THE WOMEN’S GROUP MEET THE LEADER BROTHERS
On Wednesday 7th February the Leader Brothers travelled from Rotherham with their Magic Box.
This box contained 10 domestic items which we were asked to try and identify in a light hearted and entertaining way. We were shown each item in turn which was then passed around the group during which time we were given some clues, as well as being asked various questions about their texture and materials.
We then jotted down ideas of their purpose and name.
After all the objects had been shown we were then asked for answers and suggestions and although there was always at least one person who had correctly guessed the answer the final item had everyone stumped.
It was made by a local pottery and had been dug up in a garden. It looked rather like a dog bowl except it had a funnel shaped top which shaped down into the middle where there was a hole. There was also a hole in the side for a cork. This turned out to be a spittoon which was used by people who chewed tobacco. We all felt extremely thankful that this once common practice has died out now.
Amongst the items the brothers had brought along were an iron paper weight used on the railways, a silk bolt used in making silk flowers, toddy mixers, a silver cheroot holder, a gadget used in replacing tips on snooker cues, a cheese tester, a tea infuser, a dress hanger for a wardrobe and a glass penny lick for serving ice cream.
Afterwards I asked the brothers where they sourced these items and learned that they have 35 more Magic Boxes! Many items are found in skips and at flea markets and they also find many whilst browsing in antique shops (often when on holiday) where frequently items are found in miscellaneous boxes of assorted objects.
This was a very successful evening and we hope that the brothers will come to visit us in the future with a different box to challenge us.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 7th March at 7pm in the Parish Room. This is our Annual General Meeting when the Secretary and Treasurer will present their reports for the past year. A long serving committee member Maureen Macdonald has decided to stand down so we hope that someone will volunteer to take her place. All members will be given details of the proposed programme of events for the forthcoming year and once the business part of the meeting is concluded the evening will conclude with cheese and wine.
Jean Lee (Secretary)