Charity began at home in the 1930s

Published 6 November 2008

SHE WAS an old lady, obviously a pensioner, and she hadn’t much in her trolley – only a few food essentials, mostly knockdowns and special offers – but as she handed them to the young girl on the checkout I could sense a quiet panic gripping her as, open purse in hand, she realised she didn’t have enough to pay for her purchases.

Hopes and dreams of generations now reduced to a basket of fading images

Published 30 October 2008

THERE they lay in a basket in the antique shop, a motley collection of old, some of them very old, photographs.

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Published 23 October 2008

REMEMBER cinema organs? Most big cinemas had one. Some time during the evening one of these musical juggernauts would rise from its pit and the resident cinema organist would do his stuff, invariably playing at least one show-off piece which involved using most of its special effects.

Get back on your bike – there’s a new cycling craze about to start

Published 9 October 2008

GOLD medals galore for Brits in China! How fantastic.

When wasteful Workingtonians had a plentiful supply of water

Published 25 September 2008

WATER, water everywhere – nor yet a drop to drink! We’re not talking about the Ancient Mariner here – but about West Cumberland back in 1891. Or, to be really exact, the inhabitants of Dean, Winscales, Kirklands, Deanscales and a few other of the more remote villages in the area. Due to logistical problems, they were experiencing a water shortage. And where there was no shortage, villagers were often loath to drink such water as was available because it was “tainted by iron ore, or polluted by sewage.”

Matrimonial resolutions and rules of an 18th century bride

Published 18 September 2008

I RESOLVE to be very frugal and never to put my husband to any needless expense! And I likewise resolve to lay aside all fondness for dress, but to be always exactly neat and clean!

To name or not to name is a dilemma

Published 16 September 2008

TO NAME or not to name? It’s a problem I’m faced with from time to time when I’m producing this column.

When the shaven look was out of vogue and beards reigned supreme

Published 4 September 2008

SHAVING! Back in 1894, it wasn’t too popular.

When smoking was considered of value to asthma sufferers

Published 28 August 2008

A SPOT of culture for you as you tuck into your toast and marmalade. A short poem by HW – whoever that was.

Don’t hark back to the good old days when juvenile crime wasn’t a problem

Published 21 August 2008

YOUNG criminals! What to do with them? It’s a problem which has been written about in the papers, both local and national.

Time for a convention

Published 14 August 2008

CONVENTION time again! And no, this time it’s not the one at Keswick. How about Carlisle Convention?

Musical chairs, fancy dress and an egg and spoon race - on roller skates!

Published 7 August 2008

ROLLER skating was all the rage before the Great War.

Published 31 July 2008

WORKINGTON to London – in two hours – by plane!

When it comes to throwing confetti, you need to get your timing right

Published 24 July 2008

“YOU can bury yourself in confetti if you like, but you shall not do it in my church!”

Nothing has changed when it comes to waste not want not

Published 17 July 2008

WASTE not, want not! That’s what our politicos have been telling us these past few weeks.

Famous Cumbrians who reached the high spots in the religious stakes

Published 4 July 2008

BRIGHAM Young was the second President of the Church of Latter Day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormon Church.

No title

Published 26 June 2008

WILLIAM McGowan was presented with a “handsome key” back in 1927.

Constabulary test for insobriety before the age of the breathalyser

Published 12 June 2008

SPEAK these words out loud! “Fetch the washed vetch bush.” And again!

Can anyone help me with these questions

Published 5 June 2008

QUESTIONS! That’s what I’ve got for you this week. It’s something I do from time to time – hoping some kind reader can help.