What will you treasure forever?

Tabua

Added by Judith Reay

Located under Memorabilia

Story behind the treasure: A Fijian tabua is a whale's tooth presented ceremonially as a token of respect and esteem. This one, mounted with silver and suspended with plaited coconut fibre, was presented to my father in 1954 by the Fiji Seamen's Union. As a government officer he had set up a number of labour unions and taken a close interest in them. I treasure the tabua both for the respect earned by my father and as one of the most valued symbols of the country of my birth.

Mickey Mouse

Added by Victoria Wakefield

Located under Memorabilia

Story behind the treasure: Sixty years ago Teddy Cousens used to saw our logs using a large circular saw which he brought on a trailer pulled by a very old Austen car. On its bonnet was Mickey Mouse which I admired more than anything in the world. Years later I lived in Australia and Mr Cousens died and the car was sold. When I came home Mrs Cousens called in to see me with Mickey Mouse wrapped in a brown paper parcel. He had been left to me.

Clarice Cliff salad bowl cc1935

Added by Richard Maile

Located under Ornamental

Story behind the treasure: Back in 1935 my Great Aunt Betty married and received this unusual Clarice Cliff salad bowl as a gift.It was used constantly through her life and I remember seeing it on the same table every time I visited.The strange pictures fascinated me.Goodness knows how the delicate serving spoons survived as I used them as drum sticks! In 1985 I got married and I was surprised and delighted when my Aunt gave me as a wedding gift.My Aunt died a few years ago and the bowl holds fond memories to me.I hope that my child will accept it when they marry.

Britain's Model Soldier

Added by Claude Hart

Located under Toys, games & sports

Story behind the treasure: In 1953, I was nine years old. The original of this figure was bought for me by my grandparents as a reminder of the coronation which we spent in a darkened room watching my uncle's new TV. In the course of time the model was lost. Browsing through some junk in a local flea market, I came cross a battered version of the figure, which I subsequently repainted. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of all the hopes we all had at the begining of the new reign and how so many of these have been shattered.

Nan's Blue Glass Bells

Added by Sue Wellfare

Located under Ornamental

Story behind the treasure: These blue glass bells belonged to my maternal Grandparents. I am told they were hand-blown by my Grandfather's brother, in Sheffield, as a wedding present for my Grandparents. They married on 27 December 1922 in Sheffield. Both the handles have been broken over the years (not by me!!) and there are a couple of air-bubbles in the glass,but I love them, not only because of the history behind them, but their intense colour - they are very special to me.

Grandma's dolls

Added by Christopher Bucklin

Located under Toys, games & sports

Story behind the treasure: My Grandmother Jane Lang was a keen doll collector and enjoyed making dolls, toys and period style clothing for her antique dolls. She also had a great interest in doll houses and was one one of the volunteers who helped set up the collection of dollhouses at Wallington Hall. These two dolls were both made by my Grandma and are beautifuly dressed although Emily the ragdoll has lost her shoes so may need some replacements if she wins and has a holiday at Wallington Hall!

Gary the Bear

Added by Maria Mate

Located under Toys, games & sports

Story behind the treasure: I’m Gary the Bear. I used to belong to Lester, late secretary of Cowley Chess Club (Oxford). My present owner, Lester’s admirer and friend chose me for her best lady’s prize at a Cowley Chess Tournament in 2009. Lester and I went to many tournaments with the juniors. Although I couldn’t always watch the games, I would observe the analysis afterwards. My contributions won me several rosettes given as prizes at the UK Chess Challenge, which Lester would pin on me after the events. My full name is Gary Ward after world champion Garry Kasparov and British Grandmaster Chris Ward.

Faith

Added by Sarah Saunders

Located under Ornamental

Story behind the treasure: Faith is my Treasure as she was the last gift my Auntie Liz gave to me before she died of bone cancer aged 47. I was always close to her and with this being my last gift from her it means the world as when i look at her i think of my aunt.

Oil Painting of a Vase of Sweet Peas by Henry Doubleday

Added by Ilona de Souza

Located under Photos & pictures

Story behind the treasure: This picture was a gift from a friend, Henry Doubleday, given to me when he moved from Kent to Worcester. Henry was an artist and also an HMI for schools. He died in 1999 at the age of 100 years and 3 months. He had many interesting tales to relate as he was around when the first buses and cars were invented. He told me his father started public libraries in this country. An amazing man with a great sense of humour.

Campass in a box

Added by John Stephen

Located under Memorabilia

Story behind the treasure: This little compass was made by my Great Grandfather 'George Renton'in around 1860.The instrument is made of silver in a box made of mahogany,the dial is hand drawn and on the clasp is George's stamp[GR]. When the American Civil war broke out George packed his bags and went to join in. He made the compass to take with him and being a watchmaker and jeweller it is very well made,if a little impractical. I think I will treasure this, as my mother and Grandfather treasured it, because the connections to George are so strong.