Login   |   Register   |   
Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Ephemera

5 Comments

Ready reckoner
Ready reckoner
Photo: Eileen Todd
Views: 2,820
Item #: 30637
Is this the book your referring to in the postcard about horse racing?

Comment by: Johnny on 11th July 2018 at 08:53

It is! Very similar to old Tom's!!

Comment by: Carolaen on 11th July 2018 at 18:45

It always used to amaze me in the 1950s and 60s how many men (including all 4 of my Uncles) with no mathematical training and who had left school at 14/15 could quickly work out the returns on complicated bets - each way Yankees for example - in pre-decimal pounds,shillings and pence, in their heads

Comment by: philip gormley on 12th July 2018 at 00:10

I've seen it done, as well, Carolaen. Jackie, our 'driller' who had previously worked in a Bookies, stood by his drill as he quite easily sorted out an accumulator for one of the lads. A rare talent.

Comment by: Poet on 12th July 2018 at 07:57

And each a Diophantus at the dartboard.

Comment by: Philip G. on 12th July 2018 at 14:31

Hope you like my rhyme Eileen.

My horses four have all 'come-in!', the Ribble's still on strike
And how can I assess this slip; my 'keeping's rather childlike.

Then take your slip to Eli, there - 'neath clouds of Bruno-flake
He'll have your sum in just a mo', scoff fluster in your wake.

Leave a comment?

* Enter the 5 digit code to the right of the input box. Don't worry if you make a mistake, you will get another chance. Your comments won't be lost.