I am afraid some of the effusions that I warbled in those good old days would not be tolerated now by most audiences. Imagine W. F. Frame attempting to sing a chorus like this nowadays:

“Jimmeny, crickety, blow me tight,
I always dance and shout;
It fills my heart with great delight―
It’s Susan’s Sunday out.”

Two favourite songs of mine were “She danced like a Fairy” and “The Pawn Shop in Bleezes.” The latter always proved a big card. I could carry all my “props” in a matchbox then. The fourpenny “burst” had a great attraction for me, and my services were frequently called upon. Many a “turn” I have done there free gratis. Well, no, I cannot truthfully say that it was altogether for nothing, seeing the committee were never backward in providing rising talent with a substantial “blaw oot”of tea and pastry.

Singing in those little low-roofed halls was no joke. The hot tea fairly made the atmosphere stifling. Frequently I have returned home with my "sark" sticking to my back. I enjoy many a hearty laugh when I recall those Saturday evenings. Previous to the concert the audience would amuse themselves by blowing out their “cookie” bags and bursting them. This was considered the overture to the evening’s entertainment.