Ladies Saturday Morning Group April/ May/ June 2009

On Saturday 11th April 2009 members of the group with partners and friends went to Ashmores Restaurant in Radcliffe- on Trent, for our annual spring lunch (next year is booked already!). It is always an enjoyable time where we share excellent food and company, and this year was no exception. We were all greeted personally by Aileen Wright our chairman, and enjoyed a pre - dinner drink and a chat. During an excellent lunch (there is always a good choice) Avryl Whitehead gave her time yet again to run the raffle, which made funds for the group. There were some lovely prizes which the lucky ones were able to enjoy! A good time was had by all.

9th May 2009 “Events and Life in the 1920s” by Alan Clayton. The slide show lasted for about an hour and was accompanied by an excellent dialogue. First of all the dedication of the Cenotaph, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a central symbol for remembering those who died in the two world wars. Slides of royalty included the wedding of King George Vth and Queen Mary, the funeral of Queen Alexandra, and the christening of Princess Elizabeth; Politicians (very topical!), David Lloyd George, Ramsay Macdonald, Andrew Bonar Law, Stanley Baldwin and Winston Churchill. World events were many but a few were recorded. An earthquake in Japan which killed 300,000 people, but there were others with a more specific interest to Britain. These included Shackleton in the Antarctic, the opening of Tutankhamen’s tomb by Lord Carnavon and Howard Carter, and Lawrence of Arabia in the headlines. Entertainment improved as “silent movies” were replaced with “talking pictures”. Many new commodities came onto the market, some of which are still with us today, Oxo (where would we be without that little cube!), Bird’s custard, and Wall’s ice cream at 1d. The Prince of Wales came to review the troops and also to open the new Council House. Wollaton Hall became the property of the local council. A new Lido was opened, which was especially enjoyable in the heatwave of 1929, and apparently the river Trent nearly ran dry!! For fashionistas Vogue was showing designs by Norman Hartnell and Coco Chanel though whether any were found in the new Griffin and Spalding was not recorded. Last, but by no means least, Boots began opening their “high street“ shops bringing medicines within the reach of all, and this company became one of the most influential in present day Nottingham.

13th June Sandstone Caves of Nottingham by Tony Waltham. A most enthusiastic speaker who related the history of the caves, and how they came to be where they are! The inner city is riddled with them, all man made, large and small alike, but many now lost under our vast shopping centres! Cut originally as extra space, some have been used as housing such as Sneinton Hermitage, and some were used as air raid shelters in WW2 . If you get the chance to hear him speak, take it, its fascinating!

Future meetings

Saturday July 11th Police Aid Convoy Speaker David Scott

A warm welcome awaits all existing and potential new members. For further information on any of the above contact Chairman, Aileen Wright, email: ekim01@ntlworld.com