Newsletter – January 2016
January 13th, 2016Did you read a newspaper this morning? Did you happen to notice whether it had be ironed or did you iron it yourself? If the later then you are likely to be working ‘Downstairs’. If the former or you assume it always comes like that, then you are either very lucky or living ‘Upstairs’. This contrast between life ‘Upstairs’ and ‘Downstairs’ portrayed in such television series as ‘Downton Abbey’ and others seems to have captivated people wherever they are shown in the world.
Whether the portrayal is entirely accurate or not, it represents a life that did exist for some. This was the topic for our speaker this month, Patrica Boyd who kindly stepped in as a replacement at short notice. She explained that for many large and desperately poor families in rural areas, to have a child accepted into the hard drudgery of service ‘Downstairs’ was a blessed alternative to starvation. In contrast, those ‘Upstairs’ faced the problem of having to eat twelve course dinners and for the ladies at least, to maintain an 18” waist, the fashion of the time. The secret apparently is to have small courses and spend three hours eating them. So simple really!
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 1st March when we will have a presentation by Ben Nock entitled ‘Clandestine Communications in WW2′. Ben is a curator at the Military Wireless Museum in Kidderminster. He will describe electronic spy equipment used in wartime. A visit to his museum is planned for early Spring. Visitors are most welcome at all our events – see Home page for details and contacts