“Ladies’ Mile” book leads efforts to refurbish iconic Downs cloakroom

Following the republishing of a cloakroom attendant’s experiences of a Victorian ladies’ toilets on the Downs (“Ladies’ Mile” book reprinted nearly 50 years on), profits from the book sales have been donated to the Downs Committee to be used in the refurbishment of the iconic toilet block.

Victoria Hughes served as custodian of the ladies’ loo on Stoke Road for over 30 years, during which time she befriended the regular users, many of whom were women working in the sex trade. Published in 1977, Ladies’ Mile caused a scandal due to the racy subject matter, and many bookshops refused to stock it. Despite this, the print run sold out.

In 2023, Kerris Harrop set up a fundraising campaign to republish the book 50 years on, to which a number of Merchant Venturers gave their support. The book has sold over 700 copies.

On Thursday 16th January 2025, Kerris handed over a cheque for £7,500 to the Lord Mayor Andrew Varney, which she hopes “will provide the impetus to repair the fabric of the building.”

Receiving the cheque, the Lord Mayor said “It is really important that people have access to public toilets.” With the Downs used by families, nature lovers, fitness groups and football clubs amongst others, the toilet block is the only such public convenience in the area, however they require significant work to restore to their former glory.

Jonathon Baker, who is a member of the Downs Committee, reiterated the Committee’s responsibility to ensuring the Downs is kept “up to scratch”, and confirmed the money will go directly to the renovation work.

BBC Radio Bristol were on-site to report, which can be heard here (scroll to 1:19:40).

Ladies’ Mile can be purchased at BristolRead Books, where supporters can also donate to the repair of the renovation of the toilets.