Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: shelagh on March 02, 2011, 07:38:15 PM

Title: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: shelagh on March 02, 2011, 07:38:15 PM
At the moment Brian is reading "The Tulip" "The Story of a Flower That Has Made Men Mad" by Anna Pavord and this short passage that he read out to me made me laugh.

"In Lincolnshire, the Spalding Gentleman's Society was founded in 1710.  It was not specifically a florists' society, but tulips, anemones, ranunculus and carnations were among the curiosities exhibited at their gatherings.  The meetings began soberly enough with tea or coffee, but later a quart tankard of ale was provided, along with clean pipes, a chamber pot and a Latin dictionary."

I mean what else could you ask for ;D
Title: Re: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: Diane Clement on March 02, 2011, 07:56:25 PM
"Ranunculus ... were among the curiosities" 

that says it all - didn't know he was that old  ;D
Title: Re: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: ranunculus on March 02, 2011, 08:01:35 PM
Careful Mrs. C. ...Careful!!!   :D
Title: Re: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: Maggi Young on March 02, 2011, 08:06:21 PM
"Ranunculus ... were among the curiosities" 

that says it all - didn't know he was that old  ;D
Neither did I.... though it does explain some ofthe other items provided...... ::)
Title: Re: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: ranunculus on March 02, 2011, 08:21:15 PM
The meetings began soberly enough with tea or coffee, but later a quart tankard of ale was provided, along with clean pipes, a chamber pot and a Latin dictionary."

Sounds like my Christmas list in 1926 ... still using the dictionary!
Title: Re: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: alpines on March 02, 2011, 08:57:46 PM
that says it all - didn't know he was that old  ;D

1710?  Wasn't that the year Cliff was the Local Group Secretary for the Spalding Gentlemen's Club?
Title: Re: 'Perfect Facilities'
Post by: ranunculus on March 02, 2011, 09:33:41 PM
that says it all - didn't know he was that old  ;D

1710?  Wasn't that the year Cliff was the Local Group Secretary for the Spalding Gentlemen's Club?

GENTLEMAN ... Moi?   ;D ;D ;D   

Love and Loiseleurias from Lancashire.
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