Something recently reminded me of my father, and his somewhat serious demeanor.
My late Father was quite 'stiff upper lip'. He had been 'traditionally' educated, and had studied accountancy (to a basic level) before working in The City for a major clothing manufacturer of the pre and wartime era.
He was a hard worker, and didn't go in for much in the way of frippery. He wasn't the most gregarious person, but he was well liked and highly respected. His idea of fun was climbing hills and mountains with his best friend, and best man, JS.
Father didn't play games or do anything that he considered infra dig, so you can imagine my surprise when he suddenly came out with a JOKE, one Sunday, at the dinner table...... viz
Enoch drove the horse and trap to pick-up his employer Lady Constance at the railway station. On the way home the horse let off an enormous fart. "I'm sorry about that your Ladyship" said Enoch apologetically. "Oh that's all right, Enoch" said Lady Constance "Actually I'd thought it was the horse".
That was it. Father's one and only joke; but a good one, I hope you agree!
I've heard it many times since; always in slightly different forms.
He was very discerning...only telling one joke but making it a good one.
ReplyDeleteIt WAS a good one. I remember laughing my socks off!
DeleteMy dad was much the same, I can't remember his ever telling jokes, but he did play nice tricks on my mum, as children we would all sit and silently giggle at them both.
ReplyDeleteFathers were quite different when I was small. How things have changed!
DeleteEnoch is a pretty unusual name. Was it Enoch Powell in the driver's seat?
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the actual names he used, but I like the idea of the 'chauffeur' being called Enoch.
DeleteI like the idea of the lad who mucks out the horse's stable being called Crozier.
DeleteCould be! Who knows.
DeleteThat sounds just like my father too, but without the joke! He too had been brought up in the stiff upper lip tradition and never let his emotions show.
ReplyDeleteWhen WWII broke out he was at University, so his studies were cut short. He returned to complete them after the war and I can vaguely remember, as a small child, being told that Daddy had gone back to school! Maybe the break in his studies was why he never found life particularly amusing.
It was a horrible time to be of 'fighting age'. My own father wasn't called-up, but he did his bit at home. Later he was co-opted as an accountant to investigate fraud in certain army camps; which he did successfully.
DeleteA joke that has stood the test of time.
ReplyDeleteAn oldie but goodie!
DeleteGood joke! My father came from that generation too but living in the 'colonies' he was more relaxed.
ReplyDeleteI think most of my friends' fathers were like mine.
DeleteYour father sounds hardworking and stoic.
ReplyDeleteHis one and only joke was a good one. He chose well.
At least he had ONE joke.
DeleteI love that joke. Good photo too, he looked very upright and a man of his time. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteYes, a father of his era. Stiff upper lip!
DeleteHe was handsome x
ReplyDeleteAnd my mother was lovely.
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