The genteel and aristocratic environs of an historic property in Devon have hit national headlines in a row that's being fought over the unlikely subject of bawdiness.
Indeed, Killerton House has found itself playing the part of an unwilling participant in what could be described as a war between two counties...
The controversy was sparked when a council in Yorkshire banned a burlesque act from being performed in a small town – at EXACTLY the same time as the National Trust was staging a similar performance within the hallowed portals of the mansion at Killerton.
Councillors at Hebden Bridge gave the thumbs-down to a planned performance by a group of "exotic" dancers because they claimed: "Many people feel it is demeaning to women, and raises issues of gender equality."
That is a very different take on the matter from the view that was held in Devon – here is what the Killerton estate's Felicity Boucher told the WMN when promoting its risqué show a fortnight ago: "The backdrop of the house and garden makes it the perfect setting for an evening of cocktails and nostalgic appeal."
Amid the whirlwind of comments and feminist outrage whipped up in some national newspapers, there have been observations which set one county against the other.
"You only have to turn to cricket's Test Match Special (radio programme) and mention two names to see the difference between up-tight Yorkshire and laid-back Devon," commented one reader on a website. "On the one hand there's Geoffrey Boycott – the classic Yorkshireman who is totally outspoken, but never a laugh a minute.
"On the other, you have Devon's Vic Marks – equally as erudite when it comes to cricket, but with opinions that are always delivered with a joke and a smile."
Another noted: "Yorkshire's 'national anthem' is On Ilkley Moor Baht At which translated means: 'On Ilkley Moor without a hat'. Compare that with the much more easy-going Westcountry anthem Drink Up Thee Cider. I know which sounds like more fun!"
A third commented: "A Tale of Two Counties: one is famed for a tea consisting of fresh cream and fruit jam – the other is renowned for a batter of flour and eggs baked in old grease."
These views seem somewhat Devon-centric – and far be it for the Western Morning News to join in with such favouritism – instead, we'd better leave the last word to the organisers of this region's recent flirtation with the burlesque...
"It was all done in taste with no nudity – we had no complaints and our audience thoroughly enjoyed the show – no one seemed to think it was too risqué," said National Trust communications consultant, Claire Bolitho.
"We saw the dancers as an opportunity to bring to life some of our fashion collection as we conserve and care for corsets, feathers and gloves originating from the theatre and from a variety of eras. We were keen to bring these to life in a different way for our visitors. We didn't have the intention of 'sexing up' the National Trust, just showing the collection come to life."
Seems sensible enough to us – but what do readers think?
Leave your comment at westernmorningnews.co. uk, email at wmnletters@westernmorningnews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Western Morning Views, Studio 5-11, 3rd Floor, Millbay Road, Plymouth, PL1 3LF.
