Activity Two - Making Ends Meet

Now have a go at the Making Ends Meet exercise, in which you have to plan the weekly shopping for 3 different families in Blaenavon in 1842. These are a labourer's family, a collier's and a puddler's.

Your challenge is to keep each family well fed, warm and clean on the wages available to each. Is this possible? Try the exercise and find out, and then do the activity sheet.


Which one on the Evaluation Grid best describes you?

Trainee Inspector Assistant Inspector Senior Inspector

I have some understanding of how a family found it difficult to make ends meet in Blaenavon in 1842.

I have spent within my budget for all three families.

In answering the questions, I have at times given reasons for my choices in how to spend the money.

I have answered all the questions correctly and given reasons for my choices in how to spend the money.

In making comparisons between the families, I understand that not all families could be well fed, warm and clean.