Lymington pensioner “thrilled” clothes she created out of parachute silk during Second World War are going on display at the RAF Museum in Barnet
A 95-year-old Lymington woman is “thrilled” that beautiful clothes she created out of parachute silk during the Second World War are going on display at the RAF Museum in London.
Beryl Carroll lovingly crafted the dress and blouse from a parachute given to her by her brother Gordon Woods who served in the RAF during the war.
She said: “It was an era of ‘make do and mend’. I loved to sew on my Singer treadle machine, but you couldn’t get hold of any fabric during the war, you were just given clothing coupons to get what you needed.
“Gordon knew I enjoyed sewing, and on one visit home he gave me a silk RAF parachute so I could make some clothes.”
Grandmother-of-five Beryl created a whole variety of garments from it, including underwear, but sadly a lot of them were lost over the years.
Determined that the last two pieces would not suffer the same fate, her daughter Adele contacted the RAF Museum in Barnet to see if they would like them to add to their exhibitions.
She said: “They were really delighted and said they would love them. When I told mum she was really thrilled.”
Beryl said she is happy that the clothes will be displayed: “I am glad that they are not just going to be lost forever. It is nice to know that they will be there for future generations to see and learn about.
“It’s better than them just going to waste, they are part of history, really.”
Gordon drove articulated lorries transporting aircraft, and died in 1984. His parents, along with Beryl, had moved to Lymington during the war after the family home in Sidcup, Kent, was bombed out. They had relatives, including Beryl’s grandparents, already living in the area.
Adele said: “I am just so pleased that the RAF Museum wanted mum’s things. They are absolutely beautiful. Mum said she used to get a pattern for something in the morning, make it in the afternoon and wear it out that night!
“I am so proud that something she created is going to be displayed for people to see.”
Caitlin Wareing-Oksanen from the RAF Museum said: “We are delighted that Beryl has entrusted the RAF Museum with her work and her family’s story.
“The blouse and dress are beautiful mementos to the life of a Royal Air Force family during the Second World War. They were clearly made with loving hands and are a testament to Beryl’s creativity and ingenuity.
“We are very grateful to Beryl and Adele for sharing this part of their family’s history with us.”
