Speaker, Judy Ray-Bliss captivated the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel meeting when she enlightened members with fascinating anecdotes on eighteenth century Bath life.

Hair-raising tales of fleas and bugs peppered her talk on ‘The Season’, that began with the arrival of Queen Anne, who had been advised by her doctors to winter in Bath and to take the waters. Back then, it took five days to travel to Bath and never on a Sunday – so highwaymen were able to take a day off!

Master of ceremonies, Beau Nash, ruled the upper class scene for half a century, organising twice weekly balls, forbidding men to wear spurs at them, and creating the name ‘wallflowers’ for undesirable women awaiting an invitation to dance.

The Georgians only bathed twice a year, wore heavy make-up which contained lead and pork-fat; and if hair fell out it was volumised with horsehair, feathers, fruit and even runner beans and spring onions – mouse hair was used for eyebrows. Hair was only washed every nine months, so scratching sticks proved essential!

Meat was never fresh; so vinegar and mustard were used to mask the taste and stench, but on a fresher note, pineapples, as exotic fruit, demonstrated wealth.

Eventually Bath fell out of favour and Brighton took over as the ‘in’ place for the rich and famous.

Members are now looking forward to their 61st Charter Night dinner on October 20th when belly dancers will entertain. New members will always be welcomed; just phone Sue Hopkins on: 07944 298036 or Elaine on: 07543 973666.

Sue Meadows