A last-minute change to the schedule brought us Frank Hume and "A Murder in the Family: Sex, Drugs and Music Hall". If you were unable to attend, here's a summary of Frank's intriguing story:

Frank’s great-aunt, Ida May Kirkham from Diss, worked first as a tassel maker at the Silk Factory and later in the London music halls under the stage name Melinda May. She became a key witness in the famous trial of Dr Crippen, accused of murdering his wife, Cora.

Crippen, originally from Michigan, moved to London in 1900 with Cora, an aspiring singer who performed in the music halls as Belle Elmore. By 1905 they were living in Camden and taking in lodgers, but the marriage deteriorated. Cora was discovered in bed with one of the lodgers, while Crippen began a relationship with Ethel Le Neve, a typist at his homeopathy shop.

In 1910, after a New Year party to which Crippen had invited Melinda May, Cora disappeared. Concerned friends, including Melinda, alerted the police. Crippen first claimed Cora had gone to America and died there, then changed his story, saying she had run away with a former lover.

Chief Inspector Walter Dew was unconvinced. A search of the garden found nothing, but human remains were discovered in the cellar, including skin said to bear a scar and traces of hyoscine, a poison Crippen had purchased from an apothecary for  making homeopathic remedies.

Crippen and Ethel Le Neve fled to Canada aboard the SS Montrose, with Ethel disguised as a boy. The captain became suspicious and alerted Scotland Yard by telegram. Detectives travelled on a faster ship and arrested Crippen on arrival. His trial lasted five days; the jury returned a guilty verdict in under 30 minutes. Crippen maintained his innocence but was hanged at Pentonville Prison on 23 November 1910.

However, in 2007 DNA testing of the key skin evidence found that it did not match Cora’s descendants and was apparently male. The case remains controversial, and Crippen’s family continue to seek a pardon.

Our thanks go to Pauline, Pippa and Graham for managing this last minute change and all members of the Committee for supporting the change of plans so effectively.

-Janet C/Sarah E