A fascinating collection of old hand tools and antique household utensils have just been added to the chest of nostalgia at Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone in Mosta.

Agriculture implements, parts of wooden carts, carpentry and masonry tools throw light on how life was lived by our forefathers in the not so distant past- George Cini

Most of the items date back to the 19th century. Others were in use until World War II but faded out of most houses as the standard of living improved over the years. These items would bring back flashbacks of how nanna’s house looked and felt like.

The display includes paraffin-fired stoves, a wooden refrigerator, a manual sewing machine and a couple of Rediffusion sets. Rediffusion was a cable radio service that had two channels, one broadcasting programmes in Maltese and another relaying the BBC World Service.

Rediffusion used to be found practically in every household across the island and it was believed to have led to what is called “standard Maltese” being spoken by a good part of the population.

Agriculture implements, parts of wooden carts, carpentry and masonry tools throw light on how life was lived by our forefathers in the not so distant past.

Joe Bartolo, president of Għaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti, which runs Ir-Razzett, said the exhibition included also a number of rat traps that are probably as old as the farmhouse itself.

The room where the items are displayed recalls the memory of Mgr Bartilmew Bezzina (1927-2009) who was an avid crusader for the preservation of religious cults and Maltese traditions.

The collection is enhanced by a series of photos showing how Mosta looked like between the start of the 20th century and WWII.

Opening hours at Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż are Monday to Sunday, from 5 to 9 p.m. On Sundays and public holidays it is also open between 10 a.m. and noon.

Visitors at this time of year will be able to view an exhibition of Christmas cribs.

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