Helping Hands discussion

The story of Scottish entrepreneur and secret philanthropist, Andrew Ewing, who made his fortune only to quietly give it all away in his desire to die a poor man. A secret giver all his life, he would not charge for aggs laid on a Sunday, giving away five million a year. During the depression years of the early 1930s, many a person would also find a small packet slipped into their pocket, containing half a pound of butter or some rashers of bacon.

Following his death in 1956, his estate was worth a mere £50. http://www.buttercupdairycompany.co.uk/

Excellent post, Bill. This looks really interesting, I'm always intrigued by philanthropists such as Mr. Ewing. Thank you for introducting this!

Thanks Heather. The book has limited availability outside of the UK but can be obtained on Amazon.com - but it is expensive.

However, it is available on the Buttercup website for £4.95 (US$ 8.40) plus air freight (7 days) of £6.50 (US$ 11.00).http://www.buttercupdairycompany.co.uk/

Apart from the story, the book is color printed on high quality paper in order to bring out the best in the 90 plus photographs and illustrations.

As regards the story - I was fortunate to know Andrew Ewing when I was a boy. He took my sick grandfather out of the coal mine and gave him a job and free cottage at the Buttercup. A transcript of the letter from Andrew's wife to my grandmother (about the move) is included in the book.

Sounds like a good read. Looking forward to checking it out. Thanks.