Woods Ware China at the Serving Hatch

  In January 1935, the Western Daily Press reported on an interesting phenomenon at the village hall in Vobster, Somerset. Leading members of society decided to put on a one-act play for the locals. Those taking part included: Princess Priscilla Bibesco (pictured), the Earl of Oxford, Mark Bonham Carter, Laura Bonham Carter and Raymond Bonham Carter. The Countess of Oxford was stage manager. Princess Priscilla It seems that Helena wasn’t blazing a wholly new trail in her family history when she took to movie stardom. if Wikipedia is to be believed, Raymond was Helena's father and Laura and Mark her aunt and uncle. At the close of the performance, the Rector of Vobster (sounds like a Wilde play himself) called for cheers, which “were heartily given.” However, the private opinions of the audience were not recorded. Click here to see my book of short stories inspired by Lady Astor's niece

As reported in the Cheshire Observer, January 1930. Two gentlemen, whom I shall merely refer to as Syd and Fred, had a memorable game of billiards one evening at Manley Village Hall. Fred had decided to play despite dizzy spells caused by high blood pressure. The game had been in progress for 15 minutes and Fred moved to the far side of the table. After a shot by Syd, Fred declared that “I can’t pot that!” and dropped down dead on the spot. Fred was a retired licenced victualler seller, originally from Manchester. There are worse ways, and places, to go.