Country life – Page 7

Oor Gallant ARP

Aug 18, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Other verse, Verse, Writings

Barrowsgate responds to the call for volunteer ARP wardens in 1938. As Secretary of State for War, Leslie Hore-Belisha started a recruitment drive for Air Raid Readiness (“ARP”) Wardens. As Transport Minister, Belisha had also introduced “Belisha beacons”, a mandatory driving test and had re-introduced motor vehicle speed limits in built-up areas.

Oor Club Visits Eden

Jul 28, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate visits the idyllic gardens of a large mansion house, and sees a fig tree.

Oor Ootin’

Jul 21, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate’s club has its annual outing – this time to a large mansion house and gardens.

Eyn o’ a Perfec’ Day

Jul 14, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate concludes his account of his neighbour’s wedding, which ended with some toasts.

The Wedding Spasm – II

Jul 7, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

The Barrowsgates attend their neighbour’s wedding, which is held in a large hotel in Aberdeen.

The Wedding Spasm – I

Jun 30, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate is surprised to be invited to neighbour Charlie’s wedding.

Peter Birley Esq. Warden A.R.P.

Jun 9, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

With war apparently imminent, Peter Birley asks Rob about gas attacks and what A.R.P. stands for. Background: In 1937, fearing a massive bombing attack on civilian populations, the British Government created the Air Raid Wardens’ Service. Civilians were encouraged to volunteer as Air Raid Precautions (“A.R.P.”) Wardens.

Sheetin’ Byordinar

Jun 2, 1938

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

John Wullie comes round to exterminate the rabbits that are eating Barrowsgate’s crops. When he pulls the trigger, there is an enormous explosion and, from behind a bush, John appears holding a rabbit that had been both skinned and gutted. Meanwhile, Rob wonders where his cow has gone.