This entertaining talk (using music, recordings, video and hundreds of original photographs) will explore Britain’s WW2 rationing system: why rationing was necessary in WW2, how the rationing system worked, what was on ration and, more importantly, what foods were off ration.
Encounter the surprising things the Ministry of Food tried to get the British public to eat – find out which became firm favourites, and which ones definitely didn’t take off. Discover what it was like to eat out and find out how the British public kept the country going with the Dig for Victory campaign, keeping chickens, rabbits and pigs in their back gardens.
We’ll be offering a selection of real 1940s recipes to sample: Bread Pudding, Vinegar Cake, the National Loaf, mock banana, and an interesting special mock marmalade made with carrots (included in the ticket price).
Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk.
Karen and Bret Wiles give a variety of talks and displays on life on the Home Front. More information can be found on their website: www.doingtheirbit.co.uk.
Tickets are available for £5 online and at the Museum Shop (booking fee applies online). The talk will take place between 1-2pm, with time to sample the recipes and ask questions taking place afterwards at 2-2.30pm. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment.
Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces.
Photo consent:
Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.