Invisible Man

Here's a seasonal offering with a message - when you're rushing about getting that last minute prezzie for your loved one, don't forget the man in the street.

I read a very good book recently.. George Orwell's 'Down and out in Paris and London'. A fascinating glimpse of life in a hotel kitchen in 1930's Paris, followed by an account of what happened to young George when he returned to England.

Basically he became a 'tramp'. The job he'd been offered was delayed for a month, so, being flat broke, he became a down and out. Not a pleasant experience in those harsh bleak days of 30s Britain.

I'd never thought much about tramps, although I'm old enough to remember seeing the occasional old guy shuffling down the street with his old greatcoat tied together with string. So I'd never thought about why they 'tramped'.

The answer was that the only place they could sleep at night was in the Parish organised hostels, called 'Casual Wards'. And they were only allowed to sleep one night a month in each hostel. So what could they do? Tramp on to the next one. And the Casual Wards themselves were grim places, with fifty men sometimes nose to nose in a dormitory with only a chamberpot in the corner for comfort. And the only food they were offered would be bread and margerine. These men, (mainly men) were literally starving.

So one conclusion that George drew from all this, is not to ignore the beggar in the street, and always take a leaflet when offered one.. the guy won't get paid til they're all gone. And I might add don't ignore the guy with the guitar, enhancing your shopping experience with his music. Happy Christmas, and don't forget the Invisible Man.

'Invisible Man' by Mick Clarke released Friday 20th December 2024.