'Histry Bits'
'History Bits'
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David Miller has had to stop writing his popular monthly ‘Histry Bits’ column for the Mallard due to his worsening Parkinson’s condition.
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Now, with thanks to his son Joe and daughter-in-law Lotta, all sixty-seven of the ‘Histry Bits’ articles have been compiled into book form for sale at £5 a copy. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from sales will be donated to Parkinson’s UK. The last two columns are included on this page to give a flavour of the book.
Please help this worthy cause.
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Books are available at Massingham Stores & Post Office, Ling’s Country Goods, the Dabbling Duck or directly from Su’en Miller
on 01485 520988
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‘Histry Bits' No 67 - The Dancing Bear
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One of the most disturbing visitors to the village (at least to our modern eyes) was a dancing bear, photographed in the school playground at the end of the 19th century.
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Dancing bears were once a common sight in villages and towns throughout the country, the bears shuffling in a sad ‘dance’ while their trainers played tunes on flutes or tin whistles. Dancing bears were usually obtained as small cubs from Siberia, then cruelly treated as they were forced to stand upright for long periods of time. Their growls producing shouts and squeals of terror from the onlookers.
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Dancing bears have been outlawed for many decades now, though occasionally there are reports of the practice resurfacing in India and even Spain.
David Miller
Histry Bits No 66 - A Village Christmas
What was Christmas like in the village a hundred and fifty years ago? Ernest Johnson who grew up in Massingham has left us a vivid account of the festivities.
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“During Christmas week the church choir would be entertained by the Rector, Reverend Arnold, at the Rectory. A good tea would be provided and this was followed by games. Presents for everyone would be given from the Christmas tree. These would all be of a very useful and substantial character, such as mufflers, scarves, gloves and handkerchiefs. A good supper would end a very pleasant evening.
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Our carol-singing was always very well received, and we were feasted by all classes, Church people and Nonconformists alike, with cakes and wine, oranges and nuts. We all made an effort to turn out, no matter what the weather might be. And it used to be winter back then! Snow would be feet deep. Ice would be inches thick. Icicles would be feet long and hanging down from every conceivable nook and corner and house-top. The shimmering of the moonlight, the glistening of snow and ice, the lighted torches of the skaters as they glided gracefully (and, frequently otherwise) over the frozen ponds, the merry laughter of the sliders and the distant carol-singers’ melodious voices, the whole interspersed with the ringing of the church bells made up a magical winter’s scene.
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On Christmas Eve every old person was presented with a substantial parcel of grocery, a supply of coal and, in many cases, a joint of meat, by the Rector, while his wife, Lady Charlotte Arnold, would give blankets and warm clothing as Christmas gifts.”
And a Merry Christmas to all!
David Miller
