“Pepper and Salt” was a regular feature of “Gossip Grave & Gay”- a column which appeared in The Stamford Mercury during the 1930s and 40s. It was compiled by ‘Tatler’, the pseudonym of John Clare Billing, a local organist and composer.
‘ “Cold weather,” says a physician, “does the body good if you take it with the right spirit.” That’s rum.
Complaint is made of the shortage of coppers. Maybe it is due to so many beeing called up for service in the Forces.
A woman writer says that a doctor is entitled to respect. Yet lots of people put out their tongues at him.
The Minister of Agricultrue has informed farmers that he will report progress from time to time. A cereal story.
A report on a fire at the offices of a county authority states that “All Acts of Parliament were destroyed.” Unfortunately, copies have been kept.
“Just now,” said a civic transport manager the other day, “all out men are putting their shoulders to the wheel.” Not all, surely? Were not some throwing sand under it?
People in a large Midland town were said one day this week to be getting out of hand over being able to buy only a bit of meat. By this time they have taken the bit between their teeth.’
The Stamford Mercury, 9th February, 1940.