This is my second attempt to find a way into my abandoned barn. Follow me to see what I find stored there after so many years. Support the Channel! Proper DIY Patreon Page: / properdiy
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!
Great video, a fascinating 'explore ' as people call it. As ou say, and as I often say on urban explorer video's, it is very sad that all those memories and all the stories that go with them,are lost. @ProperDIY Could you post a clear shot of the WW2 photo? It may be possible to identify the units involved or some other details.
'On Pembroke Road look out for my ghost, Dishevelled with shoes untied, Playing through the railings with little children Whose children have long since died.' Patrick Kavanagh.
It's a bit like a time clock. The clock stopped when the last person died. Makes you wonder what it's all about. And do we need to surround ourselves with things that will be eventually end up in a bin.
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.
It would be interesting to know if there's some kind of legal requirement for them to do so. Mind you, even if there is, they're probably worth more on eBay now.
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
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. 👍
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!
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.
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.
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 🙂
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?
@@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. 👍
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 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 got to love a snowflake in the middle of summer.
2 года назад
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
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
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.
@@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.
It's a shame there's no feature on Ancestry where you can scan the photos and upload them to their site so others can try and identify connections and save them to their tree!
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.
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.
Maybe call Nathan and find out if he wants his own history back. Might not be important to the people dead and gone but might be to somebody in the family. nothing worse than not knowing your own family history. This stuff may even be a lost part of a puzzle in a family tree.
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 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.
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.
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.
The 1944 photo, the officer on the very left of the photo looks like Monty. My uncle was in the desert campaign and ended up as part of the occupation forces in Germany. The occupation was certainly a joint allied operation. So maybe that’s what this photo depicts.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
@@ProperDIY it was worth it. I found it a very interesting video. Have had similar experiences doing house clearances after people have died and their family have taken all they want. Always seems a shame to dump belongings which were once precious or contained precious memories for the original occupant.
'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.
Don't throw everything in the bin........those gas cylinders turn'em into the barbeques, restore those chairs.......make some "how to videos" it'll pay itself off.
"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!
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.
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) :-)
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.
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.
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."
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
Completely off topic, but any chance you've got a video lined up with you making a wooden garden arch? The Mrs has been nagging for a while but I've not no more jobs to put in the way so it's next weekends project.
Not so fast there, Stuart, calling that stuff trash. Was there a table with cabriole legs, just dusty? Those chairs look very sturdy and let’s have a closer look at the silver/maybe stainless. You must have 0% humidity there in jolly old England for a magazine to last that long in a barn. Even a dry one. That magazine wouldn’t look that good after 2 years in my living room here in Austin, Texas.
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".
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.
Stuart the military group are in fact a group of Home guards and the chap with an x above his head looks like a younger picture of the groom in the half picture...the american visiting is wearing the uniform of the USAAF was there an airbase near where you are in WW2?
While you may not of found a rolls royce in there, a lot of that stuff is sort after by museums, vintage machine restorers and memorabilia collectors. You also have family and company names on some of the stuff. A lot of people are researching their family history and looking for any connected memorabilia. While you may not be sitting on a fortune I suspect a few carefully researched phone calls and a few adds on e-bay and you could have a bit more cash in your pocket than you expected.
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.
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..." 🤭
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 🙂
"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.
Oh and be careful of that overhead galvanised water tank, if there is water present it's highly likely there is legionnaires disease present same can be said for asbestos. Be safe.
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 !
Very interesting episode! But what is connected to the newish-looking duct across the ceiling space? Is it extraction from another part of the shed complex?
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.
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 👍
