Outside lavatory

century · 09-11-2006, 12:59

Hello,

I am doing some research for a BBC One documentary about toilets, and am looking for people who still use an outside lavatory.

I have come across a couple of elderly people in the area who have never seen the need to install an indoor WC, and wonder if anyone knows of any others.

If you can help point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful. Please call me on 020 7378 6106, or email [email protected]. For more information about the company, visit our website: www.centuryfilmsltd.com

Many thanks,
Kathryn

Tealeaf · 09-11-2006, 14:10

No problem about this one, Kathryn - there are thousands of people in Accy who still use an outside loo. I suspect that you have visited this website because several years ago the Borough of Hyndburn was listed as containing the highest propotion of external loos in the country. I believe that the proportion has declined substancially, given that much of the older, sub-standard housing stock has now been demolished.

However, we still like to keep to our great traditions and thus you will see plenty of people using an outside bog every friday and saturday night in Accy town centre; these days the people improvise - shop entrances, the Churchyard, the pub wall, etc. It seems to be a rather enjoyable experiance for many.

Just looking at your website, I notice you are located not too far away from the George, off Borough High St. As you are probably aware, this pub has one of central London's last remaining outside loos, but for men only. I think you should complain in the strongest possible terms about this blatant sexism.

MUMMIBOO · 09-11-2006, 18:18

who would want an outside loo at this time of year? you would get ice on your unmentionables!!! (forget it )

I remember having an outside loo when i was little i also remember my dad removing the outside loo with a hammer smashing it to bits before taking it down to the local tip! best place for em i say....

Kisser · 09-11-2006, 18:22

I used an outside loo when I was little at my babysitters on Orange Street, cant belive how that was once the norm!!

katex · 09-11-2006, 18:59

Guess you still at the 'bottom' of your career ladder yet Century

Tealeaf seemed to have summed up what you looking for .

Have no recent experience, didn't think anybody still had them around here .. except the ones that still kept them, as we did, after having inside loos installed, as an 'overflow' in emergency. Although, did have one of course, in my younger years, my mum always said they really should be outside for health reasons .. mmmm maybe ?

Sparkologist · 09-11-2006, 19:20

These harsh Northern winters are a right bitch, I can tell you. It is no fun sitting there on the khazi, wallowing in one's own fumes, whilst a freshly laid steaming turd melts its way through 2 inches of ice and permafrost.
I would rather take my chances with the dunny-spiders, out in Australia. At least it would be warm, whilst sat there contemplating the centre-fold, in my copy of the Daily Sport, or whatever salacious local rag I could lay my hands on.

Give me a chamberpot any day. You only need to step outside into the cold once a week to empty it, when it is brim-full to overflowing!

katex · 09-11-2006, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkologist

These harsh Northern winters are a right bitch, I can tell you. It is no fun sitting there on the khazi, wallowing in one's own fumes, whilst a freshly laid steaming turd melts its way through 2 inches of ice and permafrost.

Give me a chamberpot any day. You only need to step outside into the cold once a week, to empty it, when it is brim-full to overflowing!

Did you have to be so graphic Sparky ... haven't had me tea yet ..

SPUGGIE J · 09-11-2006, 20:45

Oh dear what can the matter be
I aint been ta the Lavatory
Since 2 weeks 2 weeks last Saturday
I know whats hiding out there.

I remember my gran having an outside toalie collector and hated it. I didnt even realise that there were still some in use, and as they are is there an eleccy supply for lights and heating so to avoid the problems Sparkologist mentioned?

grego · 09-11-2006, 20:51

My Nan had an outside loo it was awful, hard toilet paper as well! Dont know of anyone with one now though.

lancsdave · 09-11-2006, 21:03

Given the number is a London one perhaps there's an element of typical southern views of the North here. We still have gas lamps and tipplers, wear clogs to work and take our whippets out for a walk on the cobbles at night whilst breathing in the belching smoke from all the factory chimneys.

West Ender · 09-11-2006, 21:11

I had an elderly aunt who had an outside loo and one in her bathroom. She preferred to use the outside one for, how shall I put it, "solid matters" as she thought it was more hygenic - being nearer the ground. Mind you, she also wouldn't have a telephone in the house as she was quite sure they leaked electricity all over the place.

katex · 09-11-2006, 21:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancsdave

Given the number is a London one perhaps there's an element of typical southern views of the North here. We still have gas lamps and tipplers, wear clogs to work and take our whippets out for a walk on the cobbles at night whilst breathing in the belching smoke from all the factory chimneys.

Good point Lancsdave .. are we being patronised? can't see her putting this up on the Westminster Web or Notting Hill Web. ...

Don't despair though Century, sure lots on here will only be willing to help ya'

steeljack · 10-11-2006, 05:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by West Ender

Mind you, she also wouldn't have a telephone in the house as she was quite sure they leaked electricity all over the place.

reminds of the story about the woman who rang the gas board when North Sea gas was introduced, she wanted to know if the house would be flooded if her pilot light went out

entwisi · 10-11-2006, 08:46

My mum still has one and occasionally I believe still uses it to save running upstairs.

I remember using it as a nipper, we didn't have central heating so you were just used to the cold and didn't think about it. (My bedroom used to get ice on the inside of the window!)

Now we are all softies who would rather go bankrupt owing thousands to teh power companies than turn it down or, heaven forbid , off!!!

WillowTheWhisp · 10-11-2006, 08:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

Although, did have one of course, in my younger years, my mum always said they really should be outside for health reasons .. mmmm maybe ?

My Gran used to say that too. She was also horrified at the idea of having a washing machine - no good could come of it in her view with electricity in such close proximity to water! I remember "possing" the clothes in her dolly tub! She had gas lighting and heating came from coal fires or a magnifcent kitchen range which was blackleaded and shone like a mirror. It also incorporated an oven and a thing for boiling the kettle over the fire.

The only outside lavvies I know of these days are the "additional" ones people have so they don't need to trail up to the bathroom if they are working in the garden and covered n muck'n'mud.

Just a thought in relation to the actual serious question - presuably people who have to endure the outside loo have not been able to afford to put in a bathroom and are therfore extremely unlikely to be able to afford a PC and t'internet.