About My Mother’s Diaries – The Hiltonbury Farming Family Story 1948-1976
A heartfelt journey into the everyday life of a Hampshire farming family Just after the Second World War 1948 until 1976
Read and shared by Andy Vining, these diary entries capture family, farming, love, loss, weather, and the quiet moments that shape a lifetime—preserving a mother’s voice for generations to come.
Tilly, Bournemouth and Fairy Wings –Trailer September and October 1953
Coming up on My Mother’s Diaries…
It is September and October 1953, and there is plenty happening at Hiltonbury Farm.
The combine arrives to bring in the harvest, John wins another cup—and the family collects a new car, soon affectionately known as Tilly.
There is a holiday in Bournemouth, with a beach hut, the Guinness Clock, Corfe Castle, an aqua show and evenings beneath the illuminations.
Back at home, autumn brings school journeys, football, potato picking and work on the garden.
John gets new teeth, while Mother spends hours making Heather’s fairy costume and sticking on hundreds of sequins for her dancing display.
But alongside the happy family moments comes the sad news of Andrews old head mistress Mrs St John’s death the lady that changed my life as it was her suggestion that I went to Boarding school;
I’m Andy Vining, and these are my mother's diaries.
Listen to the full story of September and October 1953, coming soon to My Mother’s Diaries.
25 Oct 2026
Horses, Harvest and an Ashes Victory – July and August 1953
This time, we return to Hiltonbury Farm for July and August 1953.
It is a very mixed English summer, with haymaking and harvesting repeatedly interrupted by the rain. There are horses, cricket matches, Pony Club Camp and family outings—and England celebrates a famous Ashes victory.
There is also excitement at the farmhouse when somebody arrives to measure up for electric light, although the family will still have quite a wait before electricity finally arrives.
But as August draws to a close, there is worrying news of polio nearby, and Janet suffers a nasty fall from her horse.
So, let us return to Hiltonbury Farm and discover what life brought the family during July and August 1953.
I’m Andy Vining, and these are my mother Bebe’s diaries.
23 Oct 2026
Rain, Harvest and an Ashes Victory – Trailer_July and August 1953
Hi Its Any Andy Vining with news of whats Coming up on MyMother’s Diaries on Sunday
It is July and August 1953, and the English summer isproving as unpredictable as ever at Hiltonbury Farm.
There is haymaking, harvesting and plenty of rain. The balerwires need threading, the binder breaks—and someone finally arrives to measure the farmhouse for electric light.
The children enjoy cricket, swimming sports and Pony ClubCamp, while Jennifer gets a black gelding from Browns.
England wins the Ashes, the family takes a boat to Ventnor,and Bebe records the excitement of seeing two great ships sail.
But the summer ends on a worrying note, with news of polionearby—and Janet falling from her horse and spraining her ankle.
I’m Andy Vining, and these are my mother Bebe’s diaries.
Listen to the full story of July and August 1953, comingsoon to My Mother’s Diaries.
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