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Although the war ended in 1945, there was still a shortage of goods, and so rationing continued for some years.

When I was about 12 or 13, (1950?), sweets were just beginning to be de-rationed, and American bubblegum was available (at last!) in the shops for 3 pence per pack. I found a shop in Southampton that would sell me bubblegum at only 1 penny per pack as long as I had 'points', which were the little coupons from the ration books.

Most of my neighbours were elderly, and were quite happy to give their sweet 'points' to a young growing lad, so I quickly realised that I could buy bubblegum for one penny, take it to school and sell it for two pence, and double my money.

My customers were quite happy, as well, as they were getting a 33% discount on the 'shop price'.

Unfortunately, before I could become as rich as Bill Gates, the bottom dropped out of the bubblegum market when all rationing ceased. What a shame!

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