The Sayings of Old Jolter
When I was a youngster in the 50s I used to visit my Grandad and Uncles who lived up on Joys Green. Foresters love telling stories and they were no exception. They used to tell me about a man they called “Ol’ Jolter” who was famous for his sayings.
Who “Ol’ Jolter” was and where he came from, I don’t know. I have searched, in vain, for “Ol’ Jolter” sayings on the internet. So, if there is anybody out there who knows anything at all, I would be pleased to hear from you.
One I remember:
Ol’ Jolter and three mates, were up on the Pludds helping a pal move a hen-house down the lane. They all turned up on time and soon got up and under the hen-house and started edging their way down the lane.
Each of the men had taken a corner of the hen-house and it should have been easy to lift, but it started heavy and got heavier and heavier. They began to sweat. Soon the man at the front shouted.
“ This old thing be ‘eavy fur a wooden ‘en ‘owse! ”
“ Aye! I cawnt understand it! Jolter, come up front and give us a hand. ”
“ ‘Im byunt at the back ‘ere. Where the ‘ell is ‘e? ”
Very frustrated that Jolter wasn’t pulling his weight, all four shouted:
“ Jolter, where are you? Get off your backside and givvus some ‘elp’! “
At that moment, a muffled voice came from inside the hen-house.
“ I bist wuking ‘ard! …
…I’M IN YERR CARRYIN’ THE PERCHES! ”
