Wokingham PROBUS Club

WOKINGHAM PROBUS Club members meeting at John

Nike Centre, Bracknell, on Wednesday, November 1, were enthralled by a tale from club member Tony Weston on his detective work around a piece of antique furniture.

Tony explained that when an antique writing box inherited from his grandmother was sent for restoration a cache of household bills and letters was found in a secret compartment.

These documents which dated from the latter part of the 19th Century were put there by a well to do family in Nottinghamshire long before the miniature desk came into Tony’s family.

From incomplete names and addresses ‘Sherlock’

Tony pieced together the circumstances of the Scales family, all from Mrs Scales’ accounts with local tradesmen. The family turned out to be prominent linen producers with a substantial factory in Newark and business connections in London.

Once the identity of this family had been revealed, the census returns and various museum searches were opened up. This culminated in finding present day descendents of the Scales.

Tony’s talk gave a fascinating insight to late Victorian life. Wages and prices paid then were compared with their modern day equivalents, everything from bacon to corsets!

A most entertaining talk, much appreciated by members and guests.

PROBUS is a meeting place for retired or semi-retired professional and business people who assemble monthly in an informal and friendly atmosphere for social chat, a pleasant lunch and a talk on a general interest topic.

New members will be most welcome. Fees are modest, lunches good value and the company friendly with a wide range of experiences from their varied working lives.

Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month at 12.30pm for 1pm lunch, with a talk usually following. The meeting place is John Nike Leisuresport, John Nike Way, Bracknell, R 12 8TN.

For more details, please contact the Secretary, Cec Williams, by e-mail at pandcec@yahoo.com.

Prospective members will be most welcome to come and meet us, by prior arrangement please, and try us out without obligation.