Author: Barrowsgate
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Caul’ Comfort
After delivering their bread in the recent snows, Barrowsgate expected a warmer welcome when he paid a visit to Fitey’s farm.
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Curlin’ – Peter Wins a Shot
At the annual curling match on Loch Pitbirley, it turns out that Barrowsgate was wrong to assume that “Peter lifted the cup” mean that he had won.
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Drifts an’ Nichtmares
The recent snow has made travelling a nightmare and the delivery vans can’t make it to the less accessible crofts. Being on the main road, Barrowsgate is asked to buy a load of bread for his neighbour and he delivers it in person.
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Frostit tae a Stan’still
With snow and ice hitting Buchan, Barrowsgate remembers the winter of 1894, which was even worse. Context: January 1940 was the coldest month on record for almost 50 years, and would ultimately become the second coldest January of the 20th century. The icy weather continued throughout February 1940.
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Lost – A Sark Complete Wi’ Tail
Barrowsgate’s shirt flew off the washing line, and hasn’t been seen since.
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Rationing Begins
Mistress Barrowsgate tells Barrowsgate how rationing is going to work in their house. Context: In January 1940, the British government introduced food rationing. The scheme was designed to ensure fair shares for all at a time of national shortage. The Ministry of Food was responsible for overseeing rationing. Every man, woman and child was given…
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Antrin Thochts
Barrowsgate offers prayers for readers whose offspring are having to fight another war. He is able to empathise with them one of his own sons is also away serving his country. Note: Barrowsgate’s elder son George has joined the Merchant Navy the previous month and was already away at sea.
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The Alairm – Pairt IV
Barrowsgate resumes his attempts to extract Mistress B from his boot and out from under the bed. At last he succeeds, but a bit too well …
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The Alairm – Pairt III
After falling downstairs, Barrowsgate and his wife eventually get back into bed when the second alarm clock goes off unexpectedly. Mistress Barrowsgate assumes it must be an air raid, hides under the bed and puts on what she thinks is her gas mask.
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The Alairm – Pairt II
Armed with two alarm clocks, Barrowsgate and his wife are just heading upstairs to bed when one of the alarms goes off. Taken by surprise, and in pitch dark due to the backout, husband and wife tumble down the stairs.