Christmas, Winter & Family Life on a British Farm | Nov–Dec 1951 | My Mother’s Diaries

As 1951 draws to a close, life at Hiltonbury Farm is as busy, unpredictable and wonderfully ordinary as ever.November arrives with relentless rain, muddy farmyards and washing drying in the kitchen, but there is still plenty of time for family, friends and a little fun. Andrew comes home from St Probus for half-term, Hiltonbury hosts a huge Guy Fawkes bonfire and firework party, and Peggy finds herself sewing frocks, planting roses, teaching dancing and welcoming the familiar stream of visitors around the kitchen table.There is important business on the farm too, as John buys a new Jersey bull to strengthen the pedigree herd, while the hens battle through weeks of miserable wet weather. As Christmas approaches, the kitchen begins to fill with the smells of Christmas puddings and cakes, and the preparations gather pace.December brings shopping trips, parties, dances, hard frosts and thick fog — as well as some rather unexpected drama involving Andrew’s school headmaster. Andrew also takes to the stage as Princess Marina in his school concert, while back at Hiltonbury the young hens produce an astonishing 128 eggs in a single day.Then comes the serious business of preparing around thirty home-reared cockerels for Christmas, with friends and neighbours lending a hand.Christmas itself is filled with church, family gatherings, a Boxing Day meet, a trip to the pantomime and Jennifer proudly riding Smokey in her new riding jacket. There is happiness, sadness and, as always, a farmhouse door that rarely seems to close.And finally, with friends gathered and the New Year’s Eve Ball ahead, the family says goodbye to 1951.Join me, Andy Vining, for November and December 1951 of My Mother’s Diaries — another glimpse into family life, farming and friendship at Hiltonbury more than seventy five years ago.