Old Moore's Almanac is a late and feeble survivor of the kind of Almanacs
which were often the only books kept in some houses. They often carried
notices and ads for important Fairs as well as astrological data to tell
farmers when to sow crops etc. Household tips, recipes and news also went
into the mix.
Old Moore's used to sold by street hawkers in Southport about thirty years ago
and I can remember my mother and grandmother eagerly buying copies. The
price was 6d and the cover a crude woodcut of the Zodiac. Like Avondrow, I
was struck by its Tory politics, though this would be before Thatcher. I don't
think it was sold for charity, then - I always assumed it was a commercial
affair. I have a feeling that it is a style of publication actually put out by a
number of different small publishers, each proclaiming itself to be Original
and Genuine.
I don't remember who Joan-the Wad's husband was, Carole, but I do recall
that Lucky Cornish Piskies featured heavily and I can see the illustration in
my mind's eye.
Incidentally, the more or less unwatchable Watchdog show has been exposing
a fake clairvoyant called Marie France. Her letters, sent to vulnerable bereaved
folks threaten their bad luck will continue until they cough up new donations.
The face of a bespectacled old Grannie is being used to front what appears
to be an International mail-order operation.
