[Continued from Tuesday 19th March, 1963]

Well it kept on raining all the evening but cleared up during the night and today it has been somewhat murky with rain starting again this afternoon just as Mum was going to T.W.G.

This morning I managed to put in half a pint of peas so you can see I am catching up on the gardening. At 11:45 am Norman Baker’s man came and took the horse away for a few months – understand he is boarded out now at Mrs Marshall’s place for a while.

Bill Astor looked over this morning for a chat – his birthday is same as mine except he is three years older. He still keeps his allotment going together with a piece of ground in Mrs Marshall’s. I’m afraid I should not be interested in any ground unless it is attached to house.

Yes only three weeks tomorrow – if date alright with you – before we take the London road again. Would you be interested in a flagon of Somerset cider?

Talking to Heel yesterday morning he said he would like to borrow long extension ladder shortly to replace some coping on edge of roof. Apparently a large lump fell off last week and just missed his glass porch. Our other neighbour – Bushell – has not yet applied for another driving test and I think he is waiting for the better weather. There seems to be a long waiting list nowadays as they were held up for a long time during the big freeze-up. Bushell is using his motorbike for his daily journey to and fro Portishead.

Had a letter from the Newmans at Bristol on Monday in reply to one I sent them early in February. They have both been ill with flu and Mrs Newman has been under the doctor for other trouble as well. They had our feet of snow around their place and he could not get down to his garage for weeks and then when weather improved he was taken ill and had to get somebody else to see if car alright etc.

Well I think this is about the lot once more. All my love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

Mum and Dad

P.S. Two extracts from Evening Post of Monday 18th March enclosed for Alec.