The History of Ladies’ Underwear fascinated Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel members at their January meeting, when Jane Dyson shared her knowledge and set imaginations reeling.

With the help of sketches and on-screen information, she took her audience from Tudor to Victorian Times, and had beautifully dressed several dolls in the era of clothing that she was explaining.

Stays and petticoats abounded and, before the 18th century, women did not wear knickers and seldom bathed. It was noted that Queen Elizabeth I had a bath once a year, if she felt she needed it!

There was further camaraderie for members last week when they met at the Charlton home of Sue and Roger Meadows for a fish and chip supper, followed by rounds of the panel game, ‘Call My Bluff’.

Members are now looking forward to their Inter-club afternoon, their staging of a Travelling Trends Fashion Show and a visit to Burns the Bread in Shepton Mallet.

Sue Meadows