❓Ask A Question etc 🧵🎱

I had no idea until I read what NotAGran55 said and I remembered being told when I was about 16 that I looked like Tina Charles (I Love to Love). It was meant as a complement but not taken as one but I suppose it would have to be Tina Charles

Yes, but when I questioned the person themself I got a very different verson of the story and realised that it had been distorted.

Have you ever "snitched" on someone in a workplace?

I did once but it was not for some petty offence like coming in late or nipping out for a smoke. The person had committed gross industrial misconduct (harassment and bullying) and had misused their authority.

Luckily I never had to but if I had witnessed recurrent bullying or any form of harassment I would have certainly blown the whistle.

Have you ever experienced any kind of minor or serious discrimination in the work place? When I started work females could not apply for a staff mortgage and were forbidden from wearing trousers, luckily both of these the rules changed about a year after I started there.

There was an "unwritten" rule against women wearing trousers which my boss reminded me of. I told him that if he could point it out in the staff instructions I would adhere to it but until then it had no force in law or custom and practice. Needless to say I got on badly with that particular boss and ended up filing a grievance against him.

Have you ever had a bad relationship with a boss?

Some of the bosses I had in the 60s were misogynists who allowed blatant sexism in the workplace so I couldn't like or respect them.

Have you ever had a misogynistic boss or colleague?

In my first job in the 70’s I remember a couple of the younger men at work leering and making sexist comments about the page 3 girls in the staff room & also putting their hands on our backsides when they had to squeeze past us which probably wouldn’t happen nowadays. Overall most of the men were ok and quite respectful. In later life I did have an uncommunicative control freak boss who everyone found difficult to work with.

If you are retired what do you miss most about work, or if you’re still working what would you miss the most? I don’t really miss work at all but I do sometimes miss some of the people and the banter but as a lot of us retired around the same time we do meet up occasionally.

I have worked with children, infant and junior since I was 25. Mostly at what used to be called a ‘sink school ‘. Lots of problems but the children were great. Brave, funny and inspiring. I miss them .

What film star do you avoid..? I can’t stand Tom Cruise so have never watched a film of his.

Russell Brand - I dont find him funny as a comedian and wonder what hes doing in films.

Can you remember what you wore for your first job interview?

Mine was for the civil service in 1960 and I wore my school uniform (but with nylons rather than ankle socks) which was considered quite suitable then for a school leaver. I was also quite acceptable to have a parent or other adult attend as well. My grandmother came with me as my parents did not know that part of the city.

It was 1975, for a Clerical Assistant's job at N.A.A.F.I., and I wore a purple skirt and jacket suit, with a patterned blouse, black court shoes and flesh-coloured tights. Little did I know then that I'd be wearing that same suit to my brother's funeral only a few months later.

Same question

It was a very hot day so I wore a simple shift dress. I did get the job.

What did you wear at work. Uniform/casual or smart clothes?

When I started work in 1976 I usually wore a smart navy or black pencil skirt and a shirt or blouse with a matching cardigan in the winter. I worked in education for the last 20 years and things were a little more relaxed, trousers were also more practical when working in schools with shirts, jumpers or in summer with a nice t shirt or when it was really hot a summer dress.

What is your favourite kind of footwear? I love ankle boots, I find they’re much more comfortable to wear than shoes and sandals.

Birkenstocks , without a doubt.

Same question please

Ecco walking shoes or ankle boots at this time of year. Both are worn-in and comfy.

What was your favourite ride on a fairground when you were young?

Loved the big wheel, hated the waltzer, it made me physically sick.

Same question again.

I didn’t really like fun fares at all.
Too crowded, too noisy, too smelly (hot dogs), too muddy and slippery and poor goldfish in bags.
Thanks for that question - it’s bought back really powerful memories!

What is your earliest memory?
I remember my Great Nan taking me to Netherton park in my pushchair. I must have been around 2 or 3 I suppose

Good Morning ‘Mrs Roger ‘ 😘 My earliest memory is my Dad having an argument with my maternal grandma. She knocked a glass dish to the floor where it shattered. I was just over three I think and wearing a red coat and matching bonnet.

Same question please?

‘Good morning MrsKen! You’ve just reminded me of my bonnets, furry ones with strings and fluffy pom-poms on the end

Mine is being taken to my grandmothers' to read a book she had bought for me because she did not believe that at age 4 I could already read well. She thought I just knew by heart the books I already had. I was given a cream cake as a reward but I couldnt eat it all.

Whats your earliest memory of school?

Mine is being given my "own" coathanger in the claokroom with a picture of a fish on it.

Very early on in my school days, 1941 I think, being given my gas mask in a sort of shoulder bag made out of cardboardy stuff.

Do you like the Eurovision song contest? Will you watch it this year?

When we were children we used to love watching the Eurovision Song Contest, we were allowed to stay up late to watch it but I lost interest in it many years ago. Might give it another go if our song is any good!

What Eurovision song do you remember best from childhood? For me it’s Puppet on a String.

It's Puppet on a String for me also - all in black and white. We were allowed to stay up late especially to watch it.

What do you think of Eurovision?

Me too. Sandy Shaw with no shoes. I just loved her hair. Now I very rarely watch ‘Eurovision’. I find it boring.

Might you watch because of the Ukrainian connection?

No. I find it boring.

Were you or are you blonde, brunette or redhead?

I had very dark (almost black) hair, until I started going grey, then I dyed it dark. Three years ago, I stripped all the dark dye out and went blonde. Since then, I've been back, silver (dyed), brown, mahogany and blonde. I'm currently mid-brown.

Do you wear trousers/jeans, or dresses/skirts? (I tend to wear trousers)

Mostly trousers but I have a few good dresses that I love.

Favourite flower.? Mine are chrysanthemums.