Category: Observations
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Listenin’ In
Barrowsgate eavesdrops on two women at the cinema and finds that they have a very low opinion of him – “he’s some kin’ o’ vritin’ cratur fa’s been awa foreign”.
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The Silence O’ Barrowsgate
Barrowsgate gives his forthright opinion on politics and politicians. Context: The 1935 United Kingdom general election was held on Thursday 14 November 1935. It resulted in a second victory for the three-party National Government, which was led by Stanley Baldwin of the Conservative Party after the resignation of Ramsay MacDonald (National Labour) due to ill…
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Rob an’ Me
Barrowsgate is invited to a social event at the Mutual but he isn’t sure about the correct etiquette.
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Washing – Plain and Fancy
Barrowsgate does the weekly clothes washing, a job he thinks that women make too much of a fuss about. His services will not be required for this task again in the future.
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The Curin’ Trade
Barrowsgate wonders whether there are any unwell people left, given the number of advertisments in the newspapers claiming to have cured people from every sort of ailment.
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The Very Devil – Alias “Nicky Ben”
Barrowsgate describes meeting a man in uniform on the train who has vowed to drive the Devil out of Drumndroggit, Kildronan and Kilmaur. Barrowsgate suggests that the Devil is possibly not as bad as everybody makes out.
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War in Peace
Barrowsgate wonders why modern-day wars can’t be settled like they were in bygone times. Context: In October 1935, Mussolini invaded Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).
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Society, Tribbles an’ Ties
Barrowsgate weighs into a debate about the “correct” wearing of neck ties.
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The Fire Alarm
Barrowsgate continues his history of the Kippertoon Fire Brigade with an account of its first call-out.
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Kippertoon Fire Brigade
Barrowsgate describes the grand opening ceremony for the Kippertoon Fire Brigade. Context: Fraserburgh only got its first professional fire brigade with engine in 1931. Before that, it only had handcarts and volunteers.