A further present from my daughter.

It wouldn't win any literary prizes, but quite nostalgic to read of such things as liberty bodices, Virol, holidays on cold beaches, large class sizes, and getting dressed under the bedclothes in freezing bedrooms (my goldfish froze over on the bedroom windowsill).

Plus, of course, the constant risk of polio, mumps, measles and tonsillectomy. Even though the NHS kicked in, there was still a habit of trying DIY treatments - chests rubbed with Vick, inhaling horrible stuff in hot water and bed rest. 

She doesn't mention rationing, queues for food or diphtheria which I remember only too well.

I suppose the underlying trend of those days was that things were getting better - end of rationing, new clothes, better bulding regs, and of course holidays abroad - deep joy!