It's been a while, so Sandi thought it high-time to check-in and see how you're doing, and what a welcome sight that is as we find ourselves in lockdown part 2 of 2020. 

In this one-off episode, Sandi explores the date of 12th November, which happens to be the day that gave birth to the World Wide Web and changed our lives forever.

We also learn who Pudge Heffelfinger was, that Emperors shouldn't be called 'Michael', and that blowing-up a whale is never a good idea. 

We also, as usual, will hear about some amazing women the history books have neglected to document - so thank heavens that Sandi has written her own almanac - inspired to do so by this very series. 

So sit back and relax once more in the warm glow ... you were missed.  

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In order to spend time with much missed family and to take a well earned break, this shall be the final episode in the current series of We Will Get Past This. 

Today, Sandi thinks about the women who blazed a trail on the roads, allowing us the privilege of independence today - it's a privilege not lost on any of us right now.

As always, we hear about women who have been forgotten - or worse, removed from the annals of history.

Even the overlords of Wikipedia seem to feel strongly about which women should be included on their pages, feel free to change that opinion, because you are indeed free to do so, whenever you like. 

But for now at least, Sandi bids a fond farewell and thanks you for stopping-by to say hello during these difficult few weeks and months.

If you think you might miss these snippets of calm, why not go back and listen to them again - surely there will be things you would have forgotten?

 You can also WATCH this series on Sandi's YouTube channel, Vox Toks. 

Also, if you think a friend might benefit from the escapism of this series, then please do pass it along.

Take care, be kind ...We Will Get Past This. 

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Most of us are beginning to wear 'normal' clothes again as we emerge into the new world, so Sandi is doing the same and will begin to ease this show. She'll take a break for a few days and release the last episode on Friday 4th July 2020 .... just in time for the pubs to reopen. 

Until next week, take care ...We Will Get Past This. 

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If Alexander Graham Bell could see how his invention has shaped our lives, wouldn't he be thrilled? I think we can all agree that we're grateful to those who pioneered the technology which has enabled us to stay in touch during times of isolation and in this episode, Sandi pays homage to those some of those characters...a fair few of them women would you believe?

Take care and remember ...We Will Get Past This.

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It's amazing the places one can travel to in the mind, and I'm sure many of us have imagined ourselves somewhere far-away and in easier times than the ones we see ourselves in now. 

White people have always lived in an easier world than those with darker skin and much of history has been written by that white, privileged hand. 

The history books need to be re-written to include the stories of black people in history and of those now, who are making it.

Today, Sandi talks about some of the people who worked tirelessly for civil rights and who should be remembered for doing just that. 

What a shame those in privilege still haven't learnt that sharing it doesn't mean there will be less to go round. 

One day let's hope that ... We Will Get Past This. 

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As much as it's nice to sit down for a refreshing tipple, a lot of women would have found their work loads vastly increased with having to look after children 24/7, as well as managing the home and probably a job too. The lion's share of domestic duties still always seems to fall on the female of the species, no wonder men are able to still dominate in just about every aspect of life, as they are free to pursue learning, ambitions and creativity. 

Despite the imbalance, there are so many women who have innovated, invented and inspired - most of whom aren't given the credit for their endeavours, or dismissed altogether. As always, Sandi does her bit to redress this injustice and today's episode is no different. 

Wouldn't it be marvellous if everyone could take this time to redress imbalance, admit mistakes and vow to be better? 

Well, one can dream...but, We Will Get Past This. 

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Taking a look back through history is of course what Sandi is doing on a daily basis for this podcast, but through different eyes of the men (because it would have been men) who wrote it all down. Perhaps if Sandi had been around to document the 'golden' age of piracy, school children would be learning about the female characters of that time, because being a man wasn't necessarily an essential requirement for the job, as you're about to hear.  

Have a good day ... We Will Get Past This 

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Perhaps when we can all take to the skies again, we may be more mindful of the effect it has on the planet ...maybe we can charter a hot air balloon instead?

Chocs away ... We Will Get Past This.

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Perhaps you're using them as an accompaniment to getting household tasks done? Even though we're spending more time at home right now, it doesn't make housework any more appealing than it did before, but as Sandi points-out today; being house-proud didn't create penicillin. 

Sandi would much rather spend her time in her room of books, than with a hoover in her hand - which many of us can relate to - and all of us are grateful for, as it's this priority which allows We Will Get Past This to happen. 

So, however you choose to listen, whether it's to enhance a boring task, or relish in some 'me time', don't forget ... We Will Get Past This. 

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Today we get some important information for interacting with the local butcher, hear why you should rub egg white and brandy onto your nipples, take stock at how social distancing has impacted the usually lucrative condom market and then dive into ancient Greece and then look at how the ways women have been written about throughout history still have ramifications for us today...all of this, without even leaving your arm chair. 

Have a good day... We Will Get Past This. 

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Perhaps if we all shouted the international call of distress 'Mayday' everything would be fixed? This episode happens to have been recorded on May Day - otherwise known as the 1st May - but thankfully, doesn't find Sandi in any distress. 

In Sandi's travels along her bookshelves, it's come to her attention that every country around the world celebrates a form of May Day. For some it heralds the start of summer, for others, it marks the days getting chillier; for all though, it's a good excuse to open the wine and get one's dancing shoes on....something we could all do with right now. 

One day, we'll all dance together again....We Will get Past This. 

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...Remember though, We Will Get Past This and that IS the truth. 

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Not only do we see Sandi celebrate this auspicious occasion, but also the anniversary of starch being introduced to the UK, so our collars would be floppy no more!

Yes, the actual date this occurred is documented, but the name of the woman who the starch over and teaching everyone how to use it, wasn't deemed important enough to write down. 

We then take a journey through time and books from starched collars to Joan D'Arc and ending with a look at the female SOEs who lead the way in the defeat of the Nazi occupation of France. 

Only Sandi could start with Zumba and end with heroics of the resistance. What a journey.

Don't forget ... We Will Get Past This. 

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Sandi is certainly in a cheesy mood for today's episode, and inspired by the smell of stilton soup wafting around her house, she has dug-out some amazing stories which you curdn't make-up...ahem. 

We hear about an impromptu cheese festival at the Whitehouse which caused havoc, the story behind the invention of camembert and the tale of the well travelled goat who managed to circumnavigate the globe not just once, but twice. 

Pull up a cracker and remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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It's no surprise you haven't been able to do any of that - times have been stressful and the great swathes of time we're supposed to have to 'sit around at home' are a myth for most of us. However, you can take 9mins out of your day for yourself and listen to today's episode and remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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Don't worry Sandi hasn't reverted to toilet humour for this episode (although nothing really wrong with that is there?), it just looks as though we've caught her doing her vocal warm-ups - which is very professional - I'm not sure all podcasts are showing this level of dedication. 

With the theatres closed at the time of recording, once all the performers can get back to their craft, they'll no doubt one heck of a warm-up before that first performance.  

Being in a theatre audience is one of the most exciting ways to watch a show - I mean, anything can go wrong and often does, as you'll hear in the episode. 

Someone who made a career of things going awry was the wonderful, Lucille Ball. If you don't know much about her then allow Sandi to wet your appetite and leave you wanting more.

The show must go on and ... We Will Get Past This. 

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Right now we could all do with a 'kindle' of kittens to cuddle and a lot less of 'Donald the Douchebag'

Plus, if your friends ever refer to you as a 'gazooly' , this episode could provide the cure. 

Have a good day... We Will Get Past This.  

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Far from being an occasion which celebrates the industry, it's there to raise awareness of those who are forced to work in inhuman conditions in order for us to have a new outfit for every occasion. 

New outfits aren't something that many of us have needed of late, although the 'grandmother crafts' which allow us to make a new jumper, dress or scarf are being employed by millions of us after having completed Netflix. 

The skill of knitting has been with us for at least a milenia and originated somewhere you might not associate with needing a cardigan.

See you tomorrow and don't forget ... we will get past this. 

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The Japanese suffrage movement isn't often given much thought to those of us in the west, but it would appear that we've been missing out on an astounding tale of heroism in the face of extreme adversity, and the life story of a lady who changed the world for millions of women. 

It's a story which should have been immortalised on the silver screen by now, so if you feel inspired to write the screenplay after listening, then there's nothing to stop you. 

See you tomorrow ... We Will Get Past This. 

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 Even though we're forced to travel less and reduce the sizes of our physical worlds in the current climate, we're lucky enough to be in an age where technology enables us to keep in touch with our loved-ones, no matter how far away they may be. 

Sandi being a mother AND of the international persuasion, is an ideal companion for such a celebration and so, spends this episode talking about some of the characters who documented a race which had nothing but respect for mother nature and father sky... we could learn a lot from these people right now, as a bit of respect for our surroundings might have avoided a disease which has affected all of humanity....but nevertheless, We Will Get Past This. 

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Not only does Sandi delve into the confusing subject of royal birthdays, but also looks into the fascinating background of royal bank 'Couttes' and how the whole sector would be seen as a service to help those in need, if it weren't such a boys club and the women were allowed to play too. 

Have a lovely day, even if it isn't your birthday anywhere and don't forget ... We Will Get Past This. 

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When you think of the advent of things such as the  bicycle and motorcar, these modes of transport gave women the kind of independent options never known to them before. 

Many women not only embraced these new machines, but used them to the full; breaking records in travel and pioneering new technologies including sat nav and indicators. 

As usual though, these female forerunners are hardly even mentioned when recounting such developments, let alone celebrated. Thank goodness for Sandi. 

We Will Get Past This. 

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It seems a shame that such a festival isn't celebrated anymore, but as most of these occasions are based on myth and legend, it's not surprising that some of them fall by the wayside. 

But how do some myths become fact? It's true to say that history is only as reliable as the hand that wrote it down and so, this is only how someone as misinformed and stupid as Christopher Columbus could end-up as a national figure of celebration. 

Sandi explores some stunning examples of stupidity being re-written as that of heroics...enjoy and don't forget... We Will Get Past This. 

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More surprises from Sandi's bookshelves tomorrow, in the meantime remember ... We Will Get past This. 

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Well, pretty reliable when it comes to the probability of the next pope being female, but as Sandi suggests, perhaps some kind of job share might work?

How difficult can it be to canonise a woman - and is the process as painful as it sounds? 

Has there ever been a woman in the papal role? Well history would have us believe not, but evidence suggests that Pope Joan could have once been head of the Catholic Church, and being a martyr to the cause of celebrating forgotten women of history, Sandi brings her to life for us. 

Hoping your day is 100% a good one and if it isn't, try to remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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So, it's nice to have books that one can dip-in and out of and the 'Live-Wire Book Of British Women Achievers' is perfect for that. 

In this episode we get to hear about some female trailblazers who despite their womanly states, were able write for stage and books, which ultimately led to women finally being allowed to perform on the stage. We're all looking forward to a time when we can go and watch performers of all gender persuasions in theatres again - and one day it will happen because... We Will Get Past This.  

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There have been many famous mistresses in history, but many others are just mere footnote. And unfortunately the mother of one of history's most celebrated polymaths is one such footnote and only awarded the dubious title of 'Renaissance Mum' .. sounds like a bad sitcom. 

Enjoy and remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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How we celebrate birthdays is very much down to how much significance you put on the day - plus how large your bank balance is- or isn't. How much did Simon Cowell spend on his 50th? Well, it's small change in comparison to what the Sultan of Brunei lavished on his 2 week long spectacular.... it's true when they say money can't buy taste. 

However you celebrate your next birthday, may it be with the ones you love .... don't forget... We Will Get Past This

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As Sandi records this, she - like most of us - is far away from many people she loves, but can offer a system of her own to connect, which may be of some comfort. 

So, tonight when you look-up at the moon, remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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Not only was it thought a reading woman was a danger to the very fabric of society, but it was also thought that it would affect their reproductive abilities, or even give them flatulence ... although the latter is a rather excellent excuse don't you think? Opps sorry, not my fault, I was reading over the weekend. 

We all know what a struggle women have had (and still continue to have in many parts of the world) to have access to an education, so those who enabled females to have learning should be celebrated, and in today's episode you'll get to hear about Harriet E Giles and Sophia B Packard, who made it their lives work to improve lives of women who had been freed from slavery through schooling...what a heartbreaking sentence. 

Take care... We Will Get Past This. 

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In this episode, we learn why we have Walt Disney's wife Lillian to thank for the most iconic cartoon character of all-time, that Alma Hitchcock's keen eye for detail saved her husband's film 'Psycho' from being a laughingstock and that in sacrificing her own career, artist Lee Krasner ensured her husband was to become a household name. 

Plenty to meditate on there ... although Sandi's not really a fan of that particular practice...books are far less stressful.

So, sit back, close your eyes and remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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But, when something is put-out into the world for public consumption, it's often the case that people feel the need to judge it; take YouTube for example, there's not a video on there where people haven't taken the time to give it a thumbs-up, or thumbs down. 

Being judgemental is obviously a part of human nature, but surely not everything needs our stamp of approval? Unless of course you're about to say something nice about this show in the comments below... you're actively encouraged to do that and whilst you do, remember ... We Will Get Past This. 

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It would appear that Sandi has yet to mention any canine tails of daring-do and knowing full-well that Mildred is head of the household, Sandi immediately sought to remedy this oversight. 

Not only will you get to hear how dogs were used as a kitchen time-saving device in days gone-by, but Sandi also covers some fascinating back-stories of dogs of the silver screen and would be impossible to talk hounds from history without acknowledging how they help us in times of need - and are happy to do so. 

And I'm sure man's best friend would also agree ... We Will Get Past This. 

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On further inspection, Sandi has discovered that this wasn't the only tale of an ungrateful husband putting their wife up for sale, as it was seen as an easier and cheaper alternative to dissolving a marriage. It's almost as if women had no human rights at all, so thank goodness for the toils of Flora Tristan and if you don't know who she is, then Sandi is here to remedy that in this episode, as well as suggesting a small project for someone out there who may want to enable the world to have more access to information about Flora and what she did. 

Enjoy and don't forget ...We Will Get Past This. 

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 For many people alive today, the typewriter, landline telephone and only having 4 television channels are clearly within memory, so there might be some fears that now we know how to contact each other remotely, why bother meeting in the flesh again? Of course, this is completely baseless, as everyone is craving that holy grail of a simple hug with loved ones. But, new technology is always faced with suspicion and worry that it heralds the demise of future generations, as Sandi's books are able to prove... so if we can't embrace each other, let's embrace the technology which enables us to keep in touch and remind each other that ...We Will Get Past This. 

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This inspired a quest through the bookshelves to unearth and re-account some heroic - and largely overlooked - tales of women during that time. 

As a 16 year old girl, Sybil Ludington, took-on the task of riding 40 miles across the land, at the dead of night to warn of the approaching enemy troops. Whilst Sybil's story is passed-over in favour of that of a male who only rode half the distance, it leads Sandi to ponder, who gets to decide who the heroes are? 

We also get to hear about another brave, clever young woman, whose story has been immortalised - but almost completely inaccurately - there's even evidence to suggest that Pocahontas wasn't her real name.

Take care, be kind...We Will Get Past This. 

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Today, Sandi looks at the birth of circus and the characters who played a role in shaping the familiar show we see today. Philip Astley and his wife Patty Jones staged the first circus on a site believed to now house St Thomas' Hospital in London and unsurprisingly far more is written about Philip than Patty, who must have been a hugely accomplished equestrian and entertainer in her own right.

The role of women in entertainment is of course played down throughout history, for example, it may surprise you to know that there were plenty of female jesters in royal court? You may also not be aware of Joseph Haines who made the career jump from member of parliament to comedian? 

Well, Sandi's books hold many surprises and so prepare to be amazed and remember... We Will Get Past This. 

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Lady Fanny Lucy Houston, wasn't born with a title, in fact her early life was one of poverty. So, how did she become the wealthiest woman in Britain?

Her riches enabled her to not only indulge eccentricities, but to also become a leading light in the Suffragette movement and pioneer of aviation technology.

If it hadn't been for Lady Houston, the outcome of WW2 may have been rather different. 

So, immerse yourself in this glorious tale of a woman we should have all learned about at school and remember, We Will Get Past This. 

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It must have also been one heck of a surprise to Ponce de Leon to look through his telescope and spot the coast of Florida, which is something Sandi explores in this episode, as well as the life and times of Maria Sibylla Merian - who was a significant contributor to entomology, and had to of course, battle the stigma of being female, in order to study and practise her passion, managing to write books on the subject AND raise silkworms whilst she was at it... perhaps that could be a good hobby during isolation?

Sandi's back tomorrow, so no surprises there.

Take care, We Will Get Past This. 

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Sandi muses on some April Fool's of the past which have taken-in whole nations and exposed how little we seem to know of the world in order to have been tricked in the first place. 

Sandi also introduces us to one Marie Sophie Germain - who despite being born into an era where women were not supposed to be educated in maths and science, determinedly gave herself enough of an education which would make her one of the sharpest mathematicians in history, and whose findings contributed to the construction of the Eiffel Tower. She should be a household name and that's no joke. 

Have fun and don't forget, We Will Get Past This. 

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And whilst the world slows it's pace, we have to contemplate if that's exactly what we and the world have been crying out for?

As always, Sandi treats us to some nuggets of calm from her books and today questions, just what is the rush?

Will we want a walk in an ancient woodland when we have the freedom, or a high-speed train connection? Because it looks as though it's one or the other.

Perhaps we should adopt a different structure of time? After-all the ancient Egyptians had a 10 day week - just think of how long a bank holiday weekend could last!

So rather than 'grab' your coffee - listen to this and watch it slowly pour - and remember, We Will Get Past This.

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It's a shame that as adults, we don't indulge in childish play, as there are so many games to be enjoyed. If you are fining yourself spending the majority of the day / evening night alone, then why not have a go at the 'Wiki game' - Sandi will tell you how.

As well as giving some tips on how to while away the hours in solitude, Sandi dips-in to female storybook characters, some of whom weren't the most inspiring role models for our 'stump' , whilst others - such as Pippi Longstocking - are still admired. It's only a bit of fun...so, enjoy. We Will Get Past This. 

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How is she a sticker though? What does that actually mean? Thank goodness Sandi has her book of days on hand to help us get to the answer. 

Our host also ponders on her school days and just why such strange rules were enforced on sanctioned shopping trips and if you've never heard the true story of the wrestling baron of Bunny Hall, then this episode will remedy that. Plus, we also find out just what one Ena Shaw did to assist a golfing tournament and shouldn't, in any circumstances be emulated!

Take Care ... We Will Get Past This. 

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As well as learning some spicy facts about food history, courtesy of 18th century food writer, Hannah Glasse, we also hear about the time Sandi learned a valuable life lesson in the markets of Mozambique. Plus, if you're missing the ambience of eating food in a communal setting, Sandi also has one or two suggestions which may help. 

So, pull-up a chair, ladle yourself a bowl of soup and remember... We Will Get Past This. 

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As well as an education into the Hill sisters, we also get one into Jane Coulden, whose work as a botanist is aiding Sandi in her new role in life, as a bee keeper... what extraordinary times we live in.... but, We Will Get Past This

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So relax, take a deep breath and smell the coffee ... we will get past this.

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Well thankfully Sandi is on hand with her 1929 edition of Encyclopedia Britannica to tell us about all of these things and a whole lot more besides, but Ida paved the way for the civil rights movement 70 years before Rosa Parks' own heroic actions.

Have a break for a moment and remember, We Will Get Past This.

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And Sandi also educates us all on the first (and only?) women to be banned from the Olympics after a champagne 'doping' scandal.

Take care everyone, We Will Get Past This.

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Whether your one of life's strange folk or not, don't forget that We Will Get Past This

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We find out that not only was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe a REALLY annoying child, but we also learn that if it hadn't been for his wife, Christiane Vulpius, he would have fallen foul of Napoleon's army in the most humiliating way...and they got past that, so We Will Get Past This.

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Lucy coincidentally lived through the Spanish Flu epidemic one hundred years ago and so serves as a reminder that, We Will Get Past This.

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To start things-off, Sandi dips into her 'Book of Days' and discovers a forgotten heroine of the English civil war (depending on which side you're on). Although it does start with a beheading in 1330, things soon pick-up when we hear about Charlotte Trémoille, Countess of Derby and her courageous exploits, which inspired one Letitia Elizabeth Landon to write a poem about her.... not bad for a day's work, as you'll soon hear.

Sit back, relax and remember... We Will Get Past This.

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