There must be some museum or even film props guys who would love some of the old war memorabilia stuff. I noticed on the one birthday cards it said “94 yrs old”. They may not have known it was in there but it seems Incredibly sad that his descendants weren’t interested in keeping some his memories. You on the other hand showed perfect respect and you deserve enormous amount of credit for that sir. 👍

I fully admire how respectful and sentimental you are of items that were once someone's treasured memories. Life of the body is very short indeed.

Hi Stuart, thank you for sharing. Although I had no where near as much junk to clear out of my Dads house when he died a couple of years ago, what I did find amongst a huge pile of photos, was the last card my Great Grandad sent to my Grandad (Aged 6 at the time) from the trenches near Ypres. I know it was the last card as he was killed in action a couple of weeks after the date stamp on it. It was a very touching moment and I treasure that card so much. Take care.

I love how this humble DIY channel, once teaching us simple things like how to put wheels on a work bench or set up a mitre saw is now taking us on an epic journey of discovery and history. Its like an Indiana Jones film

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@frankblack1481

Жыл бұрын

I’d bet Stuart tripped over himself running in to tell the family he was Being likened to Indiana Jones.

I went down with Covid a week or so ago (first time, thought I was invincible) and came across this channel whilst bored looking for lawncare tips. I was instantly hooked and can only thank you for providing such a rich assortment of DIY ideas along with reviews and suchlike, its really kept my head above the water so to speak. But this video is something else, it shows that not only are you a great tradesman but also truly superb presenter no matter what the subject, your material is excellent and you really know how to engage the viewer. I doff my cap to you sir, thank you again.

You should take the books of green shield stamps to Argos and see if they will still accept them!!

What a great video Stuart. I found it very emotional to be honest. If I was Nathan I'd definitely want that little archive in my possession for family to see and reminisce, some lovely talking points in the pile of photos, letters and files. The amazing thing is, the view of a seaside bay is Llandudno, and its taken from the Great Orme (if you look at the shop it says Orme Stores), I took the exact same picture off the tram earlier this year at just about the same spot!

Very interesting and full credit to you for the respect you showed looking through the belongings. Looking forward to see what your plans are for the barn. Thank you!

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@mikeZL3XD7029

11 ай бұрын

@colinsheehan, Couldn't agree more, we don't need to see every bit of these people's personal effects.

The little girl mentioned on the memorial plaque died in October 1918. She may well have succumbed to the Spanish flu, which hit the UK around April of that year, and was known to hit children especially hard. A real piece of history there.

@jhareng

Жыл бұрын

Suspect it would have been owners sister since the war piccy the looked around 30+

@the_useless_photographer

Жыл бұрын

Good thinking. A local church will have records of the death if she died in the area, poor little girl of no age at all.

Gerald Stew Hi Stuart. The petrol ration books were issued in the early 1970's during a petrol shortage caused by the oil producers cutting production. The situation resolved itself so the coupons were never used. I still have mine just in case.

Oooo, Green Shield stamps. I remember spending hours licking and sticking my Dad's haul of stamps into each book on a Saturday morning. (He was a long-distance lorry driver and away all week) :-)

The Green Shield stamps and the Co-Op book are without a doubt worth money. Some of the chairs the the toilet are worth money to, if cleaned up. The lawnmowers would start and worth it as a project for someone. Great video as always 👍

I found this very interesting and well done.😃 The odd thing about things like the "papers" you found in that old barn is that, although they aren't of interest to the family (or maybe they are, but whomever would be interested doesn't know they exist), there are many, many people who would find them absolutely fascinating and desirable. That's why museums are full of other people's old stuff... and why we go to look at it. 🥰 I know a few journal makers who would be drooling for the letters and stamps and old envelopes and photos. They'd scan them, turn them into digital files, and sell them. Last year, I bought a big pack of "someone's" old photos that I use in my junk journals... along with old letters and such. "One man's trash..." 🤭

It's amazing to think In 50 years time someone else could be doing this to your workshop. And it doesn't take long before we are all completely forgotten

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Exactly

@the_useless_photographer

Жыл бұрын

Not sure, in this digital age I bet 85% or higher of images and documents stored on phones and PC's ect will not exist. As a photographer I have to get printed everything I produce, I'm creating memories of life that would not be there in 50 years had I used and stored pictures digitally. People tend to delete precious moments these days for more memory space, sad really.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

@@the_useless_photographer I think more like 99% lost. Even I still have all the photos from my youth but then a 10 year gap with very few as most were never printed.

Thanks Stuart, great to finally see what's in the shed/barn ! Maybe no valuable nuggets, but some poignant personal effects that you paid respect to, thanks for that and sharing your journey - take care in there ! Cheers, AndyC

If it turns out Reginald Lawrence used to own the land / barn, the photo would look great hanging framed in the rebuilt barn!

@HYUKLDER1

Жыл бұрын

It was Reginald Laurence. Agree with what you suggest.

Thank you, a great reminder of our mortality. Time well spent has greater value than many of the prized possessions we seem to prioritize.

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode , felt like I was there with you, I have a small shed in my large garden which is covered with ivy that I can't bring myself to sort out. You're final words brought a lump to my throat .

Another great video. That war stuff should be in a museum

i found a lot of this video deeply sad, but loved your message at the end. Thank you.

I found that really interesting also a Museum would love to have that fuel ration book great vid.

@AndrewLumsden

Жыл бұрын

Imperial War Museum!

There is some really great stuff in that barn. Hopefully, you can find some information about the old pictures and share it with everyone.

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on. And our little life is rounded with a sleep". Fascinating and poignant to find these echoes of lives now forgotten, and tastefully done. Thanks.

It's like a time capsule! Lots of history there.

OMG. I grew up in the 70's and had flash backs when you produced the Basildon Bond writing pad. My mother always had one to hand for correspondence

Reminds me of Dad’s Army & Frazers story of the “old empty barn”… “there was nothing in it”🤣

Sir, you are a true gentleman, the care and respect you showed these personal items are truly admirable!

Photo of soldiers was dated 6 June 1944 d day Normandy landings. Enjoying your videos thanks.

"Ha' ye no heard the story of the auuulld empty barn"? Private James Frazer Dads Army... Seriously though, you've made some brilliant vids over the years but this is at the top of the tree!

Stuart, I really enjoy your videos, and they have been an inspiration to me. I cannot however agree with your supposition that no one care about the things you've found, I expect that no one knows those photos and similar are there, and would love dearly to find out. I hope finding those people is something you may be able to consider, you're clearly a resourceful chap.

the water tank will have had a two wheeled frame which you hooked up under those spigots and lifted it up and could easily move it around. the power of leverage !

instructive presentations are enjoyable... sharing discoveries are exciting... your thoughts gave me pause... many thanks...

The chairs and the portaloo, also the old signs. All be worth something 👍

Stuart you show fantastic humility, lovely video….

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thanks you Susan

The Green Shield stamp book reminded me of the S & H Green stamps that were given out at grocery stores and gasoline stations in the USA back in the 1950's and 60's. It is sad that the photo of the US and British soldiers is lost to the people in the picture and their families. However, by making this video, you have created the possibility that someone will recognize a person in the picture and can capture the image from your video.

Hey Stuart, do it again in the dark and it would make a great episode of 'Most Haunted'! 😱😱😱 Seriously, its amazing how things that are important to us are seldom significant after we have passed.

The old tiller would be worth having reconditioned, even if you have to have a part machined. I have a neighbor with a 60 year old tiller. The thing is a beast but nothing today tears up the ground like that thing does. I was very happen when he saw me struggling with my new tiller and came over with the "beast".

Yes! Basildon Bond are still going. I bought some of there products very recently

I had a job once and part of it was emptying the garage of someone who had passed years ago and the house lay there un disturbed for years. . It had so many things from years past but it turned out to be a lady who was high up in the local hospital and she had letters from people all round the world thanking her. By the end of the day I collected letters cards photos. I just could nt being myself to throw them in a skip. It was just sad that it seemed her life was in these letters. I wrote to a couple of addresses on the letters to see if I could find out anything but I could nt. I still have them maybe one day I ll find someone they meant something too. This video just reminds me so much of a past life and that we all leave a history behind whoever we are and that should nt be forgotten, and always respected. Thanks for all your videos your a top man. Atb Dean.

Hi mate. I hope you don't end up digging up the grooms wife in the barn!

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Maybe

A great big shed like that and not a single copy of Razzler to be found! :)

Stuart, your videos are produce to a very high and professional standard, but you excelled yourself with this one. The music and atmosphere you created when entering the barn with the cutaways... very professional. As others have said, you were very respectable in the way you documented the findings. You are so right in that often our belongings that we hold so dear to us today, are sadly often forgotten when we've passed. My late mother always said life is for living, so live each day as if it might be your last.... Great video Stuart...

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Malcolm

Green Shield stamps stopped thirty-one years ago! Fuel ration books were issued in 1973 (forty-nine years ago). The commode with chamber pot, possibly Victorian, would probably sell for a little amount to a dealer.

I see so many treasures!

Found this video quite touching: made tastefully and with respect ❤️

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I love this channel - its tremendous. Brilliant stuff

Hey Stuart. I think that the petrol Ration book is from the 1970's. If you look at the front page, is states " This book is the property of Her Majesty's Government". So that would refer to the present Queen. The post war rationing ended in 1950 when HRH King George VI was on the throne. Not as far back as post war but it is still a very interesting artefact and memorabilia. Very interesting video and a good point about things that were once important seem to have very little relevance once people pass away.

@bayadere8308

Жыл бұрын

Excellent comment and, may I say, quite eagle-eyed.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Nice one - that would make sense as it did't seem that old - not 1940's old especially the way it was printed

@jameshogg9098

Жыл бұрын

Indeed. The ration books were issued in the early 70's when the Arab states got control of their oilfields and threatened to severely reduce capacity. As I recall, the books were issued depending on the vehicle engine size. 1 unit would have meant whatever the government wanted, but we never found out since it was all resolved and they were never used. As you have said, a bit of history.

Thank you bringing us along and sharing your thoughts. I'm sad to see the previous owner leaving behind so much mess for you. The people who these things meant something to may not be around anymore. But their children are and it's strange how they just left it all for you to throw away.

Hi Stuart, thanks for sharing this, couldn't help wondering, looking at that wartime photo, how many of those young men came home to their families, very poignant, stay safe, all the best from Scotland, Stephen.

it wasnt until now that i realized just how talented of a videographer you are, brilliant job!

Hope you reach out to Nathan to see if his family want any of the items for memorabilia. Always enjoy your video's and learn a lot from you. Was thinking the barn would make a great lumber store, but distance to the workshop is too far. Maybe a gym or a sauna? Maybe a home theatre room or even a little flat for guests?

@frankklein4872

Жыл бұрын

Always great videos

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

I will give him all of the interesting stuff. Yes, a nice new office/music room or gym would suit the area well

@niwty

Жыл бұрын

@@MKRM27 not necessarily. It’s also possible that he didn’t even know the place existed. It was very overgrown as was clearly stated at the beginning of the video. It would also be nice to think that Nathan, now in his retirement years, is more mindful of the legacy we leave for our descendants. 👍

'Live your life to the fullest' is so true! I did countless house clearances over the years and it always felt a bit weird chucking out peoples stuff. As you say, It meant something to someone. Photos, letters etc would usually be piled up hoping a relative picked them up but 9 times out of ten, in the bin they went.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

You know the feeling then

@niwty

Жыл бұрын

I find that story so sad.

Another great video. The memorabilia may only be of interest to some of the family but also to historians and genealogist. The mowers would be a nice project for someone to restore. I wonder what other surprises you will find.

The petrol rationing book is probably from the early 70's when there was a threat of petrol rationing due to the war in the middle East. I remember getting one for my mini at the time and my Dad had one to. We never found out what the measures were on each coupon and thankfully we never got to use them. The engine sizes on the coupons give you the clue of the time they were published.

@davidingram792

Жыл бұрын

Petrol coupons were issued for a short time as preparation for the possibility of petrol rationing during the 1973 oil crisis. The rationing never came about, in large part because increasing North Sea oil production allowed the UK to offset much of the lost imports.

What a cracking wee video. I'm a year younger than yourself so we're of the same generation. This is probably a stupid suggestion but it's what I would do, how about a real sympathetic restoration of the barn to make it safe, sound and secure but keep the vintage period look that it's acquired? It's already a time capsule, a mini museum almost and could become a perfect man cave. Don't even remove too much of the vegetation from around the outside, just the stuff that's invasive and stuff that could do harm, the fact that's it's obviously partially hidden adds to it's charm. Also it would be a nice touch to return any relevant family material to Nathan should he be interested in getting it back. It will be lovely to see your updates on how you get along. Thanks for making the video and for taking the time to upload.

Great video and well shot. Nice thoughtful content too and looking forward to more

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark

Very poignant and rather sad that was all left behind, unloved and unwanted. I wonder if Nathan even knew any of that was there.... A rather special video, even by your standards, thank you. By the way, I still write letters and use a fountain pen. My preferred stationery is....Basildon Bond, yes you can still get it and it still has the lined paper, plus blotting paper 🙂

Another unusual video, but highly entertaining. I bet local history groups would be interested in those photos, they may not be of value to the family but they may be a piece in a jigsaw puzzle that someone is trying to solve. Im sure there is some value in the ration book and even the greenshield stamps too.

Like you said a lifetime of someone's possessions that is no longer around. Fascinating to see some things that brought back childhood memories to me.

1 Unit of petrol/diesel was "1 gallon". Only available for companies or work "war effort" related.

Trip into the past. Oh my, Green Shield Stamps and Coop Stamps. Collectors items. Wish I had a place like that.

Fascinating video and thanks for sharing. It is strange working your way through other people's stuff after they have gone, and also quite sad that the things that mattered to them no longer do to anyone else. Unfortunately I have had to do that. Keep it going and I look forward to your next update 🙂

Some interesting artefacts there.

Looking at tthe glass in the windows, makes you wonder if at some point it was a workshop? There is some good light, a fair bit of space, I'd half bet there is a bomb shelter underneath. Amazing.

Wow, a fuel ration book, dated 2023!

Absolutely fascinating!

Great video, both in production, editing and the message. So glad I found this channel last month, great resource. Thanks for your continued sharing and videos.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

Really got to live your life in the moment that you have because it only maters to you! Great video, really respectful to the people that used to own it.

Perhaps donate the lawn mowers to Martin butler at retrorestore, would be good to see if they run again,

certainly some history in there by looks of things

Agree with previous comments here Stuart, a shame you didn't find the 'Golden Rolls' but well done for the time, care and respect you showed going through the belongings of someone you never knew! All too easy these days to just bulldoze the lot and start again. All that stuff meant something to someone at some point and you did a bang up job of affording them some courtesy and respect. All we have as squishy bits of carbon is the mark we leave on the world and good on you for taking the time. Good luck with the project sir! 👍

Afternoon what a nice surprise 👍 something to watch with my lunch

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy

You could start a vintage lawnmower restoration channel

Glad to see you made it into the barn. My father, who was well into his 90s, died a few days into the first lockdown and as his executor I had to quickly put the house contents into storage to sell the house. With numerous siblings scattered around the world it was sad a year later as I wound up the estate how much stuff which had been a part of our and his life for so long from practicality and necessity went to clearance.

@sevenowls7776

Жыл бұрын

It's like part of your being is ripped from you...

The large water container should have wheelbarrow to go with it. It would be carried on the lugs and the handle used to pour water into watering cans for large garden, before hosepipes were a thing.

Wow that's a trip back in time! Great finds in there!

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Loved this video = looking forward to see the barn rebuilt

Great video!. A great sense of melancholy about this video, things just left frozen in time, possessions of people long gone. With losing my Dad recently and being left with the task of someday (when im up to it) having to clear out his garage/workshop this video really hit hard.

Fascinating video, well filmed and narrated. I thought you made some touching points to the memories that people have - only to be left behind. Well done again Stuart.

Fabulous step back in time, thanks for sharing

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

The British motor museum at Gaydon might like that fuel ration book

I thank the fuel rationing book you found was from 1973, not WWII, when there was big fuel shortages. Mine are in pristine condition, never used. Those where the days pre-shortages, ten shillings to fill a 1958 100e fuel tank, Dream on zzz.

Its sad seeing personal items left behind but as you say its a good reminder that life is for living and not about possessions. That barn could end up being alot more solid and usable than it looks. Looking forward to seeing you clearing it out and patching it up 👍

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

So true!

Stuart give Rodney Trotter a call he deals in old lawn mower engine's might take them off your hands 😉

Been awaiting this video!

Love looking through old stuff. You find all sorts of interesting items

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed

Oh the exploratory archaeology! Very well done, Stuart!

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Your camera work is so good. The added music as well was great.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

Even without any monetary value I find these investigations interesting. I have encountered a few clients lofts insulated with old newspapers ( some back to 1920 ) and have to admit to wasting an hour reading some of them, fascinating. Another ( as always ) great/enjoyable video Stuart. Thank you 👍

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Garulus

Send the processed peas to Ashens ! he will give them a go !

Great video ,thanks !!!

Wow the old commode/potty i've got one sat in my living room (restored). I'd love having a rake about in that shed 😀.

Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 9:5 which says "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten."

That rotavator is a howard bullfinch I belive somone will buy it up very collectible I have a a massive collection of howard machines there grate simple machines

@stuartosborne6263

Жыл бұрын

Or it would make a cracking restoration project.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Thats useful to know

As I said before, I would have just hired a contractor to demolish the shed. What you went through is what anyone who has to go through a parent's estate goes through. Old cards, photos, receipts and documents. The entire life summarized in several pieces of paper. It's sad but we shouldn't burden our loved ones with disposing of our memorabilia. I plan to dump my stuff before I reach a critical age.

@olson.pamela

Жыл бұрын

Here here Wally. It took an entire summer to empty my parents house. The only things I saved fit in a shoe box. It was an emotional, logistical and practical nightmare. Many people have to go through this. I have been chucking my own extra things ever since. Stuart, you should not take the responsibility of curating all this crap. Get rid of it asap.

@patrickkelly7085

Жыл бұрын

How will you know your at that critical age.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

It is sad for sure

@patm8622

Жыл бұрын

@@ProperDIY can you post a clearer shot of the WW2 Photo?

Loved watching this video. Was genuinely excited as you first walked inside not knowing what you would find. Looks like a great little project that will keep you occupied for some time.

@ProperDIY

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Yes, you still can get Basildon Bond writing paper and envelopes - I know because I have one! (I'm one of those weirdos who still likes writing a letter (with a fountain pen). Of course, finding somebody to write back is more of a challenge🙄) Can I see a table restoration video in the future? 😂 Great video Stuart and I'm sure that it was quite interesting for you to make too. Cheers.

Very intresting. Green Shield stamps - what a blast from the past (only just old enough to remember them 🙂).

Thanks Stuart. Another interesting video, and let's face it, we're all nosey under the surface....! Respect for having respect for the previous owner and their family. Any plans for the barn yet? Ironically, due to very recent circumstances, mother and I have been forced into auctioning several family heirlooms. I'm sure you're already aware that some of the less personal items probably have significant value among the antique and collector fraternities. We've been very surprised at the responses and outcomes. Plus, I know that my ancestors would not have hesitated to sell the stuff, irrespective of sentimentality (Just the way it was: Sell or starve sometimes.....), and would chastise us for not doing so if they were still around..... I guess it depends on how the relatives wish to proceed. Appreciate the videos, and have learned loads from them. Cheers

Very interesting. I love rummaging through old items like that. When I bought my house there was an old shed full of bits and bobs and a WW2 medal in the pantry. It might be a good idea for you to have a go with a metal detector on that patch of land once you clear it. You never know what treasures you might find.