"I adore it, and that’s value enough – a good mantra for life!"

Greetings!By now dears, you really should know that I'm Lavender (I have introduced myself quite a bit so far but here goes just in case...)

I have been lovingly resurrected and re-modelled in the spirit of Lavender's Column, which appeared weekly in this newspaper from 1916 to 1969 and was the most popular column in the publication's history.

Lavender would chronicle all sorts of social to-ings and fro-ings... even down to which local notables were currently abroad!Now, don't worry darlings, this column isn't going to be a burglar's paradise.

Instead, I am what we imagine Lavender would be in today's modern world.

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Think of all the lifestyle goddesses we know and love. There's Nigella, Kirstie and The Beeny. Kate and Pippa are setting fine examples to younger women today.Well, that's me, all rolled up into one... even if I do say so myself.

And I'll be sharing what I get up to, whether that's picking up a bargain vintage find, a lovely recipe or even a decent bit of gossip.

Today, it's all about polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride (bet you didn't expect that, eh!) I love it – the look, the feel... have you guessed what it is yet?

I didn't know that polyoxybenzy etc is the correct term for Bakelite until I looked into it a little more. Its history is rather fascinating (it was developed in New York in 1907 by Belgian-born chemist Leo Baekeland) and its uses even more so.

The more well-known uses are for items such as telephones, whistles and cameras, kitchenware and light switches. The list goes on to include jewellery, poker chips and billiard balls, and at one point, the resin was even considered for making coins.

Nowadays, it's collectable, and particularly desirable among lovers of all things retro.I say we could all do with a bit of Bakelite in our homes, which is why I couldn't resist snapping up this gorgeous globe ice bucket.I came across it on one of my regular jaunts to Hemswell Antiques Centre. How smashing that we have Europe's largest antiques centre on our doorstep.I've discovered many a gem there, and this Bakelite beauty was £40.It's hard to say if this was value for money. What I do know is I adore it, and that's value enough (a good mantra for life!)It now sits proudly on my dining room table, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to use it for its actual purpose. It's certainly robust enough, but it's just too divine to use at the moment.It was no doubt a much-loved item in someone's house, and I can guarantee it's bound to be a centrepiece in my home for many years to come.

If you fancy getting some Bakelite in your life, then start by checking out the trusty Grimsby Telegraph's Classified pages; you can pick up all sorts of bargains there if you scour it regularly, like I.

Also take a look at what the local auction houses are offering. They are savvy these days and put their catalogues online, so you don't even have to leave the comfort of the sofa to put in a bid.And, of course, surf the net (not, as my grandmother thinks it means, discreetly monitoring what the neighbours are up to).

Not only are there the usual buy-and-sell sites, but search for specialist dealers if you're looking for that extra bit of polyoxybenzy pizzazz.

Happy hunting!