• OCCUPATION: Telephone operator (when m.)
• BIRTH: 1 Oct 1898, Ladywood, Birmingham, UK
• DEATH: 21 Oct 1977, St.Cadocs Hospital, Caerleon, South Wales
• EVENT: Add. when m.: 133 Alston St, Ladywood, Birmingham, UK - at time of marriage
• EVENT: Address 2: Majority of later years: 51 Bevington Rd, Aston, Birmingham, UK
• REFERENCE: 11

[NI011]
Doris Elizabeth Arnold
Lived at 133 Alston St, Ladywood, Birmingham, UK - at the time of her marriage, and was a telephone switchboard operator.
She was able to tell amusing tales of conversations overheard in this job.
Doris was a jovial person, with a dry sense of humour at times. On the advent of colour television, when asked if she would be replacing her black and white set, she replied, "Oh no, I only ever watch the Black and White Minstrel Show anyway".
(Probably one of the most colourful programs on television in those days!)
Although said in apparent sincerity, we were quite never sure ......
Lived the majority of her married life in 51 Bevington Rd, Aston, Birmingham, UK.
This address is located opposite the Upper Grounds Hotel, known locally as "The Ratpan" (run by Billy Beer). This name came about in the days when there was a government price on rat pelts, a method used by the authorities to reduce the rat population. Those with pelts, would meet at this public house each week to be paid by the "government man". Doris liked her half pint of mild every evening, but would never be seen drinking in a pub on her own, "it wasn't ladylike"; so she had her own chair in the 'outdoor' (off-licence), where she couldn't be seen from the bar or lounge, but could have a chat with the barmaid.