Category: Uncategorized

Wednesday 14th October, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 13th October, 1964]

A much milder morning and inclined to be wet but after midday it became sunny and very warm. Managed to cut hedge behind greenhouse and have made further progress with the plot between that point and the garage. Wonder how you have been getting on with the refusal of the Underground men to work the winter schedules? On TV last night one of the men out said they were sorry the public was inconvenienced but they were doing it for them – to increase the services – as much as for themselves. What cheek. Another case of ‘I’m all right Jack’.

A reply from Don this morning says they will come up on the 20th inst. as he has to go into Taunton for a check-up on the 22nd.

No more now. All the best June on Friday when you visit specialist. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad.

P.S. forgot Mercury so posting it Thursday with letter. 

Tuesday 13th October, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter and cut-out enclosures from the girls duly received first this morning. Very sorry to hear June has been feeling off colour and hope she is better or at least on the mend now. Carol too in the wars again but glad to hear not really serious and hope marks have gone by now.

Yes the fog was a surprise Alec and it was so prolonged. Even after leaving Chippenham on the Marshfield Road cars were approaching us with lights on and we soon found out why as it got thicker the further we travelled. I did not really see the last of it until we reached Keynsham. Clevedon had had no fog but after posting the letter to you saying we had arrived home safely I had hardly got back home when down came the rain and in no small measure either. Since then we have had heavy rain, thunder and lightning, but yesterday and today has seen a return to the Indian summer except for the sharp white frosts in the morning. It has really been glorious and I’ve been able to work outdoors without a coat. Mum has been busy too. Today she dug out all the geraniums in front garden and then dug over the whole plot.

Noted that you have you also have had a great deal of rain and cold weather. I must say your garden was looking very well and the superlap fencing at the bottom makes a wonderful improvement and gives you more ground for shrubs etc. and certainly a lot more privacy. Just as well to be able to get all grown stuff in position as soon as possible to enable it to take root before the winter sets in. Hope June did not catch the chill working in the garden.

Yes there were a few accidents on the road last Monday and I thought the safest place was on the M4. Kept to the slow lane and let all the fast merchants pass as they pleased. It was queer in High Street Langley though – had no idea where I was and had been looking out for the traffic lights for some time. One seems to lose all idea of distance in a fog.

Very interested in your short comment on the journeys to Norwich and Welwyn Garden City. If the opportunity occurs some time in the future should like to run over that section of line between Liverpool Street and Norwich again.

Glad to hear it was possible for you to take Susan to the Brownie sports events and that she took part in the wheelbarrow race. I suppose the change in the weather affected her a little causing the sore throat etc. We actually lit our Rayburn heater on Saturday evening it was so cold and each evening since Mum has lit up after tea. Have not kept it in all night as at present no need.

What a journey you had to pick up your new receiver. This is getting right into the thick of it and I should not like to attempt it. Presumably you part exchanged your old receiver. Obviously when you wrote you had not had a fair test of the new set but shall be pleased to have report in due course. Just as well Peter was about to give you a hand up the ladder with it.

Noted he has his new car and that it is a good one. Seems to have been fortunate in getting a good price for the old one. Let’s hope he does not have much trouble now as he was having with the ?Pathfinder. Very good of Kay to be making something for Carol. Perhaps we shall meet her next time we come to Ruislip.

By the way June I hope you had a dig at someone about that 31 minute sermon. It was our harvest festival last Sunday and I thought about it when our vicar was in the pulpit.

Noted Peter took back the white campanula roots last Saturday. They should keep in good condition as they were practically sealed in the polythene bag.

How did you get on repairing the ceiling? Was the beaver board satisfactory? You certainly put your foot well and truly into it.

Do you remember the Virgins who used to live next door to us at Westbury? We hear Mr Virgin died suddenly last week in Bristol where he and his wife were living in retirement. Only Edna the oldest daughter is living in England (Sheffield). The other two are abroad. All are married. Roy Hewitt came round this afternoon to tell us the news but I had already noted it in evening paper and assumed it was the Virgin we knew at Westbury. Roy is walking very badly again and has to see his specialist tomorrow in Bristol about a larger boot. In a week’s time he has to see another about his hip and the broken pin. Had then them to tea last Friday and it was such a shocking day that I had to fetch them and take them home later. Fortunately it was choir practice night (postponed from Thursday) so took them home about 7 pm. Strange to say it stopped raining about 7:30 p.m. and remained dry throughout the night.

Looks as if you are going to have an interesting time with the Scouts on Saturday but what if June happens to be in hospital? Shall be thinking of you on the 16th, June, and hope if hospital treatment is necessary you will not be there many days.

Well now I expect you would like to know how I have been getting on with the SW set. Fixed it up in garage on the day after our return and tuned in immediately. Everything satisfactory. As you say not much local reception but plenty of foreign although I have not identified any so far. One station – calling itself ‘the State of Israel‘ – is persistently asking for a long distance stations to identify themselves and report strength at position B. Heard a direct transmission from Prince Edward Island when the Queen actually landed there. Came through very clearly. The other set I have now fixed up in greenhouse and without aerial or earth can get many stations just as clearly as with aerial. Before I can move SW set into house I shall have to erect an aerial and provide an earth. Your suggestions for actual listening noted and I must have a go at the times given. So far I have not fixed up the loose condenser you gave me and require a
⅜” drill to pierce the case. Mr Palmer looked in this morning and when in garage spotted the set so I asked him about a suitable drill and he’s going to lend me one. More about this at the time.

Had quite a job trying to locate some concrete posts for the panel fencing. The day after we got home Mum and I went out to Counsells at Yatton but they had never heard of them and I suggested that two firms in Weston-super-Mare might have them but they said no as they knew all the products of these firms. Came back disappointed and mentioned it to Bushell who was then on the point of going out to nails to visit his father-in-law. He knocked on our door later at about 1:00 p.m. and said his father-in-law had seen them about and suggested he (Bushell) call up Hobbs at Flax Bourton there and then and enquire. They referred him to their Failand depot where all their concrete products were made. This he did and they said they knew what he was talking about but they did not make them unless specially ordered. With this information Mum and I went out to Failand at 2:00 p.m. and saw the person in charge. He took me out in the yard and showed me two such posts and I told him that was just what I wanted. He said a mould would have to be set up specially so I asked him the cost telling him what you gave for similar articles. Eventually he quoted me 22/6d [£28 in 2024 money] each with another 1/- [£1.25] for delivery each. (1/- each per post for delivery). The bottom two feet were solid so that the fencing would not slip below that level. In these circumstances I thought it would be a good idea to have them and so ordered 18 posts (the two ends can be fixed with two of the wooden posts already on hand). delivery will be effected in three weeks.*

in the meantime I am finishing off the rockery between the garage and greenhouse. Have also taken a lot of plants into the greenhouse out of the frosty elements.

A letter from Tiverton last Saturday says that Joe and Lydia will not be coming up this year and have suggested next spring. Actually Lydia has not yet finished with the shop as the closing date has been delayed until the end of this month and Joe has already resumed his job as bank guard. Both have to attend Exeter Hospital for treatment so reason for postponement of visit quite understood. Another letter from Don suggests he and Joan come up again on the 20th or 22nd inst. It says he is going on all right and has been doing some gardening and firewood cutting.

The unpaid foreman still in evidence but I have not contacted him to date. The building seems to be slowing up a bit but I cannot say why. The weather has had a bearing on progress as the ground has cut up badly with so much rain.

*Total cost in 2024 money £526.50. A similar item today would not be too much different in price, but with free delivery!

[Continued Wednesday 14th October, 1964]

Sunday 11th October, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Well here we go again with the weekly epistles. Thanks for yours of 29th September (last before your visit) and that of Monday 5th October* on your return. Sorry you had a foggy run home, and your remarks were quite unexpected as I saw no sign of fog on that day and did not hear any mention of it at the office. I am surprised you should have run into it so soon, especially as it was so close to us at Langley.** Well we hope you enjoyed your short stay with us, and have now recovered from the journey.

Nothing much has changed here except the weather. We have had plenty of rain in the last couple of days, and there was a white frost on the ground this morning. A frost was reported (in office) during the week, but we did not have any our way although it was very cold. Have not so far got round two creosoting the fence and of course the wood is now on the wet side. June has completed putting cuttings and things in the soil right alongside the fence, and the buddleias in particular seem to have taken. Have not cut the lawn, and by the look of things it has now had its last cut for the winter. Our apples are still on the trees except the odd one that has fallen off, and I suppose it is now about time we fetched them off.

Carol had a slight accident in the week. at school she got herself tangled up in her skipping rope and failed head first onto the concrete. I don’t know how it occurred, but she obviously landed on nose and upper lip simultaneously, and both were quite a site. Leg also came in for some scraping, but by the time I got home from work she was interested in other things so it could not have been lastingly painful.***

June has not been at all well in the week. She would seem to have had a severe chill, and was quite groggy on Thursday and Friday. She seems to be a little better now. Obviously the change in the weather is having its effect as I hear of similar cases elsewhere.

Note you say there were a few accidents about on the day of your return. I supposed they were accidents (pure) are not accidents (foolhardy). I think with the improvement of the roads, and the making of more and more motorways, there should be fewer of the former, but possibly more of the latter****. Also note that at the time of writing you had not taken out the radio. I expect that by now you have got it assembled somewhere and have tried the local conditions. There should be fewer local stations to be heard at your end, but I should have an occasional listen on a Saturday or Sunday morning (say 11 am to 1pm) on 28 M/c and occasionally in the evenings to see if there is anyone about.

Well I see that the sun has come out and is shining quite brightly. The children, all wrapped up, are out with their scooters. What a change from the time you were here – seems more than a week ago.

Had a couple of good trips in the week. The first to Norwich, and it was quite a good run through interesting country. The line turns north at Colchester, and actually passes an arm of the sea at Witham. We passed through Ipswich which is quite industrialised, and so on to Norwich which is just two hours run from Liverpool Street. Had a very short look at the town while waiting for the train back, and it seems pleasant enough. Welwyn Garden City of course is much smaller, and we did not get an opportunity to see much of the town as there is nothing much near the station. May have to go to both places occasionally.

Yesterday was the Brownie sports day, and Susan was supposed to take part in two races. We were in some doubt as to whether she should go as she had a sore throat and was obviously not 100%. June was unable to go as still feeling the effects of the chill so I accompanied her with the object of bringing her home after her races or if she felt not up to it. The afternoon promised rain, and dark clouds were gathering when we set out. Found the chosen sports field which was a pleasant place called Pinn Field alongside the river of that name. It is a part of Ruislip I had not visited (or known about) and ideal for their purpose. We arrived just as the first of the guides was arriving with a tent and pegs and things. For very short periods a hot sun burst through and it was fine, but it all seemed a bit precarious in regards to weather. However Susan told me she had been picked to take part in a wheelbarrow race as they were short, and racing began. When it was Susan’s race I noticed she was ‘the barrow’, and they had picked a hefty guide to wheel her along. However she was not strong enough to support Susan’s weight, and by halfway Susan was down on her elbows so that was that*****. Anyway they were not last so some improvement there.

Shortly after that they had a long-winded thing called ‘Throwing the Ball’. Most of the girls threw the ball about 20 yards or less, and the spectators gathered at that spot until one stronger than the others sent the ball sailing past their ears, when they retreated. Whilst this was going on (it was quite cold standing about) the rain came, and turned into quite a downpour causing us all to run for the trees at the side of the field. After about a quarter of an hour of this Susan said take me home so we made our apologies and our exit.

Peter arrived last evening with Kay, who is making something for Carol (and wanted some measurements) and asked me to pop outside for a minute. He has his new car, and it was standing outside. It is a grey Rover 3 litre****** in immaculate condition 1959. He sold his other for about twice the current market price.

As I told you, I had decided to change my receiver, and had been on the lookout for an SX28. Found a shop that had got one so decided to go and get it yesterday morning. The shop is in Lisle Street (off Charing Cross Road). Could not carry either set far so had to take car up. Went along Western Avenue, into Bayswater Road, past Marble Arch into Oxford Street. into Regent Street through Piccadilly into Shaftesbury Avenue, into Cambridge Circus, thence into Charing Cross Road and into Lisle Street. This took about an hour from home. Coming back I ran out of the other end of Lisle Street in to Wardour Street, and after that I couldn’t tell you where I went to except that by devious means I found myself on the Great West Road A4 after passing along the Cromwell Road. Turned right at Boston Manor Road and home via Hanwell. Peter was around last night as I said, so he was able to give me a heave with the SX28 and it is now in position.

June has brought a square of beaver board for the ceiling******* so looks as if we shall do that job this afternoon, or start it.

The cuttings you brought up from Mrs Baker were taken back by Peter last evening. We had not taken them out of the bag and they were looking quite moist and fresh. I see our ice plants are now in flower.

Not much else to report this time. Had another visit from the Boy Scouts yesterday to make sure I would be helping next Saturday. Looks as if I shall have a couple of hours there. I shall have to report what happens.

So for now then must close. Love from us all. 

*Absent from the archive, but was probably only a very short note or card.

**According to online information the average height above sea level of Ruislip is 54 metres/177 feet, and the average height of Langley (near Slough) is 0 metres/0 feet, which is a considerable difference in elevation. Fog tends to settle in low areas near bodies of water – Langley is in the Thames Valley and surrounded by reservoirs; Ruislip isn’t – so on the whole Alec’s surprise is, in itself, surprising.

***Notice the developing narrative: Carol has occasional little accidents, Susan is just clumsy.

****Figures posted on Wikipedia and admitted to be incomplete do not distinguish between ‘pure accidents’ and ‘foolhardy’ ones, but suggest that in the short term at least Alec was wrong. There were 6970 recorded fatalities on UK roads in 1960 and 7985 in 1966, suggesting that at the time the number was trending upwards – probably due to the lack of seatbelts and the ‘ton-up kids‘ who saw new motorways as race-tracks and couldn’t wait to put their feet down/twist their throttles and show the rest of the world just what their particular shiny new toy could do.

*****Arf arf, my child is so heavy she’ll never be any good at sports! The fact that I’d never attempted this particular feat before is of course utterly irrelevant.

******Similar to this one, although I seem to remember the colour being a bit darker.

*******Ummm, yes, following on from the ‘Woburn Abbey picnic’, here’s another of my most vivid childhood memories! Carol and I were still in our beds one morning – we shared a room at that stage, but that ended soon afterwards – when all of a sudden Alec’s foot appeared through the ceiling. He was up in the loft and had stepped off a beam and onto the plasterboard at a point just inside our bedroom door. The image of that solitary right foot dangling down will stay with me forever! I hadn’t realised, however, that Leonard and Eva must have been staying with us at the time, and no doubt Leonard was also up in the loft with Alec looking at the radio equipment when the incident happened. To be clear, the radio set-up was located directly above June and Alec’s bedroom, with the loft hatch out on the landing outside the toilet door, so Alec was nowhere near the boarded-out portion of the loft when he missed his footing and fell through the ceiling.

Thursday 24 September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 22nd September, 1964]

(7 a.m.)

Well we had a lovely day yesterday – the weather was perfect and we had no sand in the sandwiches at Burnham. Left here at 9:40 a.m. and arrived Burnham at 10:48 a.m. then a cup of tea at Fortes and looked around the shops to get the food for picnic etc. Left Burnham about 1.50 p.m. and at Highbridge turned left by the clock and ran through Mark to Wedmore thence via West Hay to Lyng thus reversing the actual run between Wedmore and Highbridge we did when you were with us. Found Don and Joan getting on very well and Don has been doing a bit of sewing (machine) and chopping wood for the winter. Not a lot at a time but taking things easy. He seems to have maintained the condition he was in when they came to Clevedon last week and is taking much more interest in things in general. Can only hope now he will get through the winter satisfactorily. Have made a tentative arrangement for them to run up to Clevedon again soon after we get back from number 84. So far this week we have had grand weather and it looks like another good day today. Shall have the morning laying more paving stones. No more this time so will close with all our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad.

P.S. bought another bag of peat coming home at 4/- [£5 in 2024 money] this time – quite good. 

Tuesday 22nd September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the usual budget of news duly to hand this morning but no enclosures from the girls this time. Perhaps with your weekend operations of one sort and another they could not manage a line.

You will be pleased to hear Mrs Baker arrived on Monday evening but coach was later this year not reaching Weston until 8.5 p.m. However we went into Weston in the early afternoon and had a good look round before sitting in car waiting for the coach. It was a glorious day and there were crowds of people about in Weston but after the sun went down it turned cold very quickly. We got home at about 8:45 p.m. and had supper and a bit of a talk and so to bed. This morning Mrs Baker and Mum walked to Hill Road and back to see the shops whilst I got on with some outdoor work. This afternoon we went to Portishead and parked car near the swimming pool and walked up over Battery Point etc. Another very hot day. Too hot in fact for Mum to stop on the coast road coming home. Tomorrow we go to Lyng and may call at Burnham in the morning and have picnic lunch there. Hhope we shall not have sand in the sandwiches this time.

Yes we think the Taunton doctor at the hospital has made a big improvement with Don and we shall see tomorrow if what we saw last week has been maintained. Will try and comment in this letter before posting.

Well following up last week’s letter that the gale on Wednesday upset some of the fencing put up a few days previously I strengthened the one upright that was the weakest the following morning and so far as these five panels are concerned I think it will be satisfactory in future. Have had to think again though about the long fence which will be put up at bottom of garden as the force of wind there is terrific. Fortunately when talking to Bushell about it he said I could have all the sleeper lengths from the bottom of the floor of old garage and as these are about 5½ feet long I think I can use them for sloping supports to the fence. He had enough of them to ensure each of the posts supplied by Coates being separately supported and they are now with the others on our side of fence waiting attention.

Noted you have trouble in digging out the holes for your posts. Query if you have flooded the holes with the hose pipe perhaps this would have softened soil at bottom and enabled you to get more earth out. I have a grave suspicion that I shall not be able to use post hole digger here as the swing of the handle will fell the chain link fence already there. The holes will have to be made very close to the fence. However nothing will be done in regard to this until we have been to Ruislip meanwhile I am fully occupied – at odd intervals this week – in trying to lay the paving stones for path. Have completed the distance between greenhouse and garage and now levelling out the soil between garage and end of shed nearest to house to take further paving stones.

To get back to your letter. Noted you think the chap we saw on Church Hill was Scott – maybe. What are the points not strictly correct in regard to his history as given by the Mercury? Did you notice enclosure in this week’s paper of the presentation to Charlie Rust? Should have included it the previous week but overlooked it.

So your neighbours are still away. Having their money’s worth by the sound of it.

Note reason for changing toilet. This is quite a common occurrence and most pipes have to be attended to at some time or another. We had the trouble many years ago. New model wood [be] sure to be different. Everything is when you want to replace it. All makes work for someone you know. Closed shop and for putting in hatches – who holds the hammer?

What a caper you had on your proposed journey to Woburn Abbey. Told Bushell this morning when helping him on a little job and without examination he suggested it might mean the dynamo brushes need renewing otherwise the dynamo replaced. Anyhow I hope it will not be too costly a job. Always something.

So far as the sets are concerned I can only give you the measurements of the set I brought back last year but I can quite appreciate it will be better to leave the big case off altogether and if possible rig up a temporary one. Cannot think of some of the points needing clarification in the radio book just now but will bring it along. Shall have to tighten up the aerial too as I see it is sagging a bit and now touching the tops of the bushes. The gale may have been responsible for some of this.

Glad to hear you were able to get on with the fencing last weekend and even with only eighteen inches of post in the ground I think you will find it sufficient situated where you are. It would not do here though. Mr Gray was soon on the job then when he saw what you were up to and as you have cleared the side hedges – Roses etc. – we shall see a big difference. You have already noticed you have extra room to play with and I am sure you will agree it is a much needed job.

Noted Peter will give Mr Gray a hand with his side of the work. Hope your other neighbour agrees to your suggestion to save cutting off a piece of the panel. This would somewhat spoil the frame and weaken it.

Could not quite understand why the people at the bottom had to bring a van round for the old fence. Could not they have had it over the bottom of garden? We much appreciate your writing us after such a hard day’s work – expect you were all tired out.

Yes visit to Tiverton off for the time being and we have not yet had a reply to our suggestion that they come up here later on for a few days rest.

Fancy taking the water for the dolls picnic to top up the battery – don’t expect that was very much appreciated. How did the dolls manage?

Understand Rebecca likes her job and is settling down to it.

We think Mrs Baker looks much better this year and certainly she seems brighter. Hope the change here will do her more good. She said the journey down was very hot at times. I should think so too for it was a real scorcher at Weston in the afternoon. Heels came back yesterday after about nine days at Derby. They brought back an elderly couple with them to stay for a short time.

I mentioned helping Bushell just now. It was to help carry a bath from the garden at back of houses to the front of house where in his front lawn he had dug a big hole. The bath was to be dropped into said hole and the surrounding filled in again. He intends to use it for fish and lilies. He has already covered it with wire netting to keep the children from falling into it.

There has been no further move regarding our pond so far but I can afford to wait for the time being as am busy on other matters.

Have to start collecting the items to bring up such as peat, hose pipe etc. and if there is anything else you can think of please let us know next letter. Assume June will be all right for us to come up on Thursday October 1st to arrive after lunch. Probably call on route for a meal as we did last year. Hope I have not a cold this time too. If you remember we had to return a day early and go to bed. Today I feel fine and possibly the extra work here has had something to do with this as there is no time to be ill.

Bushell has used some Aquaseal for his guttering and it has done the trick. He needs a downpipe now or the water will still be blown over our side by the wind.

What an amazing spell of weather we are having. Never thought it would hold out for Mrs Baker’s visit but glass is well up and with a bit of luck it will remain fine all the week. The nights get very cold quickly after sundown. Slight frosts in the morning too. Will break off now and continue tomorrow evening with an account of our day out on Wednesday and visit to Lyng.

[Continues Thursday 24th September, 1964]

Wednesday 10th June 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Once again many thanks for the weekly budget and letter from Susan received yesterday usual post. June’s birthday today and we hope she will have a very happy one. It is now 6:20 a.m. and I am trying to make up for lost time but more of that later.

Yes Alec the weather is a common topic just now. We too have had some very heavy storms and last Friday was another soaker most of the day. The weekends not very good either and macs had to be carried. The Astons went off to Eastbourne on the Saturday and I took them down to the station in a real downpour – good start to a holiday. Cannot get in to the station now and I had to drop them by the end-on entrance. Such is progress. The traffic at that moment was also very heavy and The Triangle was jammed for a while.

Now to your letter. Noted you managed to cut the lawns between the showers. After returning from the station on Saturday I too had to clean car and chamois leather well in evidence – they are excellent for picking up the moisture. Glad to hear the Lollipop girl still singing her song and that no more records have been broken. Qquite an interesting letter from Susan describing the different badges of the Brownies.

More teeth trouble then Alec, not a very happy prospect looking forward to a visit to the dentist. In 1937 when I was 40 I had the lot out and finished with the dentist for good except for renewals on dentures.

Have no idea if the name of the Avenue will apply to the extension or whether some fanciful name will be thought of by the authorities. The builders (Robinson’s) called the area The Saltings. It could as you know sometimes be called The Stinkings.*

It appears the four of us involved with the sale of land have to keep our eyes open regarding measurements and I hear Cornish made them also move one fence-post two inches. He has now knocked down the remainder of his front garden wall with the idea that a new one will be built and not his old one patched up. This I had from Heel who saw Cornish at it about 6:30 a.m. one morning. Every movement of the builders is watched and Cornish is wished many miles away by the men working on the site.

The cleaning out of the old putty Alec is a tedious job but it must be done to ensure a smooth base for the glass when it is replaced otherwise any pressure on the glass will cause it to break.

I advertised garage in Western Daily Press last Saturday but have not had one application from same. Hobbs (the Readymix concrete man) told a friend about it and the latter came along late last Friday evening but said it was too tall for his purpose. Actually it is 12 feet to the ridge. I expect the trouble really is the cost of labour in taking it down but in due course Hawkins will have to do dismantle it even if it is stacked on our side of the fence.

Sorry to hear of the scarlet fever case in Carol’s class and do hope it will not spread. I expect the health authorities are onto it closely.

Don will see Dr Carr in Bridgewater six weeks after his first visit to see how the treatment is working. This man apparently has a very large clientele and strongly recommended by hundreds so he must be doing a bit of good. Personally I think herbalists can make some progress where the Medical Profession failed but we shall see. Had a line from Don and Joan to say they got back all right last week with no apparent after-effects. It was a shocking day though really.

Yes the pond looks a bit odd now that the fence is across it but I’m waiting to see what the bulldozer does to the part the other side of the fence. The impact of this machine may crack the whole thing right through in which case there will be no alternative but to scrap it. There should be no troubling getting some top soil pushed over for filling up and I shall see if can get a lot more to fill up several low-lying patches. The chain link fence being only three and a half feet high the bulldozer can easily drop the soil over the top. Incidentally the very large sewer pipe laying machine has just reached around to our plots so good progress is being made by these people. Now we understand Moore who lives in number 12 Tennyson Avenue is drawing up a petition to have the rates of the houses in the Avenue reduced because it will no longer be a quiet cul-de-sac. What a hope – more like the rates being increased because we now have a through road instead of a cul-de-sac.

Noted not a lot of progress being made on the plot next to number 82.

Ted Caple and Mr and Mrs Hewitt now back from the holidays. Ted Caple has been over the battlefields of the First World War and has named several places I remember well. Mum saw Roy in the town Monday and said she hoped he have not brought typhoid back from Scotland. He said he had already had it years ago. Never knew this until he mentioned it. So far he has not called round here and a good job he did not yesterday. I reckon he will stroll around today. This morning however we are going to Hill Road and the library.

So you go in for dogs then at number 84. We see them occasionally on our ground but usually they are prowling about before we get up. By the way Mrs Bush tells us she has had her dog destroyed because it had got old and was almost blind. This was the dog that jumped out on Susan when she was stopping with us a couple of years ago.**

Glad to hear the contents of the lean-to are going on all right but why play about with the mouse. A trap under a bit of shelter close to the hole would have attracted him. Am wondering what we shall find under the garage when eventually it is pulled down. We have some ants coming up behind the kitchen unit and mum has killed a lot. Seems to be millions of them about this year.

Thank you for the copy of the service for the dedication of the new church. Must have been a very nice service and I expect a crowded congregation. It is Civic Sunday here on the 14th so expect the Council to turn out in force.

I arranged with the Readymix man for a delivery to be made on Saturday morning but as mentioned above it was an atrocious day and fortunately he did not deliver. Saw him Monday evening and arranged for a ton to be brought up at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday and it arrived the same time as postman. I set to and wheeled it into position and laid it in the trenches prepared for the surround. Kept on continuously until had finished and it was then 1:40 p.m. Bushell was at work otherwise he would have lent a hand. Could not stop for dinner until completed as concrete was hardening. Had a little over and kept it moist for Bushell who took it about 2:30 p.m. for path making. I could have used it had I prepared a site but I had had enough by the time I had filled up the surround. Of course during this work for the Rating and Valuation Inspector had to come along to see the new garage. Told him I did not to expect to see him as one garage was replacing another. When he spotted the old one still standing he said ‘I see you are in possession of two garages’. Soon told him where to get off on that one. He was quite nice however and we had a chat about one thing and another connected with the rating procedure. When I said I was getting ready to put up the greenhouse he said ‘then I shall be seeing you again’. Upon asking why he said greenhouses were subject to increased rates. Usually they did not bother with small ones so I asked him what he thought I was putting up – a nursery? Anyhow he says he would only come if he was advised by the local council to visit the premises for the specific purpose. He had a good idea the local people would not be advised by me of its erection. He took my measurements for the garage and asked if any power fitted therein. Fortunately I was able to tell him no. Might be different if he called back in six months time but I did not tell him this.

The fencing people started to put up the chain link fence last Friday but had to run for shelter (rain) so many times that eventually they gave up with the job half done. Not been back since. They must have been wet through before leaving here and then had to get back to Frome. Now we cannot get beyond our new boundary unless we climb over the fence which I have already done several times. Whilst I was taking in the concrete (from path up front) both Cornish and Heel came over at separate times to offer me a shovel but I explained I preferred to use a spade. Cornish started on that he was watching the builders and the young man next door (Heel) to see that he did not do him down. My barrow was then full and I excused myself to get away from him. This is the first contact since at the beginning of March and it is obvious he is still full of trouble. Heels have had some relatives with them this past fortnight and are taking them back to Rugby today. Quite a nice morning and I hope to do a bit of gardening after going to town. Managed to cut the lawns yesterday afternoon so that is over for another week.

During the rainy sessions I have been improving the shelving problems in the garage. Have now got one almost a full length of garage on the side nearer the house and already it is full of odds and ends. I’m now fixing some narrow shelves on the side of garage (on Bushell’s side) over the bench. These will hold the chisels, screwdrivers and tins of nails etc. Keep those articles off the bench. Never a dull moment. Was so tired out yesterday that I went off to bed after the 9:15 p.m. news. The rockery stones stacked on the plot near the pond I have now moved to a site at the back of the new garage where they will be out of the way for the time being. If I can get some top soil can fill up the bed from which the stones have been taken. Quite a lot can be absorbed there.

Looks as if I am getting near bottom of page against so will close with all our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Thinking of you today June***. Mum and Dad. 

*The new road actually divided into two, with the main part – going off to the left – remaining as Tennyson Avenue and the numbers continuing in sequence. It looped around to join Southern Way, where there was – as predicted – a new road named The Saltings. The right-hand spur, however, was named Macleod Close, with the house immediately backing on to Leonard and Eva’s place being number 15.

**And that’s my life-long fear of/distaste for dogs explained. I’ve always been a ‘cat person’, and that’s obviously why.

***This would have been June’s 39th birthday.

Wednesday 27th May, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter and parcel with contents safely received first post yesterday. Mum will reply to her birthday cards and gifts later today. We had an afternoon and evening out on Tuesday (more of that later) hence am replying to your letter this morning. (Now 6 am).

Yes weather not nearly so good as when we were with you but Tuesday was certainly an exception – it was lovely. Not surprised the girls might have been a bit fed up having to stop indoors owing to the rain and I expect they missed us a little bit as indeed we missed you all. Our lawn grass very long again but I have not been able to cut it since our return but hope to have a go this afternoon. (Bushell is in bed until about midday). I think you have had more and heavier rain at Ruislip than we have had here but thunder is about as the atmosphere is very heavy this morning.

Glad to hear all the plants in greenhouse etc doing well and hope you have got rid of the ants. We are having a little trouble with these little pests – coming up behind the kitchen unit – not a lot but the occasional odd one which rather annoys.

Note everything quiet on the work front at Liverpool Street. Perhaps it will hot up later. I see Beeching is now threatening to dismiss more staff unless he gets his way with the so-called “liner trains*”.

Your road will look very nice after it has been treated with the tarmac and for a short period the sound of passing vehicles should be lessened.

Another letter from Lyng on Monday says Don has been allowed downstairs again and that they are both hoping to run up to Clevedon in about a fortnight’s time. He is a little better but still very much under the weather. He is evidently pursuing the idea of having further specialist examination and says he will let us know how matters proceed. In the meantime he has asked that I do not go down there again just yet. Suits me as I certainly have my plate full at the moment.

Not possible to try anything on the short wavelength yet – in fact wireless and TV are both almost out at present. We are both outdoors in garden on one thing or another most of the daylight hours.

Noted car working and running satisfactorily now and we certainly hope you get no more adventures like the one that Greenford with punctures and the subsequent job of changing the wheel.

You say you offered the wine around on Saturday. Query was this the remainder of the Graves or the home-made variety.

Pleased to hear the seeds you put in when we were with you are coming through and hope you will be successful in getting them on.

As mentioned in previous brief letter we had a good run home last Thursday. As we ran into Marlborough the whole of the middle road parking accommodation was full and I turned around at the far end (Bristol end) with a view to parking at kerbside but just at that moment a car pulled away from the middle of the road right opposite me and before anyone else had a chance I was in his place. During our stay there we noticed all parking berths remained fully occupied. We decided to run via Bath and Bristol but found both places rather difficult to negotiate and it is a fact the routing arrangements in Bath have been altered but we kept to our usual route through that city and finally got away. Bedminster Bridge at Bristol has been doubled and the traffic lights dispensed with and a very large roundabout is in operation. It is a bit of a complication but again we eventually got through. Better to avoid both places I think if at all possible. Another time we shall have to experiment again by using another route.

As you already know when we got back Robinson’s people were bellyaching to have greenhouse down and on Thursday evening when talking to Bushell he said he would come over next day (Friday) after about 10:30 a.m. and give me a hand. He did and remained with me until about 5:00 p.m. and after taking glass out of roof and part of the side and front (breaking only two panes) we had the lot down and stacked up against the old shed near house. It was very good of Bushell to give me this time especially as he was doing 12 hour night turns of duty at Portishead. Now I am busy taking out the old putty and believe me this is a very slow and hard job as the putty is in there like concrete and has to be chipped out bit by bit. No use leaving it otherwise the new putty would not take and result in a leaky roof.

It will be several days before this particular job is completed so I have not yet done anything about getting the Readymix for the surround. The garage still stands whilst (presumably) Robinsons and Hawkins sort out their respective responsibilities. The bulldozer was over our side on Monday and just pushed down the hedge at bottom of lawn like a lot of ninepins. It has also flattened the other hedges and opened up the ground as we knew it in 1928. The fruit trees (apples etc) and the tall cupressus right at the bottom remains for the time being. One of the washing line posts was on the other side of Iron Curtain and I started getting this out Monday morning after bulldozer arrived (7:30 a.m.) but man on the machine shouted out that he would get it out for me. He just put machine up against it and literally lifted it out of the ground.

On Monday afternoon a very big sewer-pipe laying machine arrived in the Avenue and it almost stretched halfway along Avenue. Cornish’s and Heel’s front walls and gates had already been removed and this machine went through onto Cornish’s ground where it has since been working. The arguments are still going on re: measurements and the Pearsons are now in it as builders want about a foot wider strip than that originally agreed. Pearsons do not mind giving it up but quite rightly they insist on being paid for it.

We hear Robinsons have already lost about £15,000 on the deal [roughly £375,000 in present-day terms] as they have had to give up some of the ground they bought from Mrs Marshall for the new ring road that is to be made. This portion of land was compulsorily bought from them so they did not get the same value as when bought at the auction. Consequently the firm are not very cooperative with any of the former landowners.

I have already told the man in charge I will not allow the new fence (to be put up to day) to be finally closed against me until the garage has been dismantled and the sections properly laid down on my side of the fence. He is not very pleased about this as his programme of work is upset. How they are going to fence over the pond remains to be seen but I should imagine one concrete stake or post will have to go down through the bottom of it.

You can tell by the foregoing we are having plenty of fun and games here just now and a camera would be useful to take the varying phases of work as they proceed.

Needless to say Cornish is very much in evidence. He follows them around all day and I should think he is more or less an unpaid foreman. He talks to all and sundry who come up the Avenue and explains (in his own way) just what is going on. Have managed to keep out of his way so far but I notice Heel has been at him once or twice.

Yesterday afternoon we were to go down to the Richings at Weston and we left here at 1:15 p.m. and first of all went shopping in the town. Along the High Street Mrs Benn Senior met us. She had been to doctor for some trouble in her arms or legs and was herself looking around the shops. Had quite a chat on the pavement and we gather that they are finding things a bit difficult with the soaring rates etc. So much we gathered that if they could find another place not quite so costly they would move. Told her you were coming to us in August and no doubt would be looking them up. Also mentioned that we had been with you for Whitsun and told her of the activities in the field at the side of their old house. Asked if you got on any better with the new neighbors so told her of the sunbathing incidents. At the moment she said Eric Benn was on the south coast – I think she mentioned Brighton.

When we got round to Station House had some tea and then went to a place called Tristan Stone [sic] 35 miles distant towards Minehead where the rhododendons were coming out into flower. Picked a lot to bring home for the vases. Got back to Richings’ place about 8:30 pm and we came straight on home. Now I am getting on with this letter before starting on the putty chipping job again.

Looking out of window now I see Cornish getting ready for the arrival of the workmen again – they arrive at 7:30 a.m. and carry on until very late in the evening. The bulldozer driver comes from Yate and it takes him an hour in his own little car. I suppose these people work long hours when they are on the job to make up for the times when there is no work of this nature for them.

Bushell has just arrived home from Portishead – 7:15 a.m..

Well it is nearly a week since we left you but we did have a good time and shall look forward to your visit in August. I wonder how far the building will have progressed by then. One opinion from the man in charge is that they hope to be away by the autumn – the job finished.

Am glad you have some photographs of the garden as we knew it for so many years. It will never be the same again but we must make the best show we can of the ground left.

Getting towards the bottom of the page so will close with all our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad. 

*The only definition of this term that I can find online is American and I think does not apply in the present case as these would simply have been known as ‘goods trains’ at the time of this letter. There is also an excerpt taken from Hansard in 1966 when Barbara Castle, as Minister of Transport, was answering a question about them, but there is no clear definition given. I suspect that in fact they were supposed to be more like the present long-distance sleeper/dining trains – the Caledonian and the Night Riviera as well as potentially the Gerald – services which emphasise luxury travel as opposed to speed and convenience.

Thursday 21st May, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Just a quick note to let you know we arrived home safely at 1:25 pm after stopping up Marlborough for 65 minutes for refreshments etc. We had done 32 miles in first hour and 65 in 2 hours so made good going from the start. Fine until we got to Chippenham and then rain increasing in volume until we got here.

Thank you all for a really lovely holiday. The weather was grand and all of you and both of us were in apparent good health and able to enjoy every minute of the holiday. Shall have to starve a bit now to get weight down.

When we turned into the Avenue could see stacks of sewer pipes lined up outside our houses ready to go into ground. Several hedges were down including that between Heel and us (except that which we retain) and a letter dated the 14th inst. from Robinson’s telling me to get greenhouse moved as quickly as possible to enable them to get on with their job. No mention of the garage but at about 2:10 pm Robinson’s man saw that we were back and called to see me. Asked me about boundary limits (which were all right) and if I had had letter re: greenhouse. Told him I had just read it and promptly asked what about the garage. To my surprise he said that was not their obligation but Hawkins. He also said that his firm Robinson’s were not interested in possible purchase of garage. Told him position regarding greenhouse but it would appear I shall have to get on and dismantle the same and stack it until can re-erect. Robinson’s man was also on about the pond but I told him he could cut that off at any time and I would remake to half its size*. Cornish cut his hedge (between Heel and himself) whilst Heel away. (They returned Tuesday). Saw Heel for a few minutes just before we had dinner (at 2:30 p.m.) and he told me a bit about it.

It is now 3:30 p.m. and raining quite heavily so we can consider ourselves most fortunate in our holiday weather. Now we have to look forward to August but meanwhile shall be very busy as you may conclude from the foregoing. The letter from Don and Joan was waiting on the mat for us and I’ve just dropped them a line saying will go down if can be of any further assistance later next week. How quiet things are here after Lollypop** and the Magic Drum etc etc. Shall have to go outside and bang on an empty tin.

No more just now but will get this in post tonight. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls who we thought had both grown ever so much since we last saw them in October. Thank you once again for a lovely holiday.

Mum and Dad

**As mentioned before, this never happened. The fence was built across the pond, but there the matter ended – and there it remained when Leonard and Eva sold the house some years later. A look at Google Earth suggests that the pond has since been filled in, but considering the time that has passed – almost half a century – I should be very surprised if that was not the case.

**I have clear recollections of ‘My Boy Lollipop‘ (Millie Small version) being one of our earliest records but I have no memory of anything that might have been ‘The Magic Drum’ – unless it was ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ which was also in our collection.

Tuesday 5th May, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Yes, here we are once a once more replying to your letters and drawings received this morning – thank you all very much. Noted you now have music when typing your letter to us although a couple of doors separate you from the actual ‘noise’. However it is a nice pastime for the girls and so long as they are listening presumably they are not getting into mischief. Strange to say we got both of the records they have asked for at Sealey’s in Hill Road – had them in stock. I understand they keep a remarkable selection but of course this is the first time we have had occasion to buy. We did not have them played over so that treat is to come.

Sorry about your weather. We have been more fortunate this end and have had some really good days. Unfortunately the wind has been boisterous and rather spoiled some otherwise excellent days. Saturday night it rained heavily but cleared up fairly early Sunday morning. You must have had the rain that morning. Yes you were lucky to get grass cut and I might say I was also most fortunate having cut the lawns on the Saturday with motor mower. Grass very long and mower had to work hard to keep moving – in fact I had to assist for the engine would have stopped frequently. However it is all right now and a mowing later this week and possibly one middle part of next week will see us over the Whitsun.

Have not much further news from Lyng to date but am going down tomorrow (Wednesday) to do a few odd jobs outstanding in garden etc. and shall see how Don is after our earlier visit ten days ago. Geoff I think must have called there last Friday following a letter from me. He was telling Don he had a meeting at Taunton and would like to pop out to Lyng for an hour in the afternoon. We have not yet heard from Geoff although he said he would write as soon as he got home. A letter from Don this morning says he went to Dr yesterday (sorry – last Thursday) and again asked if anything else could be done for him and Dr apparently replied without looking at from his desk ‘No’. It is the warmer weather he wants badly and he may then pick up a lot. Before sealing this letter I will try and include a note as to how I find him on Wednesday. I will certainly pass on your sympathy and thanks for the game.

Yes the turning at Pawlett is at least six miles this side of Bridgwater and in point of fact could be a rather pleasant alternative route under normal conditions. By the way Joan mentioned that they hoped you would all visit them again during your stay with us in August and I said we would like to go down. Don was quite definitely taken with the car and mentioned it again in his letter when he wrote a couple of days ago.

So you know where to go for records then if any special ones are not available elsewhere. Pop out in the lunch hour.

Thanks for confirmation that Thursday 14th inst. will be alright for us to make the journey to Ruislip and we are certainly looking forward to seeing you all once more. Thank you June too for suggestion re: dinner and we will reach you about 1:00 p.m. all being well. Shall probably get away from here around 7:30 a.m. and have a good break at Marlborough including a call for coffee. If we go over to 169 on the following Tuesday evening for an hour we could then start the return trip on the Wednesday morning if that also is convenient to you all.

I’m afraid there will be very little of a ‘harvest festival’ this time or in the future as we are not producing the fruits or vegetables. Noted Alec how you will be working during the holiday or rather how you will not be working. Nice to have some time with you. Also noted to Friday does not clash with your radio night.

Sorry to hear June has some trouble with her teeth resulting in a wisdom tooth having to come out. Horrible jobs where dentists start probing about inside one’s mouth. Hope you will soon get over it.

Yes electricity people properly messed up the order but it’s surprising they never trip up in sending in the account. This arrived within a week of having the cooker installed.

Still no news then of Temple Meads. The quickest we shall hear will be by the appointment being announced in the Bristol evening paper. Time a decision was made. I think Charlie Rust finishes this month.

Glad to hear you have car put right with the odds and ends of jobs necessary. Price quite reasonable too. Ours is going fine. Had an unexpected trip to Portishead last Saturday. After dinner I thought I could hear a motorbike being revved up incessantly and went out to see and Bushell was there with his motorbike trying to put something right. Apparently he had started for work and got so far down the Avenue when the bike failed and he pushed it back inside gate and had a go at it there and then but without result. Meanwhile Mrs Bushell had gone to telephone to tell his mate he would be late as he would have to catch bus. I told him I would run him over to Portishead. It was then 12:45 p.m. and he had to be there by 1:00 pm. He clocked in at 12:57 p.m. and I got home at 1:15 p.m. He has been over this morning helping carry some heavy articles to a safer place this side of the Iron Curtain. Some of the plum trees he took earlier this year from our field are in flower but whether he gets any fruit is another story.

You mentioned strawberries going growing through from next door. If you want some please say next letter because I can get some real good rooted cuttings already in flower from our ground which we have to lose. No difficulty in bringing them up. Query anything else you can think of – now is the time to mention it. Pity about the rhubarb but I’m afraid ours is not suitable yet for splitting. Must tackle Geoff – they seem to have a nice lot.

Noted you have had another load of earth from Eccleston Road. Wonder what June has in mind regarding camellias. Have looked through my gardening books but have none on this subject. I have seen articles in various issues of the Amateur Gardening but these are not now available.

Jumble sales did you say. When I took Mum down with all the ‘stuff’ it just bucketed down and I had to park car some distance from YMCA. The net result I believe is about £17 [equivalent of about £425 in 2024 money] clear profit. Mum must tell you more about it and also reply to the questions on the Grandfather Fewingses.

Have had quite a good week on various jobs around here. Now got out all the hedge roots – some of the most difficult. Have also dug out one narrow trench 18 ft long x 6″ wide x 6″ deep for one side of the greenhouse on its new site. Today I have got place ready for runner beans i.e across the garden just inside position of new boundary. Have rammed in 8 iron stakes for carrying wires instead of using sticks and this will be the permanent home for the beans in future.

The surveyors from Robinsons have been here again this week and measured all the ground over again but no alteration in the measurements already available. I tackled Robinson’s chap and showed him the old garage and asked if the firm might like to buy it for a workshop on the ground during their stay in Clevedon. He looked garage over and noted the flooring was 1″ boarding and said he would mention it to the firm when he got back this weekend. I told him I was going to advertise it in local paper but if they care to make me an offer I would consider it.

These surveyors have found a flaw in the measurements on Cornish’s patch and there is another first class row going on with Cornish. Heel told me this over fence this morning. The extension of Tennyson Avenue is definitely on but Robinson’s man did tell Heel that if they had the dealing with the plots in the first instance they would have avoided such extension but it was too late now to alter plans that had already been passed by all concerned. We also understand that they will start work in August and commence at our end and this presumably to work outwards towards the road. Shall have to get busy after Whitsun with the rest of the move or shall find fence across garden.

A big lorry arrived outside Cornish’s yesterday and during the afternoon some fowlshouses were loaded up and taken away. Three of the five proposed houses on the Church Hill plot have already been sold and the old stable and mounting stones outside have already been removed and the place absolutely opened up. The house adjacent to The Nest occupied by Joe Reed has lost a lot of its garden by the road which will sweep round into the new cul-de-sac. Things are moving rapidly as you can see.

There was another memo in last night’s paper re: Yatton Furniture Co. to say a Mr somebody had been appointed in Mr R. Mogg’s place who had resigned to go into the furniture business on his own but it was noted he would be able available to the firm in a consultative capacity. Sorry paper destroyed so cannot send you cutting. Our earlier information (from Mrs Marshall) was that he had taken on a sweet shop.

Unless there is something special to tell you this will be the last letter prior to our arrival so until then you must assume we shall be on our way. Unless of course you may have to write us asking to put off visit but we hope not. Let’s hope it is nice weather so that we can enjoy ourselves together.

We liked the crack about only having a calendar with your cooker – perhaps you had to even buy that one. I have the old alarm clock in new gGarage so that I do not overrun the time for dinner – as if I ever did. I started putting up shelves in garage but where oh where am I going to put the rest of the stuff? The big table is now in shed with the floor underneath and the table top fully occupied.

All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. 

Tuesday 28th April, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the usual weekly budget of news and drawings received first post this morning. Seems as if you have not had such nice weather recently as we have. Last Friday for instance it was really glorious – rain on Saturday and we wondered what it would be on the Sunday but it turned out lovely again. Good again yesterday but showers today clearing up later afternoon.

Glad to hear you had no trouble with the Battersea Power Station out of action but noted Mrs Baker was cut off altogether for a while. Looks rather fishy as you say but will the authorities ever find out the true cause? We saw in paper that West Ruislip and Northolt rail lines were affected and thought then that perhaps you escaped.

Yes we went to Lyng on Sunday and had a lovely journey both directions but I’m sorry to say we found Don in a very poor state. He has great difficulty with his breathing or rather the trouble is in not being able to expel air from lungs. The medical diagnosis is emphysema and you can look this up in dictionary or medical book*. He has had to finish with the printing job and can hardly move about without gasping. He has got thin and, in my opinion, has lost the will to fight it. Says himself that he has ‘had his chips’. Apparently there is no disease which is confirmed by two or three X-rays but doctors tell him nothing further can be done. I have suggested in the letter sent yesterday that he ask to see a specialist privately even if necessary coming to Bristol to see one who specialises in Chest complaints. Moreover if there is any possibility of relief by undergoing treatment or an operation then to go to St Mary’s where I went. I am really worried about him and wrote Geoff last night and said that he ought to go and see him as soon as possible. Joan told us she has had to bath at him and dress him and also at times wash his false teeth which just shows the state Don is in. The illness is the after-effects of the flu and it is just possible he may improve with the arrival of the warmer weather but something must be done before next Winter or he will never get through it. Incidentally he gave me a party game he bought for himself at Christmas (this has been a habit of his now for many years) but finds that it is not quite what he wanted and he said let Alec have it when you go to Ruislip but please do not say anything to 169** about it or write Don. He asked that you would not acknowledge it so I thanked him for you. It cost 37/6d [roughly £46.75 in 2024 money] he told me but would not accept any money. Have had a look at it but it takes some working out. Hope you get some enjoyment out of it.

The girls having fun with the record player then – fancy losing the ‘needle’ or what takes place of the needle. Good job they kept the piece and you were able to put it right.

Yes the car went very well on road to Lyng and I noticed that it is very quick on the acceleration. There was a diversion at Pawlett via Puriton to avoid the beginning of Bridgwater and it brought us into Bridgwater via the back road. Lovely country and everything looking fresh and green.

I see Susan and Carol have given us the title of the records they would like and we must now try and get them to bring up. Yes we are counting the days now to our visit. Shall we suggest the first day before Whitsun visit the 14th prox. to come?

No we are not going over to 169 on the Bank Holiday Alec. Geoff and Stella returned that day from Exeter but we may give them a ring that night and fix up something for the next day. No theatre this time thank you and I hope to enjoy myself for once. So far as keeping free of coughs and colds hope you all will soon get rid of yours and keep free too.

Notice you have not yet purchased tent which will be shared by both young ladies. Perhaps we shall be able to see it when we look around the shops.

In previous letter we went to Weston on the Wednesday (lovely day) and of course first point of call was the electric showrooms where the person we dealt with on previous occasion tried to make out the cooker had not been ordered. When finally we got him stone cold on it the wires were buzzing all over the place to find the kind of cooker we wanted. He could not contact anyone just then and so we told him we would come back in an hour. Lines still red hot when we got back but not much definite information could be obtained so I told him to write me that night and report fully as to what was going to be done. He said I will do better than that I will send the Sales Manager to see you first thing in the morning with all the dope – and he did. The result is the cooker was connected up this afternoon at 4:30 pm so I shall be suffering from indigestion for the next week or two***. The way the chappie wriggled at Weston was amusing but he knew he was not going to get away with it.

noted still no news of Temple meats. Dom tells me a relief man is still covering dust and. I like your idea of amalgamating the delivery announcements jobs – what about floating a firm for the work? so the Russians and poles etc are plentiful in the short wave radio work then.

Yes it was the old sewing machine you knew here that fetched £5 when we exchanged it for the electric one. Not bad seeing it was made in 1897. Your mower must have been worth £1 to someone for it to be sold so quickly. Our grass here was so long that I got out the push mower for it on Saturday but yesterday whilst still waiting for some timber to come from Staddens (for bench in new garage) I used shears for the long grass under the trees. Too much rain today or would have had the motor mower out. Instead I finished off the bench in garage and have made quite a good job of it considering all things. It is firmly wedged in now and no nails used to fasten any part of it to the garage itself. Have also started making the ramp approaching the garage doors – have to rise about six inches to the actual entrance. The painting is finished and two or three people have asked me if it is a fire station because of the red paint. Never mind I have used up some paint which almost had whiskers on it.

Yes Cummings and family had a narrow squeak and now here is another one. Haskell of the old West End Post Office was driving in Bristol the other day and did not use the safety belts provided in car and very fortunate this omission turned out. He saw a timber plank flying through the air and coming straight for his windscreen which it smashed and passed through and went out of the window in the door on driver’s side. He ducked and the plank missed him but had he been wearing the belt he could not have got down out of the way. The plank fell off a lorry and a court action is pending for an insecure load.

I am enclosing a cutting taken from Evening Post of yesterday where in you will see the official reason for Ray Mogg leaving the Yatton Furniture Co. We have heard no further information on the subject.

Glad to hear you have done elsewhere for car repairs etc. Also noted position regarding fitters in the car trade.

So Peter is away again with the Territorials – quite a nice experience and a chance to see various parts of the country.

Have not started on greenhouse yet as this may have to wait until we return from Ruislip. Plenty of minor jobs to be cleared up in the meantime and a bit of gardening to be done. Not to mention the lawn again.

No sign of Cornish since I last wrote and I do not know the reason for the balloons which by the way are very much deflated now.

Yes I really thought you would not get BBC2 on your set. Some of the programs on the TV generally are poor stuff and we often switch off altogether.

Sorry the girls kept you waiting after the dancing classes but I expect Daddy will fetch them next time just the same. How are they getting on with it?

Fancy new potatoes – you have had them before us this time. Saw them in the shops when we went to Weston and I know Elford has them for sale but we have kept to the old ones to date. The rhubarb we brought back from 169 in October last is cropping well and we have enjoyed it. Broccoli also turning in and if any available when we take the road on the 14th prox. I will put them aboard.

Mum has been helping the afternoon in transferring a few things from the old to the new garage. A bit more room now that I have not to keep the tools on the floor but I but believe me I shall not have enough room to store all that is to be put back in the place. Shall have to make more use of the old shed (near back door) for articles which will not be affected by wet washing hung up. Can put tins of paint and suchlike in there alright. Have already got the chest of drawers in and the next move is to try and fix some shelves without nails. Mum’s cacti here are doing very well and several showing signs of flowering.

Incidentally I notice that Fridays are your Radio Club nights so please do not cancel the meeting for the 15th May just because we are at Ruislip. We shall be bringing up a few pictures – mentioned when you were here in March – for display in the radio room at 84.

Still no news of the Richings – wondering what is the matter with them. Expect they go often to Reading these days when he can get away.

Don told me the Taunton Station Master is now working as a clerk in Taunton Goods having had a breakdown in health. A man named Jenkins now Station Master and I’m wandering if this is the chap who was at Westbury formerly at Stapleton Road.

The builder on the church hillside is still using the drill to get down low enough for the foundations and it is noticed that some equipment has arrived on Mrs Marshall’s ground for the Robinson firm.

Heels were away over the weekend – to the Midlands somewhere – and they had some really good weather. They are also going off at Whitsun so the Avenue will be somewhat deserted that weekend. No need to get anyone to come over and look after the greenhouse stuff this time. It is a pity it is not in use but there is no help for this year.

Well I think this is the lot once more so will close with all our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.  Mum and Dad

*N.B. Don did not smoke, but his father was always ‘bronchial’ and there is no doubt some genetic component to lung insufficiency as it has been an ongoing affliction throughout the family. Note all the references to catarrh etc. elsewhere in these letters.

**Headstone Lane, i.e. Geoff and Stella.

***There is of course no possibility of a woman, any woman, ever cooking well enough for any man.