The March meeting of the Dudley South Ladies Luncheon was particularly enjoyable when chairman Mary Jones welcomed 33 members to hear speaker John Mobberley who asked “Do you remember when?”. Following an excellent 3-course lunch members were in for a treat when reminded about life in the 1940s. In September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland the war changed everyone’s life forever.

Radio was a life line and everyone listened to Workers Playtime recorded in factory canteens when Wilfred Pickles and his wife Mabel at the Table asked workers “Are you courting?” with Violet Carson on the piano. There was free milk for mothers and children and penicillin was only available for soldiers.

Women received an old age pension for the first time and two weeks paid holiday was first introduced. There was no unemployment because everyone was involved in war work, including the long forgotten Womens Timber Corps. Cigarettes were very fashionable and smoke filled the air in dance halls when the Glen Miller Band played Chattanooga Choo Choo. He showed samples of the meagre rations and clothing coupons when one pair of pants had to last a year – hence the slogan “Make do and mend”. He wore a dazzling fairisle pullover originally created to use up odd bits of wool. He brought a gas mask and stone hot water bottle to help his audience enter into the spirit of nostalgia. He was so popular he was asked to return again and continue his next instalment.

Ann Rogers confirmed two outings, firstly to the Blind Institute, including lunch, on May 21 and Dudley Zoo with a cream tea on June 25.

Later in the year a coach outing will be arranged to Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull. The next luncheon will meet at the Kingfisher Hotel, Wallheath on April 11 12 for 12.30pm departing at 3 pm when the speaker will be Ray Sturdy on Whitley Court. Visitors will receive a warm welcome – for further information ring the secretary on 01902 372984.