In this book members of Buckinghamshire's Women's Institutes tell their own story of what these decades were like and how they look back on them now.

As the forties began England was engaged in a fight for survival. Although Buckinghamshire was not in the front line there was still the ever-present threat from bombs, incendiary devices and later the doodlebug. Local people, who were children at the time, look back and remember hardship, self reliance and anxious grown-ups. There was also rationing, privies down the garden, wash day with copper and mangle, evacuees, land girls and the freedom to walk or cycle quiet country lanes in perfect safety.

The fifties brought new housing estates, new schools, indoor plumbing, washing machines, refrigerators and private cars. The war-time mood of cheerfulness and community spirit began to fade as everyone struggled to build a better life.

By the early sixties most people had television sets and record players and for the people of Buckinghamshire life became easier in the home. Outside, entertainment was very much to the fore - concerts, dances, films and theatre - and there was a new generation emerging who were determined to have 'fun'.

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