Arlingham WI: A fascinating talk with Malcolm Watkins with the intriguing title of ‘Boil a mouse in urine’

OUR speaker this month was Malcolm Watkins, who gave us a fascinating talk with the intriguing title of ‘Boil a mouse in urine.’

To be honest, we had no idea what he was going to talk about until he explained that he was a member of a reenactment society and a fan of Tudor and seventeenth century social history.

His talk about infant care in Tudor times and in the 17th century was illustrated by paintings of the period and illustrations covering a wide range of topics.

He showed us how they made condoms from sheep’s intestines, designed to protect men from infection rather than prevent pregnancy; paintings of women in childbirth and possibly the earliest depiction of a caesarian section in 1488, and how babies were swaddled, an elaborate procedure involving many different types of cloth and which seems to have seen a bit of a revival in recent times.

Malcolm then showed us pictures of Tudor and 17th century feeding bottles, dummies and teethers.

Even more surprisingly there were also illustrations of a potty chair and a baby walker, the design of which hasn’t changed much over the years.

As for the title of the talk, it turned out to be a recipe for a common childhood complaint.

I won’t say more and spoil the surprise but you can find out more about his work via heritagematters.co.uk or if you want to get a feel for the period he will be at Lodge Park near Northleach on March 26, 2017.

The business of the evening was led by Chris. Jeanette was appointed delegate for the GFWI Annual Council Meeting.

Bernie gave the financial report.

It was agreed that the next luncheon meeting would be on March 14.

The January competition for something yellow was won by Maureen with a bear, second place went to Mo and third place to Bronwen.

The raffle was won by Mo.

Refreshments by Beryl and Sue were much appreciated.

Flowers were donated by Sue and given to Maureen Merrett.

Arlingham WI meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30pm in Arlingham Village Hall.

New members are most welcome- just come along on the night.