Advertising in the Age of Innocence ?
Most of these are from the 1920’s. A few are earlier. They all come from the Bekonscot Model Village⇐. You might notice that some of the claims are blatantly exaggerated, but I think I prefer that to the present day subtleties of spin. More here ⇐.
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The tonic wine might be more welcome.
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I included this because I find it inspiring that so many such projects, both religious and secular, have stood the test of time. They often work quietly in the background and have made a profound difference to the lives of vulnerable people over the decades.
🙂
A Very Model Village at Bekonscot
30 pictures. Bekonscot Model Village, near Beaconsfield rail station, just to the north west of London, is one of the most unusual places to photograph near London.
– For detail, please click on and image and then again to expand –
Of course, one stayed at the best hotel, as one does.
Having arrived in style, as one does too.
Then tea with the local squire and a tour of the town.
You might notice that they are keen to discourage running. It’s for the benefit of the occasional giant. Personally, I’ve never needed any discouragement.
Caught up on some local news. The forecast was that there would be weather all day, so we strolled on.
The local fireman in action. Good show, what.
After all the excitement, a little libation seemed in order. Then, on to the town center.
Of course, they do like their little joke. Fruiterers U.R.A Peach, Evan Leigh Soles and Lee Key Plumbers.
Seems a bit quiet but they’re all in the Royal Saracens Head.
With such an open invitation, how could one refuse. Thirsty work, all this walking about.
After a drink or two, we thought we’d behave responsibly and refrain from driving. So we borrowed the twin-engined job. ↓ 😀
Of course Bekonscot does have a very good transport system.
We gave the jolly old castle a fly by. They turned out the guard for us. Actually, I think we were being shot at but I’m sure they didn’t mean it, just a bit of fun. 🙂
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A nice little church, right next to the fun fair.
And, another with a quite modern vicarage.
The cider apple farm. Almost landed for a sample, but thought we’d better press on. 🙂
Bekonscot is generally very industrious and the canal very busy.
The old castle ruins are very popular. In the background one can see some of those giants I mentioned earlier with they’re plaintiff cries of “Don’t do that to your sister” and “How many times have I got to tell you”. I believe their numbers are kept down by congestion charging. 😀
The old fishing village.
The college is world-famous. Mostly for its prodigious cider consumption.
Farming is strictly organic. There’s a recital every day. 😀
Plenty of other entertainment though. With the latest in performers.
It was from here that Sir Earnest Guzzelit embarked on his exploration of the Amazon rain-forest. Nobody has had the heart to tell him that he’s been going round in circles for two years.
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There’s Fred with his steam roller. Known locally as Fearless Fred on account of not being scared of big flowers.
And, more local humour.
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This one’s my favourite (W.E. Humpit and U Burnett).
There was a tiny bit of a crash landing. As luck would have it, quite close to this rescue center. 🙂
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Well there you have it, you see. Not very big until you get right down to it. 🙂
There’s more magic at Alice in Wonderland. 😀
Bekonscot is the oldest model village in the world and if you would like to know more about Bekonscot⇐. It is worth checking the Admission Times and Prices. For 2015 it is much cheaper after 3:30 pm (closes 5:30 pm). If traveling by rail there is a signed foot path just outside the Beaconsfield station exit (cross the footbridge first, if coming from London – Waterloo).
And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak, Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns, Corfe Castle and more Model Villages. Enjoy and thanks for the visit.
The Secret of Vauxhall Park
Vauxhall Park, in SW London, is a small but pleasant area with a very nice little café and a secret.
On the way, there is a very aromatic field of lavender that hosts a number of visitors (please click here if you can spare a moment to help save the UK bees from insecticides) . The lavender was harvested in the past, distilled into oil and made available for purchase -see the Friends of Vauxhall Park.
And, at the eastern end, adjacent to the children’s play area, the only model village in London. Albeit small, it is quite charming.
Created by Edgar Wilson in 1949, the only other surviving by the same person being in Melbourne Australia. This one was restored in 2001 by local resident Mr Nobby Clerk.
Such places do give rise to imagination (my excuse for what follows).
They’re both called Mini. Would you Adam and Eve it.
Professor Pelican teaches his Ducks to Cluck class, attended by Vera, Chuck and Dave (who knows where they were first mentioned ?).
And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway (near London), Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns, Corfe Castle and more Model Villages. Enjoy and thanks for the visit.
Freed From Time 