On 14th January 2002, the Vale Branch of the
BFHS was entertained - yes that is the word,
entertained - by the excellent lecturer Michael
Gandy.
Michael's talk was on 'Books you'll Enjoy' but
he started with a talk on the 1901 census and how
and what he had discovered by using the fiche and
on-line computers, in London, before dealing with
the subject of books. He was wonderful, he
doesn't get fazed, he is pleasant with everyone,
he is a witty and compelling speaker.
Our members were practically rolling in the
aisles, as he led us through some very
interesting points made in some of his own
favourite books. He drove home his points whilst
making us laugh, the art of an excellent teacher.
I truly envy the members of his evening classes.
We learnt:
- why sons stayed at home in the 1890's
and why their mothers looked after them so
well, giving them bigger portions of food etc.,
whilst the daughters went off to become
servants away from home.
- why English folk dancing gave way to
Morris dancing.
- how a woman about 1910 stretched £1.00
a week housekeeping, but had no money for
extras such as clothes and household
utensils, new bedding etc.
- the ages of marriage of the Victorians
compared to before and after that period.
- and lastly, the skills necessary for the
Army and the Navy
Now aren't you sorry that you missed it?
And his books ...
Lark Rise to Candleford
- Flora Thompson
The World we have Lost
- Peter Laslett
Old Farm Implements
The Wheelwright Shop
- George Sturt - Cambridge {UP?}
The Pattern under the Plough
- George Ewart Evans
The Common Stream
- Roland Parker
History of Myddle
- Richard Gough
Lifting the Latch
- Sheila Stewart
The Wooden World
[for Navy] - Rodger N.A.M
Round about a Pound a Week -
Maud Pember Reeves - Virago
