing Festival in Sowerby Bridge isn't just a parade; it's a vibrant tapestry of history, community, and sheer joyful celebration – an experience you won't soon forget!

For more information please take a moment to view the website of the Rushbearing at,

http://www.rushbearing.com/

The video can be viewed below or on YouTube. Sadly,  due to the really poor sound quality, I have had to change the background music. This does not, in my opinion, take away from the parade going past. The music I have overlaid is the Ceremonial Medley by the United States Marine Band.