Who is a Hussy then, small things please my irreverent mind but I am not going down that particular tunnel. I could track the appalling train services here up North, my family suffer from it as well but I expect it has always been this way. So tell me why we concentrate money on the 'white elephant Hs2, a single (presumably) faster line between the North and the South, though aren't their rumours it will never get as far as the North?
I have just watched our Northern mayors, who will front the television cameras, some late for their meetings (trains), explain, once more, to the government minister and they have been told, mumble, mumble, that everything will right itself next year.
No bleak news is not palatable, but someone I picked up on yesterday makes an interesting read.
She is Ethel Carnie Holdsworth - January 1886 to December 1962 from Lancashire. I am not going to say she is a brilliant writer or composer of poems, but she was a working-class novelist, feminist and social activist. Compared by some to Robert Trussell* - The Ragged Trouser Philanthropist. Her books are about romance and social injustice in the workplace an expression of her beliefs.
There is also a 1920's silent black and white film on BFI, Helen of Four Gates it comes up free. Which though interesting in its own right as it features the countryside of this part of the world, is but a pale imitation of 'Wuthering Height', plenty of bosom clasping and wicked men.
I like her dandelion poem or 'Meadow Clock' poem, you can listen to it here.
The Christmas tree was bought yesterday, a large green alive tree, carried home by Lillie, it is rather dominating the sitting room but a corner will be found for it. When I went to Lidl yesterday, trees were flying off the outside space, everyone is making sure that Xmas will still be celebrated.
* pennies drop. Trussell Trust is named after Robert Trussell, who wrote so bleakly of poverty in his time.
It is a long time since I had a tree and now am no longer able to get out to get one. Per haps it will snow on the trees in my garden!
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps your son will decorate a tree with outdoor lights as well. Snow would be good for Xmas but it is always a hit and miss affair Pat.
DeleteI cannot wait to see pictures of your tree!
ReplyDeleteIt might be a long wait Debby!
DeleteI am finishing decorating my tree today. I am putting less and less decorations out each year and if it wasn't that the adult children would go crazy on FaceTime if they saw no decorations, I might not do anything. Christmas is not the same as it was when I was little.......a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteThat is early, I can remember when in Switzerland we put real candles on the tree and went to Midnight Mass. Now such things belong to the past.
DeleteI had never heard of Ethel Carnie Holdsworth before. Thanks for the tip. As for Susan Hussy, I wonder if she ever wrote any poems?
ReplyDeleteI'm Susan Hussy
And I'm not very fussy
Where are you from?
Oh where are you from?
I have served in this palace for many a year
And can ask what I wish to without any fear
Who the hell are you and
Where are you from?
Answer my questions
Unless you are dumb!
Priceless poetry Y/P. you are almost reaching the dizzy heights of Brian Bilston. Can it be that Ethel was a woman in a time when getting published was so difficult. With her husband they produced a socialist magazine for a time.
DeleteThe Hussy account was like a comedy sketch from the 1980s. The poor old girl should not have been in that job, and now she isn't. I have a friend who swears he is not a racist, but I have caught him asking black friends if they 'feel' British. He is an idiot. The woman on the receiving end of the questioning seems to be over-milking it by eventually saying that it felt like physical abuse. Only she knows what it felt like, but I suspect she is probably being pushed by the media to take it as far as it will go.
ReplyDeleteYes Tom that was my feeling as well. Lady Hussy is from the old class who has, and will never, grow into today's culture. Whilst the lady in question who was offended has just stepped into the 'culture war' of racial bigotry instead of just brushing it off.
ReplyDelete