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Dartford Talk - Christmas on the Home Front 1939 - 1945 with Mike Brown

Christmas on the Home Front 1939 - 1945 with Mike Brown. 

Doors open 9.45am. The meeting / talk will start at 10.30am and end by 12.30pm.

Mike Brown is an experienced speaker whose TV credits include Time Team and Timewatch. His entertaining, seasonal talk will be enhanced by a collection of artefacts such as ration books, uniforms and toys.

The outbreak of war in 1939 saw the disappearance of many traditional British celebrations. Guy Fawkes’ Night went immediately – gunpowder production was needed for the war effort and bonfires contravened the blackout. Summer holidays became a thing of the past and Easter all but disappeared as chocolate – and even real eggs – went ‘on the ration’.

In spite of this, the nation remained determined to celebrate Christmas as a time of family and community; a time when war could be set aside, if only for a day.

Drawing upon personal recollections, contemporary Mass Observation reports, newspaper articles, advertisements, and personal and archive photographs, Mike Brown looks at each wartime Christmas on the British Home Front, from 1939 to 1944.

He explores how people celebrated Christmas despite the problems of shortages, rationing, the blackout, Luftwaffe raids and the absence of family members who had been called up or evacuated.

Life in Britain changed dramatically as the war progressed; the annual celebration of Christmas provides fascinating yearly ‘snapshots’, illuminating the changes over six years of conflict.

The venue has a large, free car park but it is shared with other users and can be busy at times.

No booking, just turn up.

Event Information

Event Date 03-12-2022 9:45 am
Event End Date 03-12-2022 12:30 pm
Capacity 100
Individual Price Free to members. A donation towards hall hire and speaker fee is appreciated from visitors.
Location Dartford Branch

Venue Information - Dartford Branch

Dartford Science and Technology College Heath Lane Dartford Kent DA1 2LY

There is a large free car park at the College but it is shared with other users and can be busy at times.