By Victoria Evans, Searchroom Archivist
In the 1940s two sisters, Amy and Nellie Scaddan, evacuated to the safety of the Petworth countryside from Portsmouth. Although it was more commonplace for children to be evacuated, these sisters were most likely in their 40s during this time and also wanted to take refuge somewhere that would not be targeted as heavily in bombing attacks. They were both welcomed in the home of George and Ada Parvin who resided at Shimmings in Petworth with their baby Rosemary Ann and the family dog, Gyp. George Parvin was not at home during the war as he served with the RAF.
During Amy and Nellie’s time with the Parvin family they handwrote and illustrated a series of magazines for Ann. They were called the Petworth Stars. These delightful magazines document their happiest experiences throughout their time in Petworth, and they did not dwell on the hopelessness that many may have felt during these uncertain times. Rather, they wanted Ann to be able to one day look back at these magazines and relive fond memories spent with her mother, Gyp, Amy and Nellie.
This blog will focus specifically on the 1943 Christmas edition of the Petworth Stars (catalogue number: AM 1687/5). This edition goes into great detail about how the household prepared for Christmas, how Christmas Day was spent and the food they prepared for the festive period.
Preparations for Christmas Day
In the lead up to Christmas the tree had already been brought inside and decorated. As tradition they had visited friends and neighbours to sing carols, notably Hark the Christmas Bells and God Made Little Robin. Gifts were wrapped in paper and string, and the pile of present grew larger and larger as Ada and Amy kept hoarding their gifts for others.
On Christmas Eve at Shimmings, the house was abuzz with joy and anticipation of what Christmas Day would bring them. With stockings hung and ready for Father Christmas, the household went to sleep with dreams of what the next day will bring them.
How Christmas Day was spent
The household woke at 6:30am and Ann noticed straight away that her stocking had been filled by Father Christmas. With everyone gathered on Ada’s bed they began opening their stockings. Next breakfast was eaten, and guests began arriving for the afternoon festivities.
This edition of the Petworth Stars also goes into great depth when listing what presents each household member received. Just to pick out a few of the gifts received: a fountain pen, chocolate, slippers, a shopping bag, a bed jacket, aprons, shoes, and a bed for a doll. Below you can see the full list of gifts.
The menu planned for the household and their guests at Shimmings was extensive and goes beyond the usual expectations of what food and meal planning was like during WWII. Although rationing was implemented across Britain it should be noted that those residing in the countryside did have access to more fresh produce as well as other ingredients. Additionally, although it is not referenced in the magazines, the adults in the household and their guests may have collected their rationing coupons together to use over the Christmas period in order to supply such an extensive menu.
Below I have transcribed the handwritten menus that covered Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the day after, making this a three-day celebration!
Christmas Day (Saturday)
Tea & biscuits 6.30AM
Breakfast: porridge, fried eggs on toast, bread & butter, marmalade
Dinner: [bread sauce], ham & chicken, boiled potatoes, Brussel sprouts, Christmas pudding & custard
Tea: Christmas cake, mince pies, Blancmange & strawberry jam
Dessert: oranges, apples
Supper: meat pies & cocoa & coffee to taste
Boxing Day (Sunday)
Breakfast: cornflakes, sausage
Dinner: cold chicken & ham, mince pies, cup of tea
Tea: grapefruit, scones & Christmas cake
Supper: sausage & bread & butter
Boxing Day (Monday)
Dinner: roast pork, apple sauce, boiled potatoes, mashed parsnips, Christmas pudding & custard, cup of tea
Although this household’s Christmas was over eighty years ago and during a time of uncertainty, similarities can be drawn so easily to what we eat at Christmas now. Our traditions in British food stay a constant comfort to many families.
This collection of seven magazines that details the sisters’ time with the Parvin family truly highlights the joy and hope that Christmas can bring to those going through uncertain times and horrific events. Amy and Nellie chose for these magazines not to be a full representation of how WWII may have negatively impacted their lives. Instead, they homed in on experiences that made all of them happy and moments that allowed them to forget, even if just for a moment, that a war was ongoing and whether or not their family members would be safe.
From the West Sussex Record Office, to those who celebrate, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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