General Chat

It would be very difficult at first; we are so used to just popping down the shops if we've run out of staple items.

Dear all

Hello


Almost 60 years ago, people in Britain celebrated the end of food rationing when the sale and purchase of meat and bacon were lifted.


Members of the London Housewives' Association held a special ceremony in London's Trafalgar Square to mark De-rationing Day.

The Minister of Fuel and Power, Geoffrey Lloyd, burned a large replica
of a ration book at an open meeting in his constituency.

The Minister of Food, Major Gwilym Lloyd-George, told a meeting at Bebington in Cheshire he would keep his as a souvenir.

He praised all those traders and organisations that had co-operated with the rationing system.

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Rationing began in January 1940 because of difficulties importing food to Britain
by boat during the war, to ensure everyone had their fair share and
to prevent the stockpiling of foodstuffs.


Householders were told they were on the "Kitchen Front" and that they had a duty to use foods to their greatest advantage.

Also, coupons for clothes were introduced.

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The black market soon developed while queueing outside shops and
bartering for extra food became a way of life.

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Restrictions were gradually lifted three years after war had ended, starting with flour on 25 July 1948, followed by clothes on 15 March 1949.


On 19 May 1950 rationing ended for canned and dried fruit, chocolate biscuits, treacle, syrup, jellies and mincemeat.

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I remember the shortage of potatoes and bread during the winter of discontent.

Do you think people would manage today if any items had to be rationed?

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Take gentle care
Best wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx