Category: Observations
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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.
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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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Class Distinction
Barrowsgate compares the leadership qualities of church ministers and shepherds and concludes that neither can lead their flocks with their noses in the air.
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The Airt Polite
Barrowsgate recalls the time he pushed his sister Jean into the mill stream, politely remembering to say “after you”.
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Moses Esq. – Promoter
Barrowsgate is convinced that Moses was a Scot, and that he raised money for his church by organising sales of work. Note: The only printed copy of this Bittie is almost illegible but the typescript that was submitted to the BBC around 1958 can be downloaded below.
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Mistress Barrowsgate Explains
Mistress Barrowsgate goes away for the weekend and leaves Barrowsgate four pounds of meat that he can roast. Instead, he decides to make a pie, boils the meat dry and rolls out the pastry with Mistress B’s clothes mangle.