Auntie Lily’s Parcel

I had a rich Auntie Lily who occasionally sent out of the blue, presents. I must have been 9-10 yrs old, I came home from school to be given a parcel to open… My mother telling me it was from said aunt.

I found the parcel contained some lovely Smedley’s vests- three. On examining them further mother discovered they were COMBINATIONS!!! I WAS HORRIFIED. “They will never wear out!!” - I exclaimed, do I have to wear them? I am sorry to tell you that I did not wear them, mother bought me some vests instead & they were then passed down to my young sister for many years wear. The other articles were given to a poor family and they too had many years wear, from their many young children.

 I am now 85yrs old, my story must have been set back in 1934!!