History Society AGM – History and the Printed Cartoon

At the AGM, the committee and office-bearers were re-elected to serve for another year. The secretary, Gillian Cooper, unveiled the new programme and gave details of summer outings to Lincoln Castle and Cathedral and Gressenhall Workhouse Museum and Farm.

The speaker for the evening was Martin Roper and his subject was History and the Printed Cartoon. Starting with Hogarth and Rowlandson and their take on the Prince Regent and London, moving on through the Victorian era with cartoons from Punch, through the two World Wars and into the modern age with Bateman and Heath Robinson until we reached the time of Fred Basset and Andy Capp, this was a roller- coaster ride through the sense of humour of the British. Martin had us howling with laughter as he showed his favourite cartoons with great comic timing.

Political cartoons give us a snapshot of the state of the nation and this talk was given on the day of the snap election announcement. No doubt we will find something to laugh about, whatever our politics.

On Tuesday 16th May at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, Tony Kirby will talk on Churches and Chapels since the Reformation. All welcome. Look out for posters or check the village website.