luxor

The Luxor Episode 1 – Beryl Arrives Beryl was so nervous that she nearly left her suitcase on the train at Talbot Road station. It was brown hardboard and the metal corners rubbed against her legs and nearly laddered her nylons. As she waited for the bus, she read the billboard. Blackpool Gazette: Mr Attlee Calls Election.

Her last place had been in Morecambe. Beryl loved the views across Morecambe Bay to the hills of the Lake District. The hotel had been alright, but Beryl thought it would be fun to do a season at Blackpool. It was 1950, and Blackpool was buzzing.

Despite what her mother thought, chamber-maid was a lot more interesting than working in the mills. Her mother, though, was proud of Beryl. The Luxor Hotel was the most prestigious in Blackpool. Her mother knew Beryl had done well to get a job there.

There were other young women in their early twenties on the bus, but Beryl was a little taller than most. Her face was rounded rather than pinched, pretty but not beautiful, with big dark wavy hair.

“The Luxor, please,” said Beryl to the bus conductor. How exciting, a new job.

Background: Set in February, 1950. Set in the fictitious Luxor Hotel, the most prestigious in Blackpool. Blackpool had two main railway stations. Talbot Road is now the main station, Blackpool North. Central station is now a car park. The General Election was held on 23rd February.

Questions: Did you ever go on holiday to Blackpool? Where did you go to the seaside? Do you remember travelling by steam train?

The Luxor Episode 2 – Gwyneth Arrives Beryl, the new chamber-maid at The Luxor Hotel, had arrived on the local train.

She was on the bus now, heading for her new job.

Across town at the same time, Gwyneth Jones had arrived on the express train at Central station. She called a porter. She was polite but firm. He brought a trolley for her trunk and her two cases. She ordered a taxi.

“Where for?” said the taxi driver.

“The Luxor.” Gwyneth hesitated. “The staff entrance.”

“Oh,” said the taxi driver. The lady looked more like a guest than one of the staff. Gwyneth was attractive, but not glamorous. She was tall, with a page-boy hairstyle, and bright red lipstick.

“I’m the new Housekeeper,” Gwyneth explained. “Chief Housekeeper,” she added quickly.

Gwyneth’s last job had been at a hotel in Llandudno. She loved Llandudno, with its long esplanade, and Great Orme Head, and Happy Valley Park. Better still, Llandudno was near home. Gwyneth’s father was a hill farmer. It was hard to make a living. Gwyneth’s mother was pleased her daughter had bettered herself.

Now Gwyneth was in Blackpool, on her way to a new job in a bigger hotel. What would life be like at The Luxor?

Background: Gwyneth Jones is from a Welsh farming family. Llandudno is one of the main seaside resorts in North Wales.

Questions: What was it like starting a new job? How did you feel?

The Luxor Episode 3 – A Meeting Beryl, the new chamber-maid, got off the bus on the North Shore at Blackpool.

She looked up at the front of The Luxor Hotel, the most prestigious in town. It had a magnificent entrance, with a gold painted sphinx and art-deco lighting.

She would have loved to go in by the front entrance. Instead she hurried down the side street with her case.

Gwyneth Jones, the new Chief Housekeeper, was in a taxi. She didn’t see much of the prom as the taxi sped along the front, under The Tower. Very soon the driver turned down the street by the side of The Luxor.

A boy helped Gwyneth with her trunk and two cases out of the taxi. Beryl nearly fell over the trunk on the pavement.

Both Beryl and Gwyneth arrived at the staff entrance at the same time.

“Are you new, too?” Beryl asked Gwyneth.

“Yes,” said Gwyneth.

“I hope it’s alright here,” said Beryl. “I wonder what the Housekeeper will be like? My last one was a right dragon.”

Background: Blackpool Tower opened in 1894. It was designed to be a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The Luxor is situated somewhere on the North Shore or around Bispham.

Questions: Have you ever been to Blackpool Tower? Have you ever been to Paris and seen the Eiffel Tower?

The Luxor Episode 4 – “Oh, It’s You” “You not up yet?” Gladys didn’t wait for a reply. “You’ll have to be stirring yourself. Especially on your first day. Don’t want to be given your cards before you’ve even started.”

Beryl had not slept well. The room she shared with Gladys was small. It was right at the back of The Luxor. There was no sea view. You couldn’t see the Tower. And Gladys snored.

Gladys had worked at The Luxor since the war. She had a loud voice and often emphasised the wrong words. Her voice matched her build. She was large everywhere but not overweight. She was already middle-aged and the lines on her face suggested a lot of hard work.

Beryl hoped she would meet the other new starter, the young woman she’d bumped into at the staff entrance last night. Her name was Gwyneth Jones.

Beryl had been told to report to the Chief Housekeeper. Beryl wondered how many new maids there might be as well as the one she had met last night. She knocked on the door marked Chief Housekeeper.

“Come in,” boomed Gwyneth.

Beryl went in. “Oh,” said Beryl, “It’s you.”

Background: Gladys and Beryl are both chamber-maids. They share a room.

It is small, with just enough room for two beds. Beryl thinks Gwyneth, her boss, is also a chamber-maid.

Questions: Have you ever made a mistake, like Beryl’s? What was it, or would you rather not say? How did you feel?

The Luxor Episode 5 – The Boss Beryl had made a fool of herself. She had thought the new Chief Housekeeper was a maid, just like her. Gwyneth Jones, in her new job as Chief Housekeeper at The Luxor, had found this funny. But she had a job to do, and she wanted Beryl to know who was boss. Gwyneth hadn’t appointed Beryl, but she came with good references and she looked like a hard worker. “You’ll call me Miss Jones,” said Gwyneth.

Beryl tried to remember her way round the hotel, the kitchens, the laundry, the staff kitchen, the General Manager’s office, the rather gaudy lobby and Reception, the Dining Rooms and the Ballroom, the grand stairs with worn carpet, the best suites, the rooms on four floors above, the laundry cupboards, the lifts, which she wasn’t to use, and the back stairs.

That night, Beryl lay awake. Gladys was sound asleep just feet away in the room they shared. Beryl couldn’t get to sleep. She couldn’t remember a thing. The names were all jumbled up. She couldn’t begin to find her way round. The only thing she did know was that she had offended Miss Jones. She remembered that name.

Background: The Luxor is set as one of the best hotels in Blackpool. It is large but still worn after the war.

Questions: What is the largest hotel you have ever stayed in? Where was it?

What was it like?

The Luxor Episode 6 – Mr Lancaster

Gwyneth, the new Chief Housekeeper, had been at weekly meetings before, of course, but never one so big. The one person she recognised was Mr Lancaster, the General Manager. He was much younger than any manager she had ever seen before. If she was 35, he might only be 40. He wore a shirt and tie and not wing-collars. He was tall with a long face, but not unattractive.

“Call me Bill,” he had said on her first day. “But better keep it to Mr Lancaster outside the office.”

Today it was definitely Mr Lancaster. He ran the meeting well. He gave people time to speak, but interrupted if they went on too long. Gwyneth noticed that he actually made decisions. Perhaps he had been in the army. Perhaps he had been an officer. She liked to think he had.

“Do we still have vacancies for chamber-maids?”

“We do, Mr Lancaster,” said Gwyneth. “One started on Monday. A nice girl, from Burnley. But we could do with three more.”

“Trouble is, things are just starting to pick up. There are better paid jobs now, or they’re having babies.”

Background: Mr Lancaster, Bill is about 40. He has been in the army. He alludes to the Baby Boom mums after the war.

Questions: How old were you during the war? What did you do? Did you have relatives in the forces or the ATS? Why were the children after the war called Baby Boomers?

The Luxor Episode 7 – Gladys Gladys had put off the light even before Beryl had got to bed in the room they shared. “What do you think of it, then?”

With her loud voice, in such a small attic room, Gladys sounded like a fog-horn.

Beryl nearly wanted to tell her to keep her voice down, but she was wary of the older woman.

“Well,” said Beryl, “I like The Luxor. It’ll get a better sort of guest.”

“Don’t you believe it. It gets all sorts does this place,” said Gladys.

“But not like a Boarding House?” queried Beryl.

“No, nothing like a Boarding House,” replied Gladys.

Beryl persisted: “But there’ll be nice people stay. And monied people.”

“Some. Some’ll have money. And some’ll just reckon they have,” Gladys concluded.

Gladys didn’t say goodnight. She had never really said hello. Beryl wondered why Gladys had stuck the place so long if she didn’t like it.

Beryl liked The Luxor. She liked being on the North Shore, even if she hadn’t yet had a day off nor seen the sea. Just for a season, The Luxor would be alright.

Background: Seaside landladies, especially Blackpool ones, became a caricature, and the butt of many jokes, especially for their sternness.

Questions: Have you ever stayed at a seaside boarding house? What was it like? What do you think of when you think of seaside landladies?

The Luxor Episode 8 - Dogsbodies Beryl, the new chamber-maid at the Luxor, Blackpool’s most prestigious hotel, was making up Room 334. She paused to look across the prom to the sea. It was blowing hard and spray whipped over the railings here and there.

Suddenly in came a small, fat man in a brown cloth jacket. “Catched you napping, aye? It’s Ron to you and Ronnie to the missus. General dogsbody, I am.” He pointed at a thin young man with a small thin tache. “And this here is Pete, Dogsbody’s mate. And a godsend to every woman under thirty from Fleetwood Docks to Lytham sands.”

“Only jealous, Ron. And, anyway, why under thirty?” asked Pete.

“Been looking in on the new Housekeeper have you?” Ronnie countered.

“Might have been,” said Pete.

“Out of your class, mate.”

“I’d better get on,” said Beryl, a little embarrassed.

“So had we. Come to move that wardrobe.”

On the way out, Beryl was sure Pete had winked at her. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She was momentarily excited, but then wished she hadn’t been.

Background: Blackpool is at the centre of the Fylde coast, stretching in the north from Fleetwood, past Cleveleys, through Blackpool, past St Annes to Lytham. Fleetwood was an important fishing port.

Questions: Which other ports around the coast were important for fishing?

(Examples: Grimsby, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Brixham, Hull, Peterhead)

The Luxor Episode 9 – An Old Goat Gladys had put the light out again. She did this every night before Beryl could get to her bed in the room they shared. Tonight Beryl stubbed her toe on the iron bedstead. It hurt like mad, but she didn’t say anything.

Gladys did a lot of complaining but didn’t listen herself. So there was no point asking her to change her ways. She wasn’t unfriendly, but she was abrupt and loud and unapproachable. Beryl wondered whether Gladys had many friends.

Beryl thought that the Housekeeper maybe always put new chamber-maids in with Gladys. It maybe stopped them getting too lively. You wouldn’t call Gladys lively. Yet she must have had a past. She must have been young once. Beryl wondered what sort of future her room-mate might have. Beryl was only thinking of doing the season at Blackpool. Gladys seemed as though she might be there for the duration.

“I met Ron and Pete today,” said Beryl. No answer. “Cheery sorts.”

“You want to watch that one,” grunted Gladys.

“Oh, Pete. I can deal with him,” quipped Beryl.

“No, Ronnie. The old goat.”

Background: Gladys is older than most of the other chamber-maids.

Questions: Do you know anyone who worked in hotels? Where was this? What did they do

The Luxor Episode 10 – Cigarette?

The new Chief Housekeeper wanted a word with the General Manager in his office.

“Mr Lancaster,” said Gwyneth.

“Bill.”

“Bill. We need at least three more chamber-maids before Easter. Other hotels are offering a bit more. I think we need to do the same.”

“Gwyneth, this place may look like a gold mine, but the glory days may be over.”

“But this is The Luxor,” said Gwyneth.

“The thing is Gwyneth. Cigarette?” offered Bill.

“No, thanks. I don’t smoke.”

“Well, The Luxor is the most prestigious hotel in Blackpool. And, yes, after the war, people were just glad to get away. But already we are losing out to Bournemouth and Torquay. And people are starting to go to France again.”

“And the people who come to Blackpool can’t afford The Luxor,” Gwyneth chipped in.

“Quite. So we exist on wealthy spinsters, conferences, top-bill comedians, and a better class of spiv.”

“Royalty have been here, though, Bill.”

“Oh, yes,” said Bill. “Scotch?”

“No, Bill. Well, certainly not at this time of the day.” Gwyneth was quite shocked.

Background: Smoking was commonplace during the war and into the fifties and sixties.

Questions: Have you holidayed in Bournemouth or Torquay? Where did you go for your holidays? Have you ever holidayed abroad? Where have you been?

Do you prefer to holiday in Britain or abroad, and why?

The Luxor Episode 11 – A Night Out It was Beryl’s first night out in Blackpool. Beryl had been for Wakes Weeks with her mum and dad before the war, but that was different.

Ellie had asked her. She worked on the second-floor mainly and had a room of her own. It was tiny and only just had room for a bed, but if you stood on tip-toe you could see the Tower from the sky-light.

Ellie was only 19, three years younger than Beryl. She had worked at other Blackpool hotels. This is the best, she told Beryl. “They’re nice here,” said Ellie, “and it’s so big, you can get lost.”

“I know. I still can’t find my way,” said Beryl.

“I mean, skive a bit. There’s plenty of places to put your feet up.”

“Ellie!”

“Oh, you’re a proper one. Here, I can’t afford The Tower or The Winter Gardens tonight. You’ve got to save up for them. Let’s just go in here.”

As they went in to the pub, they bumped in to a young man coming out.

“Pete!” cried Ellie, and Pete turned round and went back in with them.

Background: Blackpool Winter Gardens opened in 1878. It had a large Opera House and a Ballroom.

Questions: Have you ever been to the Winter Gardens? Have you ever been to a large ballroom, especially one at a seaside resort? What did you do / see?

The Luxor Episode 12 - Ellie Ellie had sneaked up on to the third floor. She found Beryl in the Laundry Cupboard, which was large enough to have a dance. It was lovely and warm.

“Best place in the hotel, this,” said Ellie. “I’m always finding reasons to work in the Laundry Cupboard.” She smiled at Beryl. Ellie may not have much work in her but she was friendly. “So, what did you and Pete get up to last night?”

“Nothing,” said Beryl. It really had been nothing, nothing at all, but she blushed all the same.

“I lost you when I went to powder my nose. Where did you go?”

“Nowhere,” protested Beryl. “ I went to the toilet as well, and when I came back, Pete had gone. There were three old men at our table, and I couldn’t see you. I waited, just inside the lounge bar, but I never saw you. I caught the first bus I could.”

“I’ll believe you,” Ellie chuckled. She had a nice smile in a thin, bony face. Ellie would be called petite.

Everything Beryl had said was true, but, all the same, Beryl knew her cheeks were crimson.

Background: Ellie is a younger chamber-maid.

Questions: Were any members of your family maids or in service? Especially, were any of your older relatives in service?

The Luxor Episode 13 – Short Notice

Even as Chief Housekeeper, Gwyneth Jones was wary of Miss Evans, the secretary. Bill Lancaster had inherited her from his predecessor. She was, he had to admit, very good at her job. Indeed, The Luxor could not be run without her.

“Mr Lancaster will see you now,” said Miss Evans. The secretary had the straightest back Gwyneth had ever seen. Not a hair on her head was out of place.

Her bun was so tight, that it made Gwyneth wonder what Miss Evans could possibly be like when she let her hair down. Then again, Gwyneth couldn’t imagine Miss Evans ever letting her hair down.

Bill Lancaster was affable. “Cigarette? Oh, no, you don’t, do you?”

“No, thanks, Bill,” said Gwyneth.

“Thing is, with this election, we’ve got Mr Churchill coming. Going to be speaking at the football ground.”

“When?” asked Gwyneth.

“Tonight. Short notice. We need the Fylde Suite made ready. He’s due on the next train from Manchester. Will probably want to have a kip before he goes on from here.”

“We’re short staffed, but that new girl and I will get straight on to it.”

Background: In 1950 it was not unusual for politicians to hold open-air rallies.

Winston Churchill held one in 1949 at Wolves football ground in the West Midlands in the run up to the 1950 election.

Questions: Do you remember any politicians from the forties and fifties?

The Luxor Episode 14 – Mr Churchill Beryl saw to the bed and Gwyneth saw to everything else. Beryl was amazed at how hard the Chief Housekeeper worked.

Gwyneth liked the new chamber-maid. “She’s a worker,” Gwyneth thought.

They soon had the Fylde Suite ready. Mr Churchill was due any minute.

Beryl went over to smooth out the curtains one more time. There were three large black Humber cars on the forecourt.

Beryl had no time to warn Gwyneth before there was a commotion on the corridor outside.

The General Manager, Mr Lancaster, was in the doorway. Behind him was a surprisingly short man with glasses and a very familiar face.

Beryl let out a gasp. Gwyneth went pale and started to shake. Mr Lancaster started to apologise.

Churchill walked right in, next to Beryl, and looked out across the sea. “Never mind me, my dear. I just need to get these shoes off and have a large whisky before I give those Socialists what-for tonight.”

In the corridor, as Mr Lancaster expressed his thanks, Gwyneth was sure that his hand had just brushed hers as they parted.

Background: The Fylde Suite is meant to be the best at The Luxor.

Questions: Do you remember Winston Churchill? Do you remember him speaking, perhaps on the wireless?

The Luxor Episode 15 – Newly Laundered Sheets Beryl loved the smell of newly laundered sheets. She loved the feel of pressed cotton. They were fresh out of the Laundry Room, and they were warm to the touch.

As she made up yet another bed on the third floor of The Luxor, Beryl remembered clambering into a freshly changed bed when she was a child. It was one of the most comforting thoughts of home.

Money was tight in Burnley in the Thirties, but Beryl’s mother always kept things clean. In Beryl’s memory, her mother was always ironing or washing, scrubbing floors, blackleading grates, or sweeping the front step and the street outside their door.

Of course, the sheets at The Luxor were thicker and heavier than her mother could afford. Like everything at The Luxor, they were made to last.

At that moment, Beryl could have clambered into the bed she had just made, between the tightly pulled sheets, and curled up and slept and slept. But she had twelve more rooms to do.

Yet in the next room, the memories were just the same. Clean sheets and a warm bed: what could be nicer?

Background: Traditionally, women in terraced houses in towns like Burnley kept their houses and font steps spotlessly clean. Most terraced houses had no front garden. Nearly all household tasks were done by hand, mainly by women.

Questions: What is the feel and smell of newly laundered sheets?

What was life like for your mother?

The Luxor Episode 16 – Gladys Stops A Rattle As if it wasn’t bad enough that Beryl had to share a room, she had to share it with Gladys. Gladys, who talked at you rather than with you. Gladys, who put out the light before Beryl had got to bed. Even worse, Gladys who snored.

But not tonight. Neither of the chamber-maids could get to sleep. It was February and a bitter cold east wind was blowing. It made the window rattle. It was a sash window, but it was worn, and the two halves shook in the wind.

“I’ll have to fettle that window,” exclaimed Gladys, and she rolled out of bed.

She looked around for something to push in the gap between the two panes.

“You can never find anything when you want it,” complained Gladys. She rummaged around in the dark. At last she found a small book of some sort. She wedged it into the gap. The window stopped rattling.

Beryl turned over in her bed. Oh, for a good night’s kip.

Gladys was soon sleeping.

Peace at last! But then, just as Beryl was about to drop off, Gladys started to snore.

Background: Gladys and Beryl share a small room, just big enough for two beds.

Questions: Do you think you ever snore? What is it like trying to sleep with someone snoring? Do you sleep well? What might stop you sleeping well?

The Luxor Episode 17 – Ration Book Wow Miss Evans was on the phone. Gwyneth Jones, the new Chief Housekeeper, had been at The Luxor just long enough to know that meant trouble.

Miss Evans was the General Manager’s secretary, and what she didn’t know about the hotel wasn’t worth knowing. There was no denying she was efficient.

If there was trouble, she wasn’t one to muddle through or sweep it under the carpet. She faced trouble head on and got things sorted. If you were in a tight spot you would have wanted Miss Evans by your side.

Accounts, Miss Evans told Miss Jones, couldn’t find the new chamber-maid’s ration book. Had she not handed it over on her first day? She should have given it to Miss Jones. Where was it? If Accounts couldn’t prove that all her papers were in order, the new chamber-maid would have to go.

Gwyneth Jones remembered Beryl, the new chamber-maid, coming to her office that first morning. But Gwyneth herself had just started. Maybe she had forgotten something. This didn’t just look bad for Beryl, it didn’t put Gwyneth in a good light either.

Where was that ration book?

Background: Rationing lasted long after the war, with most food rationing not ending until 1954. The rations allowed were small. During the war, Identity Cards were also introduced. With many people, both men and women in the forces, having your papers in order was very important.

Questions: What are your memories of rationing?

Where was that ration book?

The Luxor Episode 18 – Where Could It Be? Accounts didn’t have Beryl’s ration book. Without it, the hotel might have to let her go. Where was it?

Beryl searched high and low. She looked in her case. She emptied all her pockets. She went through all her clothes. She only had one hand-bag, but she emptied it three times, tipped it up twice, and finally threw it on the bed in despair.

She could nearly have sat down and wept. To think that a bit of paper and a card cover could be so important. She had only been at The Luxor a fortnight, but she loved the place already and was looking forward to the summer season in Blackpool. Now she might lose her job and have to go back home to Burnley.

Would Miss Jones, the Chief Housekeeper even give her a reference?

Gladys, Beryl’s room-mate, didn’t help in the search, though for once she had plenty to say. “It won’t be your fault, love,” said Gladys. “It’ll be them in charge.

They’ll have lost it. They couldn’t run a whelk stall.”

No, Beryl was sure it was her own fault. She felt ill with worry.

Background: As today, having a good reference from an employer was important.

Questions: Have you ever had to give a reference? What was it like when you changed jobs?

The Luxor Episode 19 – Gwyneth Has A Word Bill Lancaster’s office was large, even for a General Manager. The furniture was old-fashioned, sturdy, beautiful and highly polished. The leather seat of his chair was lovely and smooth. At least six General Manager’s had sat in it since The Luxor was built in the 1870’s. Gwyneth Jones, the Chief Housekeeper had come on an urgent errand. Bill Lancaster was relaxed and welcoming.

“Cigarette?” said Bill. He knew Gwyneth didn’t smoke, but he liked to plague her every time she came to see him. Gwyneth had only been at The Luxor a few weeks, but already Gwyneth and Bill had struck up a friendly working banter of small in-jokes and regular habits.

“Bill,” said Gwyneth. “You’ll have heard that we may have to let the new chamber-maid go?”

“Yes, Beryl from Burnley,” quipped Bill.

“She’s a good worker, and we’re short staffed already,” said Gwyneth.

Bill leaned back in his chair. “Well, we need to find her ration book, and fast.”

The trouble was, no one could find Beryl’s ration book. Where could it possibly be?

Background: By the 1870’s Blackpool was booming. Hotels like The Luxor were often rebuilt or given make-overs. The Luxor would get its art-deco front and the gold-painted sphinx at the entrance in the late twenties.

Questions: Did you ever have to go to the boss’s office? Or were you the boss?

What was it like? How did you feel?

The Luxor Episode 20 – Press Button A If Beryl didn’t find her ration book soon, the hotel might let her go.

Perhaps she had left it at home in Burnley. No one in Beryl’s street had a telephone, but her mum always phoned on a Wednesday night. Beryl waited anxiously by the staff telephone that night. At last it rang. She picked up the heavy bakelite receiver. It smelt musty under her nose. She heard the clunk as her mother pressed button A in the telephone box in Burnley and the money fell with a metallic thud.

Beryl explained her predicament. Her mother nearly cried. She would look for it at home. All important documents were in a small wooden box on the mantelpiece. It was sure to turn up. She would ring Beryl back at eight.

As eight approached, Beryl paced about between the staff telephone and the door to the kitchens. All the smells of dinners being prepared came out into the corridor. What with all the worry, the smell of food made Beryl felt sick.

At last, the reassuring sound of her mother’s voice.

“Oh, Beryl, no,” said her mum, “it’s not there.” Beryl felt awful.

Background: Few households had their own phone in 1950. Instead they had two use red telephone boxes. The red telephone box, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was introduced in 1924. In the telephone box, you lifted the receiver, dialled the number or the operator, and placed the money in the slot.

When connected, you pressed Button A and the money went into the coin box.

If not connected, you pressed Button B and got your money back.

Questions: Do you remember using the old A and B button phones? How did they work? What is your favourite memory of red telephone boxes?

The Luxor Episode 21 – Ronnie Makes A Discovery It was a cold morning. Beryl brushed out her hair and then pinned it into place ready for work. But she was shaking so much, she could hardly handle the hairpins. It was so cold, and she was so worried. This might be her last day at The Luxor. If she couldn’t find her ration book, they would let her go.

Beryl peeped through the curtains. It was so cold, that there was ice in a crazy pattern on the inside of the window. At least Gladys had managed to stop the window rattling in the wind, but it needed a proper repair.

At ten, Beryl had a break and rushed to her room. She started a frantic last search for her ration book. She looked everywhere. She even looked under her bed.

“Now there’s a sight for sore eyes.” Ronnie the handyman had suddenly arrived.

Beryl was annoyed and nearly hit her head on the iron bedstead as she got up off the floor.

“Just come to fix this widow,” laughed Ronnie. “Here, who’s mended it with this?”

It was Beryl’s ration book. Beryl was overjoyed. She could stay at The Luxor.

Background: Gladys had used Beryl’s Ration Book to stop the window rattling.

Questions: What is the costliest thing you have ever lost? What happened?

The Luxor Episode 22 - Jimmy Jimmy Buchanan was from Glasgow. Everyone who met him knew he was from Glasgow. The accent, the small, dark features, even the name suggested Glasgow. In the army he had got used to the ribbing, and the constant shouts of “Aye, you, Jimmy!” His English pals in his regiment did this unmercilessly, but so did Scots, especially the Highlanders and those from Edinburgh and the Borders. He got used to it. It lost its power to annoy him.

In the army he had thrived, despite Rommel’s best efforts to kill him. Jimmy Buchanan was well liked. He never got any stripes, but he was dependable and, on one occasion, almost recklessly brave. He got a medal for that, but he never showed it to anyone except his ma and pa.

The trouble started as soon as he was demobbed. He moved from job to job.

Once or twice he got into fights. He managed to steer clear of the courts, but he saw the back of a police van a time or two.

Finally, he settled to bar work, and now here he was at The Luxor. Things were looking up for Jimmy.

Background: The Glasgow accent is considered a stronger accent than other Scottish voices. Jimmy Buchanan had been in the Eighth Army in North Africa during the war.

Questions: Have you ever been called nicknames, or ribbed or teased about your dialect or accent? Which dialect or accent do you particularly like, and why?

The Luxor Episode 23 – Charlie Cheese The bar at The Luxor was quiet. It was February, and even though Blackpool was busy, it was out of season. There were shows to see even in winter, at The Winter Gardens and on the piers. Those at the top of the bill liked the good things in life, at least while the money lasted. So the top-bill performers and comedians holed up at The Luxor in their free time.

Jimmy Buchanan, the barman, was polishing pint glasses. Business was slack.

He looked quite dapper in his white suit and dicky-bow. His black hair was thinning already. He wasn’t thirty yet, but he had to wave it across his head. It was held in place with maybe rather too much Brylcreem.

At last, a fresh customer. Jimmy recognised him straight away. Everyone knew Charlie Cheese, the comedian. Charlie had been on the boards since before the war. Even in civvies, he looked baggy and creased.

“What can I get you?” asked Jimmy.

“A whisky,” replied Charlie.

“Neat?” asked Jimmy.

“Well, as tidy as you can make it.”

Background: All the famous names of the stage and music hall played at Blackpool, either at the pier theatres or at The Winter Gardens.

Questions: Who is the funniest comedian you have heard? Why was he so funny?

The Luxor Episode 24 – The Tangerines Pete and Jimmy walked through Blackpool to the football match. There were thousands of people, mostly men, all heading the same way. It was a cold Saturday afternoon. Pete’s father had supported the Tangerines since the twenties. He couldn’t believe the success they were having now. They were in the First Division and serious contenders for the title.

Pete had only got the job at The Luxor because his old man knew Ronnie, the handyman. Pete was just twenty. He fancied himself, and reckoned that the ladies did too.

Both Pete and Jimmy, the Barman, had Saturday afternoon off. Every fortnight by three o’clock they were stood on the steep terraces of the Spion Kop at the north end of the ground. There was great camaraderie on the terraces. Even though Jimmy was from Glasgow, he felt he belonged. It was like one big family.

By five o’clock, Pete and Jimmy were wending their way back to The Luxor.

They were happy men. Stan Mortenson and Stanley Matthews had both scored as Blackpool beat Derby County 2-0. At least for an afternoon, Pete and Jimmy felt that they too could beat the world.

Background: After the war, with Blackpool booming, the football club was very fashionable and attracted star players. The players’ wages were low, but they were the celebrities of their day. Blackpool never won the Football League, though they were runners-up in 1956, but they had thrilling FA Cup finals in 1948 and 1949, when they were beaten by Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively, and 1953, when they finally won, Stanley Matthews being credited with their amazing comeback against Bolton Wanderers.

Attendances at all sporting events after the war were enormous, almost out of a sense of relief at the end of most hostilities.

Questions: What is your favourite sport? What is your best sporting memory?

The Luxor Episode 25 – Pay Day It was pay day. Beryl thought that her room-mate Gladys might have shown some interest. “The little we get, it’s not worth waiting for,” is all Gladys would say.

The two chamber-maids went to collect their pay together. They stood in a small queue beside the Cashier’s Office. Gladys reckoned she had spent most of her life stood in queues. Everything official seemed to involve standing in queues.

Then the war had brought bread queues and meat queues. The entire country, especially women, seemed to be stood in one queue or another.

When Beryl got to the counter, a little man pushed a small brown envelope under the grill. No one opened their wage packets there and then, so Beryl thrust it into her apron pocket.

Gladys followed suit. On the way back to their room, Gladys had more to say.

“There’ll be nothing worth having in that packet. Them that have money will just be taking from those of us that haven’t. It’s always been like that, and it always will be.”

Beryl, rightly or wrongly, was just glad to have some money in her pocket.

Background: Queuing was a major part of life during the war and long after.

Questions: What did you have to queue for? How much time did it take?

The Luxor Episode 26 – Beryl Tries To Help

When Beryl got in to the room she shared that night, she could tell Gladys was annoyed. Gladys was never very friendly, but she stomped about the room and had the light off even before Beryl could undress.

Beryl was afraid she had upset the older woman. After a while, Beryl plucked up courage and asked Gladys what was wrong.

“They’ve cheated me good and proper,” Gladys eventually said. “Well, there ain’t enough in here,” she continued, “at least I don’t think there is.” Then after a bit: “How much is for our board and lodgings?”

“Two and six a day.” Beryl remembered that figure clearly.

“How much is that a week?” asked Gladys rather quietly.

It dawned on Beryl that Gladys couldn’t work this out. “Seventeen and six, Gladys,” Beryl confided. “How much are you short?”

“I don’t know.” Gladys was defensive.

“Well, how much is your wage before deductions?” Beryl though she was being helpful.

“That’s none of your business,” snapped Gladys.

“I was only trying to help,” said Beryl. She felt sorry for Gladys but annoyed with her at the same time.

Background: Staff who lived in would have board and lodgings deducted from their wages. Wages, especially for maids and others in service, were generally low.

Questions: Can you remember your first wage packet? What did you spend it on?

The Luxor Episode 27 – Beryl Does Help There hadn’t been as many breakfasts in rooms this morning, so Beryl had time to scamper back to the bedroom she shared with Gladys.

As Beryl pushed open the door, she nearly fell over Gladys, who was kneeling in front of her bed. On the floor were a few notes and coins. Gladys went red and looked angry. She scooped up the money and tried to push it back into the wages envelope, but coins flew in all directions.

“Now look what you’ve made me do,” snapped Gladys.

Beryl started to apologise, but saw that Gladys was weeping. “Gladys, don’t worry.”

“I can’t get it to add up. I don’t know how,” admitted Gladys.

“I’ll help you, if you’ll let me.” Beryl waited.

Gladys looked forlorn. “Alright,” she eventually whispered.

The two women scoured the floor for coins. Then Beryl laid everything out in order.

There was a pound note, a ten shilling note, half-a-crown, two florins, a shilling, two sixpences, and a threepenny bit.

How much was that?

When Beryl told Gladys, Gladys grudgingly said it was right after all. “Thank you,” Gladys added.

Beryl was glad to have helped, though she couldn’t help thinking that Gladys got quite a bit more than she did.

Background: Sterling was in pounds, shillings and pence. There were 12 pence in a shilling, and twenty shillings in a pound. A shillings were often called a ‘bob’. There was a coin called a Half-Crown, which was worth two shillings and sixpence, and a coin called a Florin, which was worth two shillings. It was not an easy system and was replaced by a decimal system in 1971, though many people regretted its passing.

Questions: What are your favourite memories of the old coins? Were you good at mental arithmetic, or were you all fingers and thumbs? What did you think about decimalisation?

How much was that? ÂŁ1 18s 9d

The Luxor Episode 28 – The Glasgow Empire Charlie Cheese didn’t prop up the bar at The Luxor. He let the bar prop him up.

It was late evening. There hadn’t been many at the North Pier for the Variety Show. Charlie was the comic turn. In the summer he could still hold an audience in the palm of his hand, but to a half-full house on a cold February night, it was hard work. But he’d worked the Glasgow Empire in his time, so it was nothing by comparison.

“You ever been to the Glasgow Empire, young man?” Charlie enquired of Jimmy. The barman looked interested and came over to talk. Jimmy Buchanan missed Glasgow, and it had been a quiet night.

“My old man was a stage hand there before the war,” Jimmy said. “Met all the big names. Will Fyffe, Harry Gordon, even Harry Lauder.”

“Ah, great men, great comedians, great performers, one and all,” Charlie merrily murmured into his whisky. “Worked with them all. Arthur Askey, George Formby, Will Hay, and Jessie Matthews, Ella Shields, oh, and Gracie Fields.”

At the memory of Gracie Fields, Charlie began to sing: “Sally, Sally, pride of our alley …”

Background: The Glasgow Empire was a music hall famous for its ‘tough’ audiences. Many people will have memories of these performers and singers.

To join in: Sally, Sally, pride of our alley …

Sally, Sally...

Don't ever wander Away from the alley and me Sally, Sally...

Marry me Sally And happy forever I'll be When skies are blue You're beguiling And when they're grey You're still smiling, smi-i-iling Sally, Sally...

Pride of our alley You're more than The whole world too-oo me...

The skies were blue When he met you, Sally You were his gal His little pal, so true You came along Made life a song, Sally...

If he lost you He wonders what he'd do Sally, Sally...

Don't ever wander Away from the alley and me Sally, Sally...

Marry me Sally And happy forever I'll be When skies are blue You're beguiling

And when they're grey You're still smiling, smi-i-iling Sally, Sally...

Pride of our alley You're more than The whole world to-oo me...

The Luxor Episode 29 – Friday Night It was a Friday night. The two newest chamber-maids at The Luxor, Ellie and Beryl had counted their coppers and been to a pub for a drink together. It was their night off.

The two young women weren’t really alike. Ellie was small with thin features.

Beryl was taller, with a rounder face and a bigger smile. In other ways they weren’t alike. Ellie wasn’t a shirker. She did what was asked of her, but she didn’t do more than she needed. Beryl, on the other hand, was always fretting if Ellie kept her chatting. Beryl went the extra mile with her work.

They were different in character, too. Ellie didn’t worry. She let the world go by.

But Beryl was almost painfully aware of other people’s feelings. She always wondered whether she could do something more.

Yet, like a lot of contrasting characters, they got on well. Some of this was a desire to be more like the other person. Ellie wished she was as conscientious as Beryl, and Beryl wished she could be as easy going as Ellie.

On the way back to the hotel they passed a billboard. Blackpool Gazette: Attlee Claims Victory.

Background: In the General Election in 1950, Clement Attlee’s Labour government was returned with a much reduced majority of just 5 seats.

Questions: Do you think contrasting characters often get on well? Or is the opposite true?

The Luxor Episode 30 – Politics and Religion The new Chief Housekeeper, Gwyneth Jones, and the General Manager, Bill Lancaster, had settled to a routine of morning chats in Bill’s office.

“I see Attlee’s scraped in again,” said Bill. He wasn’t smoking, though his hand hovered over the cigarette case. “There’ll be another election next year, I bet,” he continued. “Churchill might have one more fling left in him yet.” He paused, waiting for Gwyneth to take him up, which she did not. “Or else they’ll be nationalising hotels next,” he concluded.

Gwyneth wasn’t annoyed with Bill. She would have liked a friendly argument with him, but not at work.

“You surely didn’t back Mr Bevan and his comrades, did you?” Bill laughed.

“Oh, I forgot, you’re from the Valleys yourself, aren’t you?” he teased.

“Bill, I’m from North Wales not South.” Gwyneth hesitated but looked just a little peeved with him. “Anyway, how I voted is between me and the ballot box.”

Bill Lancaster looked chastened. “Sorry,” he said. “What do they say, never discuss politics and religion?”

Gwyneth suddenly thought of a third topic to avoid. She reddened. Bill had clearly thought the same, and had a mischievous grin on his face.

Background: Politics in the forties and fifties was hotly contested. Even members of the same family could fall out over their political allegiance.

Nationalisation was a hot topic. Aneurin Bevan was a passionate Socialist and Health Minister in the post-war government, introducing the National Health service. He was famous for his oratory.

Questions: Did you ever have to bite your tongue when talking with friends or family?

The Luxor Episode 31 – A Competition Gwyneth Jones, the new Chief Housekeeper, had an idea. She wanted to get the maids working as a team.

She explained her idea to Bill Lancaster, the General Manager. “I’m going to have a competition for the best made bed.”

Bill didn’t think it was very exciting, and said so.

Gwyneth admitted as much, but pressed on. “The winner will get a prize.”

Bill still didn’t think much of Gwyneth’s idea.

“And we’ll award it at a staff party,” continued Gwyneth.

Bill Lancaster showed more interest at the idea of a party. He could do with a party.

“It’s a long time since the Christmas parties,” explained Gwyneth, “and I thought it would be a good way for all the staff to get to know me. And it would be good for morale before Easter, before the season really begins.”

“Good idea, Gwyneth,” said Bill. “What sort of prize? A trophy isn’t much use to anyone. I’ll see if we can afford a cash prize.”

Gwyneth was delighted Bill was pleased with the idea.

Bill was delighted at the idea of a party. He grinned infectiously at Gwyneth.

“Cigarette?” he teased.

Background: It is late February, a relatively quiet time at The Luxor Hotel.

Questions: What are your best memories of Christmas or other organised parties?

The Luxor Episode 32 – An Excuse For A Party Everyone was delighted that Miss Jones, the Chief Housekeeper, had announced a staff party. Although it was only an excuse for a party, the competition also went down well. The Best Made Bed wasn’t very exciting, but the idea of a cash prize was. Everyone’s spirits were lifted.

Everyone, that is, except Gladys. One of the older chamber-maids, Gladys couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. “What do I want with a party?” she moaned to her room-mate, Beryl.

“It might be fun,” replied Beryl. Beryl was looking forward to the party. “And you might win the prize, Gladys,” continued Beryl.

“What would I spend it on?” There was no pleasing Gladys.

Beryl liked bed-making. It beat the more menial tasks. She loved the smell and feel of the freshly-laundered cotton sheets. And she was becoming a perfectionist. Like her dad said, “If a jobs worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”

And Beryl reckoned she could do a very neat hospital corner, folding the end of the sheet into a triangle before deftly whipping it under the mattress. Beryl thought she might win that prize.

Background: A hotel like The Luxor would want everything to appear spot-on, such as the way sheets were folded in making a bed.

Questions: What is the feel and smell of a freshly-made bed?

The Luxor Episode 33 – Practice Makes Perfect The staff party was getting nearer. The maids were looking forward to it. The competition for the Best Made Bed was imminent. It wouldn’t have attracted as much interest if Mr Lancaster, the General Manager, hadn’t announced a cash prize. Five pounds! It was worth making a good job of tucking the sheets in and plumping the pillows for that.

A little friendly rivalry emerged. Even Ellie seemed to spend a little longer doing each bed. “Practice makes perfect,” Beryl had told Ellie. Beryl was beginning to sound like her mother already.

Ellie made out that she wasn’t that bothered. But then Beryl caught her remaking a bed she had already done. Ellie grinned at being caught out.

“Practice makes perfect,” Ellie said. Now Ellie was beginning to sound like Beryl’s mother.

Only Gladys appeared unmoved by either the party or the competition. She went about her daily tasks as normal.

One or two of the maids day-dreamed about what they would do with their five pounds. After all, they were sure they would be the one to win it. What would they do with five pounds?

Background: Five pounds was nearly a month’s wages for a chamber-maid.

Questions: Do you think practice makes perfect? When has this been true for you?

The Luxor Episode 34 – Judging

The party was tomorrow night.

But first the Best Made Bed had to be judged. There were three judges: Mr Lancaster, the General Manager, Miss Evans, his secretary, and Miss Jones, the Chief Housekeeper.

Bill Lancaster thought it a bit of a lark, but he played his part, carefully inspecting every fold and tuck.

Miss Evans was very proper. She commented briefly on every bed. She said what she thought quite independently. Yet, after every comment, she appeared to look at Mr Lancaster as if seeking approval for what she had just said.

Gwyneth Jones, who had devised the competition, tried to jolly everyone along.

She also had a professional eye for what was actually the Best Made Bed. Beryl thought she had made a good job. Ellie was sure her own bed was the best.

Others, too, were hopeful.

The judges came to Room 216. There was no denying this was the best made bed. Bill quipped that he could share it with anyone. Gwyneth wished he hadn’t said that. What Miss Evans thought wasn’t clear.

Bill looked round at the maids. “So, who’s bed is this? Who wins the prize?”

Background: Miss Evans is secretary to Mr Lancaster, the General Manager, and is very protective of him. She sees to a lot of the day-to-day managemen of the hotel.

Questions: Have you ever won a prize? What was it for? How did you feel?

Who do you think has won the prize for The Best Made Bed at The Luxor?

The Luxor Episode 35 – And The Winner Is The staff party was just getting going. The Nile Suite at The Luxor had been cordoned off for the night.

But first, who had won the prize for the Best Made Bed? Five pounds was worth winning. Beryl would send a postal order back home to Burnley. Ellie had it earmarked for a new frock and tickets for a show at The Winter Gardens. Others, too, had plans for their five pounds, which they were all sure they had won.

Mr Lancaster, the General Manager, took to the band-stage at one end of the Nile Room. Tall and handsome, if not quite with matinee-idol looks, he soon called the staff to attention.

It was, he said, his great pleasure to announce the winner of the Best Made Bed. “And the prize of five pounds goes to …” He deliberately paused. “Goes to …

Gladys!” There were a few muffled cries of surprise, but then everyone burst into applause. An embarrassed Gladys managed to look pleased as she collected her prize, and a bunch of flowers, and a kiss from Mr Lancaster!

Background: The Nile Suite is a small ballroom and adjoining lounge and bar.

Questions: What would you have done with five pounds?

The Luxor Episode 36 – The Party The staff party was in full swing. The Nile Room at The Luxor Hotel was full of noise and laughter. Beryl thought she could almost smell the pleasure.

There wasn’t a band, but Ronnie and Pete had organised a medley of recorded music over the speakers.

There was Frankie Laine with “That Lucky Old Sun”, and Patti Page singing “The Tennessee Waltz”. There was Bing Crosby and there was Frank Sinatra.

Everyone got up and pointed animatedly during the Alphabet Song. Even Miss Evans found herself pointing at Mr Lancaster, “A, you’re adorable”, and then found she was so embarrassed she had to sit down before the letter I, “You’re the one I idolize.”

Pete and Ellie jitterbugged.

Beryl got talking to a fresh-faced young man who worked as a pastry chef, but he soon went off with one of the kitchen maids.

Jimmy Buchanan, the barman, got Pete to put Glenn Miller on. Everyone swung and jived.

Finally, Jimmy and Ellie requested Perry Como, “Some Enchanted Evening”.

“Dance?” enquired Bill Lancaster, and Gwyneth Jones knew she tingled inside as she said, “Yes.” Background: The singers and musicians above would be very familiar to people in the forties and fifties. There will be many memories of their songs, dance-bands, and where and when they were heard.

To join in: Alphabet song – Perry Como and others: A - You're Adorable A You're adorable B You're so beautiful C you're a cutey full of charms.

D you're a darling and E you're exciting and F you're a feather in my arms.

G you look good to me H you're so heavenly I you're the one I idolize

J we're like Jack and Jill K you're so kissable L you're the lovelight in my eyes.

M,N,O,P, I could go on all day Q,R,S,T, alphabetically speaking, You're OK! U make my life complete

V means you're very sweet W,W,Y,Z

Oh, I love to wander through The alphabet with you

To tell you what you mean to me!"

The Luxor Episode 37 – Sir Jack and Lady Thorncliffe The General Manager, The Head Doorman, and two other staff were all there to greet Sir Jack and Lady Thorncliffe. The chauffer carefully brought the car to a stand in front of the imposing entrance to The Luxor.

The car was a 1949 Humber Pullman, in black, with a side-valve engine. The chauffer looked natty in peaked cap and uniform. He had driven for the Thorncliffe family since the war. The car was his pride and joy. He was forever polishing it or washing the chrome bumpers.

Sir Jack and Lady Marjorie Thorncliffe were regulars at The Luxor. They took the Fylde Suite three times a year, four times if the Open was at Royal Lytham.

Other wealthy families might have preferred another resort, but they had made The Luxor their second home for years.

Everyone fussed around, carrying cases and opening doors. Jack Thorncliffe could have done without the fuss, but he knew that his wife liked the attention.

They would stay until after Easter. Sir Jack would go back to Manchester once a week on business. Otherwise it was golf, and bridge, and breakfast on a tray.

Background: Humber cars were popular up-market limousines in the forties and fifties, though few people could afford them. The Open is the golf tournament.

Questions: Did you or your father or mother ever have a car that was their pride and joy? What was it? What was it like to drive or be driven in? Can you remember your family’s first car? What was it? Does it bring back special memories?

The Luxor Episode 38 – GT Gaskets Nobody liked a drink more than Jack Thorncliffe. But he was one of those men who often have a glass in their hand, but never seem drunk. Tonight Sir Jack had escaped from bridge, which Lady Marjorie Thorncliffe played with relish.

Sir Jack had found his way to the bar at The Luxor. There was a new barman since last year, a Scot, Jimmy Buchanan. Sir Jack immediately liked the new barman. They got talking.

Jimmy found out that Jack Thorncliffe ran GT Gaskets. Jimmy had heard of GT Gaskets. It had been founded in Manchester before the first war by Jack’s father. Now if a machine or an engine needed a gasket, GT Gaskets would make it, any size, any shape. The thirties had been hard, but the war had pushed the factory to its limits. They had turned out millions of gaskets, washers and grommets.

Jack found out that Jimmy had been in the army in North Africa. “One of the Desert Rats?” said Jack. “Aye, that was me,” said Jimmy.

“I was in the first war myself,” confided Sir Jack. “At Cambrai. With the first tank regiments. I guess we’re both lucky to have survived.”

Background: Cambrai, in the First World war, was the first major battle in which tanks were used. ‘The Desert Rats’ was a nickname for the British Eighth Army in North Africa in the Second World war.

GT Gaskets is the fictitious firm founded by Sir Jack Thorncliffe’s father, an equally fictitious family.

Questions: Were there members of your family who fought in either of the World Wars?

The Luxor Episode 39 – Lady Marjorie Lady Marjorie Thorncliffe had come to stay at The Luxor. Sir Jack and Lady Marjorie took The Fylde Suite at least three times a year.

Lady Marjorie had never been a beauty, but she had attracted Jack Thorncliffe.

Now, in her late fifties, she was drawn and pale. She used rather too much make-up, and was never seen without jewellery.

Sir Jack had worn better. He wasn’t a tall man but he had kept the weight off, and he had stature. With his crinkled hair and big jowl, he made an impression.

Jack Thorncliffe had been quite a catch. Though Marjorie’s father ran a large draper’s shop in Manchester, he wasn’t in the same league as Thorncliffe’s.

Brought up in Didsbury, now Marjorie Thorncliffe lived the other side of Altrincham. They had a chauffeur, a cook and two maids. Not a big household, not like before the war, but they were well-to-do folk.

They were given a new maid at The Luxor this year. Beryl, she was called.

Seemed a nice girl.

How would Beryl cope? Would she get on with Lady Marjorie?

Background: Didsbury is a suburb of Manchester, and Altrincham a town south of Manchester, on the edge of the Cheshire countryside.

Questions: How will Beryl cope? Will she get on with Lady Marjorie?

The Luxor Episode 40 – The Chief Draughtsman Bridge was well under way under the watchful eye of Lady Marjorie Thorncliffe.

Her husband had escaped once more to the main bar of The Luxor. The bar was comfortable. It was more like a gentleman’s club than a lounge bar. It was a million miles from a public bar.

Jimmy Buchanan, the barman, was on hand to dispense drink and wit in his mellowed Glasgow accent. Sir Jack Thorncliffe ordered a whisky and soda.

They got talking. Sir Jack liked Jimmy’s tales of the tenements. Jimmy enjoyed Sir Jack’s stories.

“Designing the gasket for the Merlin and the Kestrel engines was a hell of a job,” Sir Jack related.

“Aye, used in the Spitfires,” Jimmy joined in.

“That’s right. V-12 engines. If one of those blew, the poor bloody pilot was a gonner. Stayed up night after night with our Chief Draughtsman to get them done on time,” continued Sir Jack. “He was a devil for Guinness, so we had to have crates of the stuff on hand in the drawing office. We must have nearly drunk Dublin dry. But we made it.”

Background: Spitfires were one of the main fighter aircraft used in The Battle of Britain. They used Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. Guinness, famously, is a stout brewed in Dublin.

Questions: Do you remember The Battle of Britain?

The Luxor Episode 41 – A Painful Toe Beryl was tired. It had been a long day. That night she told Gladys it had been a long day. “Same length as every other day,” Gladys retorted.

Gladys pronounced and proclaimed. You could hear her voice at the other end of the hotel. “Anyway,” Gladys exclaimed, “you’re young and healthy. You ought to be glad of a job.”

Beryl was never sure which way Gladys would go. Sometimes she said it was a hard life and not right, and sometimes she said it might be a hard life but you’d just have to grin and bear it.

Gladys put out the light. Beryl stubbed her toe hard on the iron bedstead. She gave a yelp of pain. Gladys didn’t ask Beryl about her toe.

Beryl was vexed. “That hurt,” she said.

“Well with this new-fangled National Health Service, it’ll cost you nothing to get a new toe, now will it?” said Gladys.

Beryl could have sworn at Gladys, but she wasn’t a swearer.

“Just a way of getting more money out of us, that’s all it is,” grumbled Gladys.

“Having to put that ruddy stamp on.”

Beryl thought, “I hope she never needs a doctor.”

Background: The National Health Service was founded in 1948. Before that most medical treatment had to be paid for. A National Insurance stamp was used to collect contributions. Some saw it simply as another tax. Making sure you had enough stamps to get a state pension and social security benefits, became an important part of having a job, especially for women who might be at home bringing up a family.

Questions: Can you remember having to get National Insurance stamps?

The Luxor Episode 42 – Late Up

It wasn’t like Gladys not to be up before Beryl. Beryl had been for a wash and came back into the room they shared. Gladys moaned a bit from under the blankets. But then Gladys often moaned. Beryl got dressed. Still, she would have to wake Gladys soon. They couldn’t be late for work.

Finally, Beryl gave Gladys a shake. “Gladys, it’s late.”

There was something worse than a moan from Gladys’s bed.

“Are you alright?” said Beryl.

There was no reply.

Beryl tried again to rouse Gladys. There was a cry of pain from Gladys’s bed.

Gladys was ill. She was clutching her stomach. Her face was contorted. She was in agony.

This was clearly far worse than tummy trouble.

What should Beryl do?

She would have to get to Reception and get them to phone for an ambulance.

Beryl ran helter-skelter down the back stairs. It was a long way, and she nearly slipped on one landing.

Soon enough an ambulance arrived. They took Gladys down the service lift on a stretcher.

Gladys looked a deathly pale. Beryl was sick with worry.

Background: Gladys has acute appendicitis. If the appendix ruptures it is very serious.

Questions: How will Gladys be feeling? How is Beryl feeling?

The Luxor Episode 43 – On The Bus Gladys had appendicitis. If the appendix ruptured it would cause peritonitis.

Everyone in 1950 knew that this could easily be fatal.

Gwyneth, the Chief Housekeeper, had said she would come with Beryl to the hospital. They took the bus to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

They got on at the back, onto the open platform, Beryl swinging a little on the pole as she had done when a child. Inside it was rather dark but familiar.

Gwynneth loved the green leather seats. They were just like the ones on the Crossville buses before the war.

The bus was full. It was early March and nearly everyone had overcoats and hats.

The conductor was a short man with heavy-rimmed spectacles. He had two leather straps crossing his shiny jacket. One held a ticket rack. The other had a metal coin dispenser. As he was paid, he slid the coins in at the top. When he needed change, he pulled coins out of the bottom.

Beryl remembered that when she was young, she had wanted to be a clippy.

Background: Most buses in towns and cities were double-deckers with an open platform door at the rear. Nearly all had conductors who collected the fares and rang the bell to tell the driver when to go and when to stop. It was usually one ring for stop and two for go. Crossville buses ran throughout Cheshire and North Wales.

Questions: What are your favourite memories of being on a bus? How did it feel and sound?

The Luxor Episode 44 – At The Hospital Gladys was ill. She had appendicitis. Everyone was worried that the appendix might rupture.

Beryl, her room-mate, and Gwyneth, her boss, had arrived at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. They walked through the corridors.

Both women caught the smell of disinfectant. It was nearly overpowering. The smell of the hospital was both reassuringly clean but also added to the anxiety of visiting. “No one likes visiting,” Gwyneth thought. “It just means someone you know is ill.”

The nurses wore blue and white striped shirts under heavy starched aprons.

Their hair was kept in place by neat white caps. Some nurses were going off duty, and they wore heavy capes. They stood out in a crowd.

The corridors were very long. The floors were polished and scrubbed till they shone. A lady on a trolley was wheeled past quickly. It made Beryl jump.

Finally, Gwyneth and Beryl arrived at the ward. Gladys was second bed on the right, they were told.

They got to the second bed on the right, but it was empty.

A sister hurried towards them. “Your friend is in theatre. They’re going to operate.”

Beryl wiped away a tear.

Background: For decades after the war, hospitals were famous for scrupulous cleanliness, disinfectant, strict matrons and immaculately dressed nurses.

Questions: There may be sad or painful memories of hospital, but what were the ward and corridors like? How did they smell?

The Luxor Episode 45 – Waiting Gladys was having an operation. They had to remove her appendix.

Gwyneth and Beryl decided they must stay at the hospital and wait for news.

They got two teas, but they were the colour of mahogany and tasted stewed.

They sat in a small waiting room and chatted. There was nothing else they could do.

Did Gladys have any family? Gwyneth said there was a brother in Bolton. Mr Lancaster, the Hotel General Manager, was sending him a telegram.

After a while, they had exhausted their concerns about Gladys. Gwyneth asked Beryl about her family in Burnley. Beryl’s mother still worked in a mill, and her father was a fitter in the bus garage.

Then Gwyneth started to talk about her own childhood in the twenties in North Wales. Her father was a hill farmer. There was very little money. “More muck than money, my dad says,” confided Gwyneth. A bright girl, Gwyneth had got a scholarship to the Grammar School. But after a year, they couldn’t afford the train fare every day, so she started in a local hotel.

The nurse arrived: “Your friend is out of theatre.”

But not out of danger.

Background: Very few people had telephones in their home, so a telegram, sent to the nearest Post Office, and then hand-delivered to the door, was often used in case of emergency. The arrival of a telegram was often the bringer of very bad news. Outside of offices, families dreaded a telegram.

Questions: Telegrams may bring back too sad a memory, although perhaps one a person would want to share.

The Luxor Episode 46 – Nursing It was two days since Gladys had her operation. They had removed her appendix. She had been out with the gas for hours after the operation. When she came to, she mostly slept.

Visiting Times were very restricted: just two hours a day. It was only two to a bed, and the matrons were very strict. Everyone had to leave promptly.

Gladys was too sleepy to say much. Though she didn’t say much, Gwyneth and Beryl thought Gladys was pleased to see them. Anyway, as Gwyneth said, visiting is what you do when people are in hospital.

On the third day, Gladys was a bit better. She was eating a little. She was also starting to moan about the food. Beryl thought that was a good sign, more like the old Gladys.

Beryl got to like her visits to Gladys. She even got used to the smell of the hospital. On the bus back, she wondered whether she could be a nurse. It was hard work but rewarding. But then Beryl thought about the blood. She nearly fainted if she so much as cut a finger. “Perhaps I’m not cut out for nursing,” realised Beryl.

Background: Beryl had wanted to be a clippy, a conductor on a bus, when she was a child. Now she is wondering whether she could be a nurse. She is actually a chamber-maid.

Questions: What did you want to be when you were young, and why?

The Luxor Episode 47 – Brother Bert

They would keep Gladys in hospital for at least a fortnight. The operation to remove her appendix had gone well.

Bill Lancaster, the Hotel General Manager, had sent a telegram to Gladys’s brother in Bolton. Eventually, on the fourth day, the brother turned up.

“Call me Bert,” the brother told Bill.

Bert was a small man with a red face and a large waist.

“Took us all our time to get the train fare together,” said Bert. “You couldn’t see your way to lending us half a crown for the bus to the hospital?”

Bill Lancaster knew it was only four pence From The Luxor to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, but he relented. “As Gladys is one of our longest-serving staff, I can give you two shillings.”

“Why not half a crown,” protested Bert, “another sixpence wouldn’t hurt!”

Mr Lancaster thought about throwing Bert out onto the street. But he could be generous at times, so he handed over the two shillings and wished Bert goodday.

Shutting the door after Bert, Bill wondered what sort of recuperation poor Gladys would have at her brother’s house. “I don’t envy her that,” thought Bill.

Background: ‘Old money’ involved the Half-Crown coin, which was worth two shillings and sixpence.

Questions: If Bill gave Bert two shillings, how much short of Half-a-Crown was this? Was Bert really short-changed? What do you think about Bert?

The Luxor Episode 48 – A Room Of One’s Own Two chamber-maids, Gladys and Beryl shared a room at the back of The Luxor Hotel. But now Gladys had had her appendix out. After a fortnight in hospital, she had gone to stay with her brother in Bolton. Beryl had their room to herself.

It was wonderful. The freedom! Beryl had never had a room of her own before.

She had always shared with her sister at home in Burnley. Her previous job, at an hotel in Morecambe had also meant sharing.

Beryl even started to rearrange the room. She could put the light on and off when she wanted. She could sing if she wanted. She could dream if she wanted.

She relished the freedom, the privacy and the space. No wonder people wanted a place of their own.

Then she started to feel guilty. After all, her friend Gladys had been very ill.

Beryl wouldn’t have wished that on anyone. She ought just to be thankful that Gladys was on the mend. To think that she was glad that she had the room to herself.

But it was a wonderful feeling, all the same.

Background: Beryl has temporarily got a room of her own as her room-mate Gladys is staying with her brother Bert in Bolton following her operation.

Questions: Which was your first ‘Room Of Your Own’? Where and when was this? How did you feel?

The Luxor Episode 49 – The Chauffeur and The Comedian Sir Jack Thorncliffe was late back from Manchester. The Humber Pullman pulled up at the entrance to The Luxor. He jumped out and waived away his chauffer. “Better rush off, Lady Marjorie will want her beauty sleep,” explained Sir Jack.

Before the chauffeur could take the car round to the garage, he was accosted by Charlie Cheese, the Comic, who was just back from a show at The North Pier.

The chauffeur recognised Charlie. “Now then, my friend,” said Charlie, who had never seen the chauffer before, “Come and have a drink on me.”

The chauffeur didn’t drink, certainly not when on duty. He nearly said no, but Charlie repeated the offer. The chauffeur hesitated. “Well, just a tonic water,” said the chauffeur.

Charlie Cheese went straight up to the bar. Jimmy Buchanan was behind it as always.

“Two men have just walked into this bar,” exclaimed Charlie. He paused for effect. “You would have thought one of them would have spotted it.”

“Boom, boom,” smiled Jimmy.

“A double whisky for me,” said Charlie, “and a …”

“Well, I’ll have the same”, said the chauffeur, who surprised even himself.

Background: Sir Jack Thorncliffe’s chauffeur lives in his own home when they are in Cheshire. He does not live in. Sir Jack has put him up in lodgings in Blackpool, not at The Luxor Hotel. But the car is garaged at the hotel.

Questions: Why has the chauffeur surprised even himself?

The Luxor Episode 50 – Whatever Next?

There was a sharp rattle on Beryl’s door. She was up and dressed and ready for her morning round. Later she would take Lady Thorncliffe her breakfast tray.

Beryl opened the door. It was Ellie, another chamber-maid.

“Come quick,” said Ellie. “You’ll never believe what’s happened.”

Beryl thought something awful must have happened. But Ellie was giggling so much that Beryl soon became quite giddy to hear the news herself.

“You won’t believe it,” repeated Ellie. “Come on, quick.”

Ellie scampered away. Beryl followed. They went to a back window and peered out. Below was the yard and the garages at the back of the hotel.

At the entrance to the yard, a handsome black car was smashed against a lamppost.

“Oh,” Beryl cried out, recognising the car. “It’s Sir Jack’s car.”

“I know, I know,” cried Ellie excitedly, “and guess who they found in it this morning, sound asleep?”

Beryl said, “Sir Jack?”

“No,” said Ellie, “the chauffeur. Had one too many with Jimmy in the bar last night.”

“I hope the chauffeur, keeps his job,” said Beryl. Then she thought, “I wonder whatever will happen next at The Luxor?”

Background: Drinking and driving was not unusual until the advent of the breathalyser, but for a chauffeur to drink on duty would be a serious offence.

Questions: What do you think will happen to the chauffeur?

Whatever do you think will happen next at The Luxor?