Issue 102 – December 2015
SOUTH LIVERPOOL’S BIGGEST ADVERTISING PAPER
Inside this month INSIDE THIS MONTH
FUN AND GAMES By Stephen Guy THE festive season may be dominated by modern distractions from TV shows to social media but traditional entertainments still hold sway in many homes and communities. Pantomimes fill theatres, often giving audiences the chance to see favourite soap stars in garish costumes. Old favourites like Postman’s Knock and Musical Chairs are rarely played these days but at one time people were not averse to making fools of themselves. Travelling fairs and circuses more frequent and today they still occasionally visit parks and open spaces. Billy Smart’s Circus was a big attraction and many people have vivid memories of the big top with its distinctive smell of canvas and damp earth. Many different types of animals entertained large crowds. Fierce lions and tigers roared in cages and performing elephants were surprisingly agile. Punch and Judy shows held children spellbound, at one time featuring Mr Punch clashing with the
hangman. To modern eyes, our ancestors’ sense of fun is now deeply upsetting. In a world where many people slaughtered animals for food, sights we now consider cruel were thought entertaining.
Huge bears were made to dance before mocking crowds. Bulls were attacked by dogs and feathers flew in cockpits as birds fought to the death. Often these so-called sports were the subject of gambling with fortunes being made and lost. Most people prefer innocent fun, especially when families get together and look for distractions. A postcard features an event at Woolton’s Reynolds Park in June 1939. Five pals pose for the camera on a big hobbyhorse (pictured). These were used for a number of games from pillow fights to gymnastics. A large padded mat is spread underneath. In medieval times, aristocrats took part in jousts. They were hauled in full armour on to their horses
and charged at each other with lances. Shields were used to deflect blows. Many were injured or even killed in these popular displays of horsemanship. Members of the royal family and nobility employed fools or jesters whose job was to cheer them up or provide distractions. They are commemorated as the Joker on packs of cards. Others had to make their own fun. May Day was a good opportunity to dress up and May Queens symbolised winter’s end while children danced around the May Pole. Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, open 10 am to 5 pm every day, admission free.
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