STARCROSS HISTORY SOCIETY, SATURDAY 12TH APRIL, 15.00-16.30 p.m.
Starcross Pavilions, Generals Ln, Starcross, Exeter EX6 8PY, UK
Peter Hinchcliffe presents::
Starcross. The Good Old Days
Peter will address this burning contemporary controversial issue of water supply, sanitation, pollution and hygiene in the wider context of Starcross’s past. His presentation will focus upon the reality of everyday rural life in villages like Starcross, hamlets and isolated farms and dwellings through a bottom-up approach to local history.
A synopsis of Starcross history will include details about: Purified Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: Past and Present
In the good old golden days of our parents dim and distant past, limitless amounts of pure chlorinated water flowed from every tap in every house, effective sanitation, hygiene and related sewage disposal kept water borne fatal and debilitating diseases at bay. The hundred years from 1850 had seen the end of Cholera as the last deadly water borne plague, thanks to the government’s universal provision of clean water through a legislated network of reservoirs, water works, pipes and domestic plumbing that protected every home.
While other often fatal diseases than cholera, like Scarlet fever, Tuberculosis, Typhoid and Whooping continued, their rapid decline meant that in Britain from the 1950s in public health, sanitation, hygiene and welfare we had ‘never had it so good’. Or had we?’
Drawing upon oral and related evidence and testimony, Peter will suggest that pure water, effective sanitation and hygiene were not always as comprehensive and universal as claimed, often the exception and not the rule.
SCHS meetings are free, but please bring something for our raffle and we also provide tea, coffee and light refreshments.
Monica Lang and Jon Nichol
Starcross History Society
https://starcrosshistory.blogspot.com
starcross.history@gmail.com
