With the thoughts of cosy fireside nights beckoning we had an evening of fire investigation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Whilst this may sound a dry topic about overloaded plugs and dodgy boilers it was quite the opposite.
Lincoln University lecturers Dr Hilary Hamnett and Dr Dan Matthews spoke for about an hour. The first half was about fire investigation. Dan showed us slides of scenes of fire and some of the patterns that fire makes, and spoke how it travels towards oxygen and tunnels its way towards it. That it makes a V-shape when it burns with the hottest part, at the bottom of the V. There were some almost gruesome photos of a crime scene, the victim had been blanked out, as well as self-immolation.
A couple of us were disappointed to find that the Victorian phenomena of spontaneous human combustion was a myth. Although this hasn’t stopped fire investigators in Ireland listing it as a cause a few years ago, however, Dan was adamant that it was scientifically impossible.
For the second half of the talk Hilary, who has just published a book on poisons in literature, spoke about toxicology and the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Including that the change from coal gas to methane being burnt has meant a drastic reduction in people dying from it. She informed us about TV shows she had consulted on, including Grantchester, and the fanciful ideas of the writers that had to be toned down to reflect reality. As well as the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning Hilary talked to us about the cure (oxygen) and the best places to install an alarm.
Some disgruntled members asked about the disposal of bodies, but we were informed that forensic science is so sensitive nowadays, it was very hard to get away with murder. It was a really fascinating evening.
We also voted to update our logo, which is now green, white and violet – Suffragette colours to reflect the WI’s historical ties with the women’s suffrage movement.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 2nd October, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at the Grandstand on Carholme Road. Members are free, guests £5, first visit is free – bring a mug. We will be disco dancing – wear something sparkly and bring a mug.
The Lincoln WI 