THE DEVIL DINES OUT

The Devil dines out? That's why he needs a fork! But why such a big one? If his menu consists of lost souls waiting to be picked up and pitched into his infernal oven, it begins to make sense. And he was being very polite. In Tudor times, it was the custom to take your own cutlery when invited out for a meal. These were just a few of the myths and facts dished up by Margaret Barrett in her talk on the history of the fork – a surprisingly recent arrival on the English dining table. She demonstrated how to present a seemingly unpromising subject in a way that held her audience fascinated from beginning to end.

Wyn Glen described her frustration as a wartime child when schools had very few books. Being an early and avid reader she read and re-read the books at home by the light of a fading torch under the bedclothes. She also praised the teacher who read Enid Blyton to the class with the knack of always closing on a ‘cliff-hanger'.

Richly varied childhood memories seemed the flavour of the month at this meeting. ‘A Stable Berth' was the title Josie Bicker used to describe a family split between her father's occupation in ship building, in Scotland, while her mother practised photography in Leicester. Meanwhile, an aunt of modest means in Birmingham brought up Josie! This speech was laced with memories – such as the ‘black market' - that were eye-openers to younger members and elicited large measures of empathy from the more mature.

Expectations, both good and bad, were the theme of Elizabeth Kelham's speech. When told she was going to see Princess Royal (not Princess Anne), she expected to see every child's vision of a fairytale princess. The picture she painted of a wizened and hunched old woman dressed entirely black was vivid.

Hiten Vyas introduced the topics for three minute talks in which members were invited to blend two completely unrelated words into one speech. Dishwasher and spade, teaspoon and radio and a glass and the sky were among the challenging combinations. Many members, using imagination and ingenuity, succeeded valiantly whilst a few bluffed their way through by talking mainly about one word with only a passing reference to the other. Not quite legal, but it all added up to a hugely entertaining session.

The Leicestershire Speakers welcome anyone who would like to learn the art of speaking in public. Our meetings are supportive, informative and entertaining. We offer enthusiasm and encouragement to help turn nervous wrecks into confident speakers. We meet at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blaby Drop In Centre. For more information ring Anne Jones on 0116 2772295, or visit our website www.leicspeakers.co.uk.

We are also available to give entertainment and talks to other societies and groups.

From Stan Barrett 01455 290112