OUR speaker in November was Prof McGinty, who takes his travelling museum to primary schools throughout the country.

He covers seven periods from the Roman to WW2 in order to bring history alive.

During the evening he showed and allowed us to handle his artefacts, some being genuine and others very good copies. These included an Egyptian headrest, which they slept on to keep insects out of their ears. A Roman "scraper" which was used for scraping off the wax and dead skin after washing, which was then sold off as aftershave and women's face cream.

A very heavy Roman helmet, a short sword, "gladius" which had blunt edges and was used for protection but had a very sharp point.

A Tudor gimble, which was designed to keep oil lamps and compasses stable aboard ships. A WW2 "Mickey Mouse" gas mask, familiar to some of our members, its ability to make rude noises appealed to children.

A darning mushroom, a Victorian carpet beater, washboard and washing dolly, butter pats, kid glove stretcher and tablet maker.

All these items were accompanied by amusing, but factual tales, causing much laughter amongst the audience. What a pleasant way to add to your knowledge of history!