It was great to be joined once again by Mike Davies, Chairman of the Rayleigh Town Museum.

A little while ago Mike and I thought it would be a good idea to look at the lifestyle changes that have taken place since the end of the last war.

After all this was comparatively speaking quite recent history, but I think it’s true to say that when we embarked on this, I don’t think either of us had realised the full extent of the changes that had taken place even during the first decade of that period from 1945.

Very few people had a telephone at home, only the really well off would have owned cars and likewise, refrigerators, freezers and other similar gadgets were unheard of.

The bombs might have stopped falling but the euphoria of victory might have been severely dampened if people had known of the hardships still to come.

Even though the country was in a far better place than much of Europe, the nation was severely impoverished.

Economic recovery was slow, housing was in short supply and rationing was to continue for many years and the country found itself in an age of austerity.

The challenges that needed to be addressed, were such that we’ve found it necessary to break things up a bit, so today we looked predominately at family life during days the immediately after the war was over and next time we’ll be looking at the housing shortage, the NHS and unexpected problems, meanwhile if you missed it, you can listen again here to today’s chat: –

In the second hour of today’s programme, we turned our attention to holidays, and some issues over which it might be worth taking note, especially if you’re considering a holiday abroad.

Sky News recently unearthed some issues that the could potentially result in the unwary finding themselves in trouble with the law.

For example if you intend visiting Vigo in Spain, note that local laws forbid, “physiological evacuation at sea or on the beach” – in other words – “Don’t pee in the sea!”. Whilst it’s unclear just how this activity is actually policed, if caught you would be liable to a fine equivalent to about £650!

Meanwhile in Portugal, avert your eyes if you see someone playing Bingo in a park or other public place, or potentially face a fine or even imprisonment.

If you visit any beach in Italy, whatever you do, don’t pick up any pebbles, shells or even sand if you wish to avoid fines of up to €1,000. And beware of picking flowers, plants and herbs in mountainous and wooded locations.

If visiting the island of Capri, note that it is forbidden to use, or take onto the island any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays and straws or face fines of up to 500 Euros.

Tearing up bank notes – why would you want to – but doing that in Turkey could result in a long term in jail

And at some places in Japan, as disputing a restaurant bill can lead to your arrest, it’s a good idea to make sure that the menu includes a price list before you order anything.

Pretty obviously it’s never a good idea to “moon” anywhere, but in Greece fines and/or jail time is a likely consequence of such activity.

All being well, I hope to have the pleasure of your company again tomorrow,
Scott