Out of Sight | 1001 Stories

#227 Lesley Roebuck Out of Sight

Sadly, that lunchtime, I had a miscarriage. I was rushed away to be examined then put in a private room out of sight.

Lesley Roebuck

In the early 70’s, after having completed a two year pre–nursing course at Thomas Danby college, I was accepted at Leeds General Infirmary to train as a state registered nurse. I had a boyfriend at this time and things were becoming quite serious between us. I had begun to suspect I may be pregnant and had discussed this with him.

One particular day I had been really busy and was looking forward to having my lunch break. Sadly, that lunchtime, I had a miscarriage. I was rushed away to be examined then put in a private room out of sight. The following day I had to have an operation, as not all of the baby had come away. A few days later I was sent home.

I had to report back six weeks later to see the matron. I thought she would tell me when I could return to my nursing, but instead she sacked me because my boyfriend and I weren’t married.

Precis

The beauty of being in a company of older performers is the kaleidoscopic range of real-life experiences that they bring to the table. These experiences cover everything from the vivid and strange world of childhood, to the unexpected late awakenings of old age. Take our newest batch of anecdotes, for example. These new stories are delightfully diverse: from the earthly, sensual joy of baking bread, to the cosmic dreams of outer space; from an unnerving encounter with a poltergeist, to the risqué glories of adult pleasure products and burlesque. Running as a rich theme throughout, is the possibility of love, and the simple wonder of human connection. As one writer tells us, in her story of funeral rites and flirting, “Amidst death, life goes on”, and indeed it does, delightfully so.

Edited by Barney Bardsley

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#227 Lesley Roebuck Out of Sight

Precis