Category: Uncategorized

Wednesday 4th March 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 3rd March, 1964]

Letter to hand this morning and we were pleased to hear you had got rid of colds etc. and hopes Susan’s effort on Sunday did not develop. It is a raw wet morning and I had difficulty in starting the car but eventually got it going on handle. Then it gave out again in drive and later twice on the road. The last time I managed to coast down Hillside Road to the car park opposite St John’s Church where I had to go over to Binding and Payne’s for assistance. Could later have kicked myself as all that was the matter was the battery terminal had become so corroded that contact was not being made.

What a time you had at the hospital waiting your turn. However result of specialist examination noted and we hope the injections will do the trick. If not however do not hesitate to have the vein out. Also noted you will have an x-ray on the 25th inst. and again we hope it will be satisfactory. It is well to have these x-rays periodically – a good safeguard.

Have told you on previous page of our efforts to clear timber and other junk from the garage area to sites near the house so will not comment further on that this time. The bonfire has been looked after by mum who has lit up several these past few days.

Sorry Notley did not get either of the jobs – must try again later.

Yes the homemade wine went under the stairs all right but the cupboard is now full.

Glad you had your tank replaced satisfactory – should give good service now for several years.

I did have a word with Harry Payne re: a good second-hand car – probably an 0. The one he took me out all in is a similar model but with the automatic gear. The price of one of these even at second-hand would be too heavy for me but it seems to be the car of the future.

The question of Easter is mutually agreed. It does not seem an ideal time for getting about and it will not be very long to Whitsun when Mum and I will be very pleased to come to Ruislip. Looking forward from October to Whitsun however is a very long time but now that we are nearer to it it will not seem too long. If you can make it towards the end of the month Alec we shall be delighted to see you. We are also looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Regarding your holiday at Exmouth we hope you will be in time to secure the caravan and await your next letter to confirm booking. If we do not stay the night at Exmouth we will certainly run down for a day if you would like us to but further arrangements can be made later on when we see you all at Whitsun. We do hope you can fix the holiday for I am sure you will be ready for it by the time August comes. Noted you may do a bit of decorating over the Easter. We are waiting for Frank James to come along and do out the kitchen. Of course we shall be pleased to have you with us after your week at Exmouth and once again can only hope the weather will be kind.

Perhaps Susan likes the change to the Parish Church Brownies where she finds some of her dancing friends. Also pleased she’s getting the hang of the dancing steps etc. Carol will soon follow suit. After all she is two years younger.

Nice work getting hold of the radio fan in Southern Rhodesia. Shows your set in excellent condition and capable of long distance work.

Well mum and I went along to the Light Opera Co.’s show last night and it was first class. Started at 7:30 p.m. and finished at 10:30 p.m. One of the principles was Percy Lidbury’s daughter. Expect you remember Percy he unfortunately died a couple of years ago at about 55 years of age. During one of the intervals a young lady came up to me and addressed me by name but I hadn’t a clue. Said she worked at Temple Meads at one time in the Station Master’s office. It turned out to be the daughter of the late Chief Inspector Belcher now married and living at Weston. She belongs to the Bristol Light Opera Co. and her party had been invited to the Clevedon show. You may remember Inspector Belcher but I doubt if you will remember Rita, the daughter, as it is possible she only started work after you went to London. She could tell me that Charlie Coulam, who went to the East African Railways (from Bristol Rolling Stock section) many years ago is now back in England retired and living in luxury. He can only be about 50 years old now so has evidently got a very good pension. He went out to Africa with the crowd of Peter Price, Meadows, Cannings, Whittington, and the other senior assistant whose name I cannot recall. I should say they have got out of Africa too just in time.

Noted you have nothing to report from the office this week but that the applications on the closed list may be dealt with shortly. Was told this morning that Bastin of Bristol was retiring in May and going to Medhurst* to live. Another one fed up with the way things are going.

Sorry you have had to move your typing paper to the loft because of the girls using the same. They want to write as well**. Hope you have an electric fire up there – it can be very cold under the tiles.

Nearly at the bottom of page again so must close with all our love to you both and lots lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad.

P.S. This morning (Thursday) am seeing an A55 1961 again with Mum. It is in perfect condition inside and out – blue, same colour as yours. ***

*Probably Midhurst!

**So maybe give them some paper, then!

***Ah, the wonderful A55: it stayed around for a very long time, but unfortunately I lost contact with it after my divorce in 1986. It does not seem to be registered currently, so either it’s someone’s project car or it’s gone to the great scrapyard in the sky.

Tuesday 3rd March, 1964

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan  and Carol

No letter today so far and none likely now until Wednesday so will start mine in reply and finish off after receipt of yours. We hope you are all feeling much better now in spite of the cold weather. No rain here but one or two very foggy mornings turning to sunny periods later. Actually we have had some very nice weather this past week and still no rain. I’m glad to say our colds etc. are much better and we have been busy outdoors bringing timber etc. up to our own part of garden. The greenhouse staging is all tied up and now stored in shed outside back door together with the electric heater and several other items. Have had some difficulty in dismantling the interior framework in the greenhouse as had so many screws in it but most of it is down now. Also we have been clearing out the shelves of the garage and the dustman has had and will still have to take a lot away. Am dumping stuff now I’ve been hoarding for years in the hope it might be useful at some time but now is the time for a good spring clean and we are giving it just that.

As previously stated we went to Weston on Monday the 24th inst. but apart from local runs have not been out since. A letter from solicitors last Friday indicated the deeds of house were now ready and I picked them up the same morning to bring home and scrutinise. Shall be taking them back to Burroughs Day and Blackmore at an early date for safe custody. They keep them free of charge and can be had at any time on demand. This now should only be necessary when the house put up for sale. Other items in connection with the house I am keeping in my desk here*.

Went to the Doctor this morning as arranged and told him I was now back to normal and have been busy outdoors. He said result of x-ray showed my chest all right except that lungs are not so elastic as formerly. He could only suggest I keep my weight down and go in for deep breathing exercises. Perhaps the work outdoors will now help.

No further move in regard to the land at back of our house but this morning I noticed a firm had broken through the wall on the Church approach road to get into the site on which half a dozen houses are to be built. They are going to cost £4,975 pounds [£124,000 in 2024 money] plus ten guineas annual ground rent [£260]**. Did you notice the advert in the ‘Mercury’?

Saw Stan James on Sunday but his latest estimate for garage with modifications is around £120 [£3,000] which I think is still a bit much. However it is his last word and I must now make up my mind what to do. It is possible the builders will not be ready to take down existing garage for a very long time and unless I have another one built it will mean holding up the re-siting of greenhouse with consequential loss of production. I could not under any circumstances plant in greenhouse from now on.

Had a letter from Geoff yesterday and he mentioned your visit on the 23rd ulto. This weekend apparently Stella and the girls have been to Exeter and were going out to Heavitree on the Sunday. No further news from Lyng yet.

Mum and I are going to the New Hall tonight to see a performance of ‘The Arkadians‘ [sic] by the local light opera company. Long time since we had an evening out like this.

This morning after going to the library I went around to St Andrew’s Drive to see Mr Pope – the one who had the heart attack recently – and spent an hour with him. He is much improved but still has to rest for about another ten weeks before doing even light work. His brother-in-law is Goods Agent at Chippenham and retires at 65 this coming November when it is on the cards the Goods department there will come under the Station Master which is the pattern of things today. I told Mr Pope the fun and games you have been having at Liverpool Street. He said it was typical of the whole setup these days.

Mum out this afternoon delivering the March church magazines in the Westbourne Avenue area. No sign of Cornish this week and have only seen Heel once. I think the latter went to Yatton market as usual yesterday.

The inquest on the woman who was knocked down and killed by Ted Caple was held on Saturday when a verdict of accidental death was returned. What a terrible thing the airplane crash at Innsbruck was and the Americans had one very similar at about the same time. Have no wish to take to the air. The risks on the ground are bad enough these days but there is no chance whatever with a plane disaster.

The new baby next door going on all right according to Mum who has been in there once or twice. Bushell himself is on 12 hour nights at the moment at work and not much rest when he gets home.

Mr Palmer went to Southmead Hospital for his test last week and is now home waiting to know if he will have to go again as an in-patient. We were expecting the Richings here from Weston last Thursday evening but they did not turn up.

[Letter continues Wednesday 4th March, 1964]

*Also known as ‘my desk, here’ after having inherited it some 30+ years ago. It has been fully restored by a local man and now has a new leather insert on the top (a ‘skiver’, apparently) as well as a toughened glass protective plate which will hopefully keep it all in pristine condition for another few years. (See ‘before and after’ below.)

**Try buying anything bigger than a dog kennel for that these days!

Wednesday 8th January, 1964

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[Continued from Tuesday 7th January, 1964]

Your letter posted at the usual time on Monday reached us by 8:30 a.m. today so the P.O. are still in arrears after the Christmas – maybe the weather just now with so much fog about. Anyhow thank you all for such an interesting letter but what a job to come home to in the evening, clearing drains. Have had plenty of this here in the past but I guess this is your first time and we hope it will be the last. We used to use Drewetts Brushes but there are none available now and on several occasions I have considered buying a set that cost about 50/- [roughly £62.30 in 2024 money].

Thanks for cutting from national paper. We did not have any trouble this end of town but police called one evening to know if we could give them any possible clue. Personally I do not think this is the same individual causing trouble elsewhere but a local man.*

So Geoff was in the money too over Christmas. I expect he was surprised to hear you had had such a good lift.

Fancy Carol going off to Grandma’s on her own. Shows she is getting over her nervous state and willing to do what Susan can do. Yes we thought of you all over the holidays and pictured the girls with their many presents. What a shame about the Sunday School party – a case of mistaken date perhaps and the event is still to come. So school started on Monday and they are stopping to lunch. You will soon find out how they are reacting to the arrangement. Hope it is all right for June’s sake save her at least one journey per day.

Information re: Motive Power Section noted – just one normal move in the big alterations.

Sorry about plant we brought up – must try another later. Good to know greenhouse is now holding its own against the weather.

Elford may or may not know about the bottles but he reduced the price by 6d [62p] per bottle last time I bought some.

In the ‘Mercury’ in which mention was made of our land there was also reference to three other plots for which plans had been submitted but these were faulty in one or more respect and turned down for further investigations. Had no idea ours or the others were up for consideration until we read of them in paper.

Yes in one sense it is a pity the apple trees have to be destroyed but most of them had their day and if after rearrangement of garden etc. I find there is room for an odd one or two can buy some young trees. In the meantime we shall have to buy any apples etc. we require – some change after all these years.

I do not know what age you think Ching may be but my guess is that he is about 56. Have not seen Cornish since last writing but can hear him sawing down his trees. No I am sure the money coming for the sale of land will not worry us. It will be invested in order that use maybe made on the interest. The old saying applies – ‘anything to come, glad of it’. It will certainly bring in more than the land did.

Referring to June’s letter for a moment. Very sorry it is necessary for you to see doctor again June and I hope he will be able to put you right. This is easier said than done I know but we hope he will succeed in due course. Very glad to hear both Susan and Carol has a nice time with Grandma Baker and that they brought back little presents for you both.

Wonder if you will have buildings on the spare land near your house. This surveying business is a long drawn out matter but it is certainly a start.

More ballet shoes for the girls – how lucky they are. Have they worn out the others or grown out of them? As mentioned above what a disappointment for them at the Sunday School on Saturday.

Sorry to hear Peter has more trouble with his car but surprised he is bothering with Jackson having regard to the latter’s record of service. The leakage of the brake fluid is this somewhat the trouble you have Alec? How is your car going now? I am due to get the Ministry of Transport certificate again in March but this will only be a routine matter I think. Just pay the annual tax of £15 [equivalent of £375 in 2024].

Have you done much on radio lately?

Ted Caple was telling me the other day that he, his brother Ernest, and sister May went to a hotel at Bath for Christmas and had a really good time. Not very expensive apparently – they stopped three days and two nights.

The curtain material mentioned on previous page has now been made up and the curtains were hung this morning. A big improvement and the windows are now completely covered when curtains drawn. Keep out the draft too better than the others.

No the sherry Bushell gave us was not some of Elford’s but a good proprietary brand – cannot quite remember the name at the moment. I’ve seen all the bell ringers since the party and all got home safely and learn the worst for the mixture of drinks. I believe the Curate went to Les Garland’s house from 11:30 p.m. until 12 a.m. and drunk at least half a bottle of whisky and then came back here and started on sherry again. On the Sunday following both the Vicar and Curate turned up at Saint Peters for the parish church eventually starting the service about five minutes late. Apparently the Curate should have been at this end.**

Well I think this is about a lot for another week. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad 

P.S. thanks for cutting re fire maniac. The police called at all houses including ours for possible information.

Enclosed from Evening Post shows the alteration to the notorious Failand Crossroads – looking towards Bristol from the Clevedon side. [N.B. picture has not survived.]

*Have not been able to trace any reference to this online which doesn’t involve a paid search, unfortunately.

**That Curate sounds a bit flippin’ hopeless!

Tuesday 7th January, 1964

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol,

No letter this week so far so will start mine today to be sure of getting post on Thursday – shall not be able to do much on Wednesday for reasons given later.

Well to begin I must comment on the weather -h it has been grand here for the best part of a week now. Even the birds are singing, but no cuckoo yet. Have spent several hours in the field cutting off branches of the apple trees and shortening them for logs for burning. To date have only dealt with the Blenheim Orange tree and there is a huge bundle of logs in shed already for the fire. Next to be tackled will be the Bramley Seedling and I have told Bushell to deal with the Jersey Beauty for himself. Might as well have them as leave them for the builders to dispose of. Already the field is beginning to look a bit bare.

We read and see on TV you have been having the usual ration of fog in the London area. We certainly had a little and on at least one occasion it lasted most of the day. Th foghorn in the Channel has been on quite a lot. Much better though than last year at this time when we were already snowbound.

Must tell you too that when the Heels went away to Rugby on Sunday the 22nd ulto for Christmas I felt a bit envious especially as the day was quite nice and the roads apparently in good condition but I saw him during the past weekend and he said they had a very rough journey. The roads have were all right in Clevedon but at Tickenham and Failand and from then on he was slithering about on ice for most of the way and it took him four and a half hours for the journey which normally takes him three hours. Was glad then that we had not ventured.

No more developments regarding the land but I have been going over in my mind what to do about garage. Still undecided but have had another look at existing one and possibility of making builders move it to a position behind the shed outside back door with the side of same right up against Bushell’s fence. This would then overlap five feet of lawn but not reach the round plot on lawn. Only an idea but I’m thinking of saving the cost of a new garage and as you know the responsibility of moving the old one rests with the builders. May have to pay for a new roof and one or two other items but in any case it would work out cheaper and I should have both garage and workshop under one roof as before. This is not by any means a definite plan but only another idea.

This morning Mum and I went to Challicoms to get some curtaining material for the French windows in the living room and at the moment she is busy with the sewing machine putting them together. This time we have the extra width so that the windows will be completely covered when curtains are drawn.

The reason we shall not have a lot of time to spare on Wednesday is that Toy and Mrs Hewitt are coming to tea and supper so there will be plenty of tongue pie apart from meals. Roy was around last Saturday but his legs are getting worse and I foresee the time when he will be housebound. Not a very bright prospect.

The young motorist who lives in one of the quarry houses at bottom of Avenue is still very poorly and has not yet fully regained consciousness. Several more accidents in the country some of which were put down to the fog.

Have just seen Beeching on the TV talking about the new contract with the Coal Board for moving coal from the colliery to the power stations. Presumably we have never carried such coal before!!! No sign of the steel dispute being settled yet I see.

Our plants in greenhouse and in the two porches attached to house came through the recent weather well but we realise the winter is only just with us and there is still plenty of time to lose some of them. The only marrow we had in store was partly affected but we used the remainder before that went as well. Have not planted either broad beans or shallots so far and doubt if shall have room for many if any of them from now on. How about your Christmas cactus? Ours is now in full flower.

Mr Palmer is not feeling at all well again and has to see a specialist at the cottage hospital on Thursday – having a lot of pain in the lower part of his back! He was laid up over Christmas and I went and saw him a couple of times but since then he has been out and about. Bill Aston seems all right again and looked over last Saturday for an hour before dinner. He had been to Transom House earlier in the week and he said they all seemed fed up to the teeth.

[Letter continues Wednesday 8th January, 1964]

Wednesday 7th August, 1963

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[Continued from Tuesday 6th August, 1963]

Yes letter duly received this morning – thank you very much. Post earlier too – about 8.10 a.m.

Sorry to hear the girls have again been off-colour but hope they will be alright for the trip to Clevedon. By the way you have not said if June and Carol are coming by train and unless further comment shall assume you are all coming by road. About what time may we expect you? Noted Susan having an extra holiday with Grandma Baker and that you hear from her every evening. I am sure she looks forward to speaking to you. We are going to send her the usual letter direct to Ealing by same post as this letter to you.

I should think the City is the worst place in the world when a heatwave prevails. I detested it when in London on timetable work. Have commented on the weather over the weekend on previous page so you will know it was about the same here as with you.

Not a bad idea to train sweet peas up the sunflower stem. Latter must be doing very well to grow so tall. Pity about your runner beans but we shall have some here for you – they are coming on nicely now and we are keeping some of the neighbours supplied. The blackcurrant wine is still working but slowing up a little. It has been going for several weeks now.

A good idea Alec to take a few snaps of the Long Sutton house if we go that way. I do not think we have any of the house but somewhere there are one or two of the orchard. The walnut tree there was a real beauty.

The cider is down to the last gallon but we are getting in a supply of Watneys Pale Ale to carry us over for a day or two.

The viscaria is still in full flower and we would like them to keep going for at least another week so that the girls could see what was in the packet they gave us.

Does the doctor prescribe anything for Susan’s catarrh?

Sorry to hear of Iris’s further trouble. As you say she is another who seems to have been dogged by ill luck etc. Hope you hear she is better soon.

Very nice of Mr Gray to give you the Nenette Brush* but I agree it was not expected. Just shows your kindness was appreciated. Hope he is getting on satisfactorily.

Some inside news reached us from Cornishes’ yesterday. A Miss Sage – retired school teacher friend of Mrs Cornish – was here with them for a few days over the Bank Holiday period and as she knows mum she came over and had a natter for a few minutes. An indirect reference to the proposed sale of land brought the reply that she (Miss Sage) thought that Mr Cornish was going on with the scheme as planned. Apparently it had been discussed in her presence. As a matter of fact Miss Sage herself is having a bungalow built on part of the ground surrounding her house and will live there and dispose of the house – a big rambling affair – and remainder of garden. She lives at High Littleton a village near Hallatrow on the Radstock branch. (Nearly as bad as the place Unwind lives in.) Cornish was formally a Constable there hence the connection and friendship with Mrs Cornish. Anyhow the news re: land is reassuring but we have no further information from Solicitor neither has he returned my plan.

Yes the beach attendants’ hut and the covered shelter which ran from the hut towards Elton Road have been demolished and the space grassed down and left open – a big improvement.

Today I have been trying to make the base for a short path from the main garden path to the nearest point of the pond – a distance of about 5½ feet. Storms stopped work once or twice and at 4:10 p.m. it started again so packed up for the day. At the moment (5:35 p.m.) it is pelting down. Fortunately I have locked up greenhouse and garage and have no need to get wet.

Yes I am afraid Stephens is in a bad way and his outlook is pretty grim. He was always a very active individual and this illness must be very upsetting as apparently he cannot do anything being confined to a wheelchair.

How were your broad beans? Hope there was enough for all to taste. Ours are over as I think I have mentioned before.

Not much doing then in the attic these days. It is more of a winter’s job when the nights are long and reception better. Have you noticed how the days are drawing in already? A nice sunny and warm autumn will do us all good now. Strange your office should be nice and cool during the hot weather – you must be situated well under cover from the sun.

Well it is only eight days now so get your bags packed and be ready to relax for a while. Meantime we press on with the improvements to pond etc.

No more now. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

Mum and Dad 

*This was a car-polishing brush, which I am astonished to learn is still sold under the same name, and was presumably intended as a ‘thank you’ for Alec chauffeuring the Grays to and from hospital to visit Doug.

Tuesday 6th August, 1963

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol,

Here we are again – no letter this morning but that is not unusual on the mornings following Bank Holidays so shall be on the lookout tomorrow. Wonder what you were doing over the weekend? We took it very quietly and did not go into the town or even to the Salthouse Fields. Spent most of time pottering about and in the deck chairs on the lawn. Sunday not very nice in the morning – very close and thundery but the air freshened up in the late afternoon. Rain also in the morning nearly put paid to the annual cricket match between Clevedon and Somerset County. Monday quite a nice day and by all accounts there were a lot of people about. Mum and I stopped home but the usual influx of visitors were here. This afternoon we went to the library and noticed the beach was full of people. It appears there are a good many staying in Clevedon for a while.

Had the misfortune to break my gardening trowel this morning and had to go to Hill Road for another. The broken one had been repaired before but this time we had to write it off altogether. Have now started to define the surround of the proposed rock garden and yesterday and today have been putting in the edging for same Cannot proceed much further with it until the flowers in the plot have died off and I can get them out. This will be done I hope in the autumn.

For edging I am using concrete blocks – this saves time and trouble of mixing concrete. Went to Cranes last Friday and found these blocks available at about 1/- each which is cheaper than the proper garden edging. They imagine 17½ in. by 8½ in. by 4 in [45 cm x 22 cm x 10 cm]. I ordered 100 of them and a bag of cement. May work out cheaper than 1/- each by buying so many.* I intend, at some time, to put in edging around the oblong garden plot on the lawn and convert the two circular plots to smaller oblong plots and edge them also with blocks. Perhaps we shall be able to then to keep the grass under control. At present the grass intrudes into the garden part of the plots and makes them untidy. The 4 in. wide border (blocks) will take the wheel of the motor mower and I should be able to make a good job of cutting the lawn.

The pond is full of water still and holding well. Have grubbed out those tall daisies (called Wirral Supreme) which we had on the garden side of the golden privet hedge and shall burn the roots. They got out of hand so quickly and took up more room than they were worth. Mum’s butterfly gladioli are in flower and make a good picture. Not quite so big as our usual ones but they are still too big for what mum had in mind viz. for vases in church.

Had to cut all the loans on Monday – the recent rains had given the ground a good soaking and everything looked fresher for the water. Saved me using hosepipe for a day or two but must get it going again tomorrow unless there is rain tonight.

No more news re: land and I have not yet seen Cornish. Heel has visitors and is out with them most days so I have not had any further chat with him. You will see in ‘Mercury’ enclosed a reference to some ground Mrs Marshall is selling for building purposes – this directly joins the ground (owned at present by Mr Pearson) which is our proposition for sale. Apparently Mrs Marshall can only sell ground this side of the river. The new sewer has to be laid in on the far side and until that has been done the Town Planners cannot get to work on any scheme for that side of the river. It seems that land for building purposes is very scarce in this area and any they can get hold of will be developed early. Our hopes rise with all this interest in the land around us and we patiently await the next move.

Our neighbour Bushell was working over the Bank Holiday but at the moment he is cutting the hedge between our two houses which will help me considerably. He has just borrowed the motor mower to cut his lawn. A case of one good turn deserves another – he keeps the machine in good working order for me.

Not many more days now and you will be on the move towards Clevedon. Apart from some storms it does appear as if the weather has much improved these last few weeks and we can hope for a nice holiday together. We are looking forward to seeing you all.

Harvested 65lbs shallots this week so there will be some for you to take back for pickling.

Wonder if you have heard from Geoff since you last wrote? It is the end of this month I think they go to Spain again. Have you worked out any ideas for next year yet?

Not much more local news for you this week and I will reply to your letter on next sheet.

*So just for the blocks this would be £5 or £127 in 2023 parlance – let’s say roughly the equivalent of £150-£175 for the whole job. The nearest equivalent on the B&Q website comes in at £2.19 each, or £219 for the blocks alone, with cement being about £6 a bag on top of that. I’d say Leonard got a bargain.

[Continues on Wednesday 7th August, 1963]

Tuesday 30th July, 1963

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

No letter this morning so we’ll start the reply with items of local news and use second sheet tomorrow when hope to have your usual budget. Incidentally our post delivery this week so far has been in the region of 9:30 a.m. but have no idea of the reason*.

Well I suspect you have had a taste of this very hot weather at Ruislip. It has been terrific here in spite of fact we are so close to the sea. I have downed tools after dinner both yesterday and today and shall continue in like manner until things are more normal. Pity to complain about the heat after such a very long spell of the worst kind of weather but the change is too great to be comfortable. Perhaps by the time you arrive we shall have got used to it.

Since last writing have put the shallots in the garage to finish drying off. (We had a storm of rain about Thursday which made me scramble them undercover as they were almost.) The hose-pipe has been in daily use since and the runner beans have needed the water badly. We started picking last Saturday and will be on the market with them this weekend. The tomatoes too have started to turn quickly and these too are now on sale. Broad beans finished except for what I am keeping for seed for stop. Have a row of lettuce but they are all running up to seed. Fortunately I have some more in one of the frames which I think maybe right for a fortnight’s time.

The blackcurrant wine is working fast in the jars under fermentation lock – the garage is very hot these days and this I expect is helping the yeast to do its work. The pond is still holding but there is a lot of evaporation just now and I keep it topped up daily when watering the garden. Mum has put in a lot more pansies in the flower border but I keep the wire guards on to keep the birds out. They are little terrors and make full use of the water for drinking and washing purposes. We have had the deck chairs out each afternoon and had a rest on the lawn until about 5 p.m. when I get the hose going for over an hour.

There is no more direct news of the land but I did get a word with Heel earlier this week and ascertained that both he and Cornish are still in favour of the scheme so as I know Pearson and ourselves are agreeable it seems the plan is going forward. May take some time to materialise but the fact that both Cornish and Heel are with the scheme is highly satisfactory. Just as well perhaps for I have done nothing in the field this year and it is looking more like a jungle than ever. Have not yet seen Cornish to speak to but he passes by with a good load up on his bicycle most mornings – taking produce out to customers. When on the bicycle his legs are about a quarter to three and it is quite an effort for him to get along. I suppose he will come over one day to see what is going on.

We have had no more rodeo incidents with Baker’s cows getting through from Mrs Marshall’s field. Think the animals have been removed for the time being.

Roy Hewitt called round again one day last week but his leg continues to give trouble and now he tells me he is waiting to go into hospital for same operation as I had four years ago. He has had a packet of trouble one way and another in his lifetime.

Do you all like beetroot? We have just had some for supper and it is lovely. Have one good row right across garden near runner beans.

I’m afraid Don’s rough cider is going fast these days – have got through one gallon since we were down there on the 18th. Already we are accumulating Watney’s Pale and mum has one or two of the bottles in cold storage.

The roundabouts are here again and the small side shows are already working. They will be on the  move again unfortunately by the time you are here. I’m sure the girls would have liked to look round them and have a ride on some of the smaller roundabouts. Never mind we will find somewhere.

Had another letter from Stephens this morning. He is still in hospital at Hereford following his stroke of February last. Hopes to be home soon and the hospital authorities are going to let him have a wheelchair for a while. This does not sound too good but he writes quite cheerfully.

The packet of Viscaria seeds the girls gave me at Ruislip we put in the border just outside the porch of back door and they are all out in flower at the moment and giving quite a nice bit of colour. Hope they will last for another week or two so they they can see them.

Frank Hessel called on Mrs Marshall the other day and asked after several people around here but he did not visit us. Understand here is now living at Abbots Leigh and still employed by the Portishead Power Station people.

[Continues Wednesday 31 July 1963]

*The postie went on holiday and you’ve got a replacement who doesn’t know the route: get your head out of your own navel for five minutes, ffs!

Sunday 28th July, 1963

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Cannot think what has gone wrong with the machine this week. It looks as if the keys are missing the ribbon. Sorry about that I have found the trouble. The ribbon had become detached from the central carrier, and was not rising and falling with it as it should.

Thanks for the weekly letter, arrived on Friday as usual. Hope you find the type more to your liking this week. Susan and Carol were both all right at the time of our last letter, but today Susan is a little off-colour and runs a slight temperature. Nonetheless, the weather being fine – at the moment – we intend to have a picnic on Horsenden Hill this afternoon*.

Susan has qualified for the Brownies, but there are many things that Brownies do that she still has to learn – mainly in the ‘helping other people’ line. I expect you she tells Carol all about it. We hear of new games played and snatches of new songs sung, so something must be sticking.

Yesterday was a wonderful day here compared with the previous weather. It started fairly cool but with plenty of sun to indicate warmth to come. Just after lunch we managed to have five minutes in a chair in the garden and the sun was terrific. Five minutes only was the word, as we had a party for the girls in the afternoon. The first of the guests arrived at 3 p.m. and the last ones departed at something after eight p.m. The party was billed from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. – some hopes. Anyhow nine kids sat down to tea and Delph was present and also June’s friend Vi. The time passed fairly quickly – fortunately – but it was a bit hectic while at lasted. Christopher was here, but he did not seem to want to play with the others. Later on he got more involved, but was a bit of a slow starter. Some eight more than others, but there is plenty for Dads to finish up in the weeks ahead.

All the lawns want doing again here**, and they only had the treatment last Tuesday. However the bashing they got yesterday will set them back a bit together with the hot sun, so that I shall not cut them, but give them plenty of water.

Last Tuesday was the day of the school sports. I had a half-day off to watch, and by a stroke of luck the afternoon was very fine and warm. We all sat on one side of the running course, and the school sat on the other. Approximately 100 yards of track with people packed on both sides. I suppose about a dozen races of various types were run. Carol ran in two, but Susan only ran in one. Both ran as if dreaming, and took more interest in looking at the spectators than at the tape. However in a race called ‘Leading the Dog’ Carol (with a sash around a boy’s shoulder who walked on all fours) brackets managed to come second. I think she had a very useful dog there, and think he did most of the leading. Of course they were only ‘token’ sports, and no apparent record was taken of who won or lost. Towards the end of the session they had a toddlers race in which all the under fives who had been trying to get into the act since the start where allowed to run. This group included everything from babes only just out of arms to those almost ready for school, and about thirty started. Of course they all went in different directions, circles and reverses, and lost their mothers etc., so there was a fine shindy. It was quite amusing while it lasted. Susan was nearly last away in her race and finished about the same.

Had several trips to Harefield with Mrs Gray and family. We were surprised to hear that they had released him on Friday exactly one week from the date of the operation. He had his first lot of stitches out on Wednesday and the second lot on Thursday. I suppose they want the room, but it is rather quick going to my way of thinking.

Our agapanthus now in full bloom and much admired by all who see it. No sign of any further growths from the base so we are like unlikely to be able to take any cuttings this year. What do we do with it now cut it down? or let it die back? Yes the broad beans are now doing rather well. Having nipped the tops of the plants to get rid of the blackfly and give them plenty of cold water from hose at every opportunity.

Unwin lives near Ipswich at a little village called Copdock. It is not far from the coast of Suffolk, and it is between Ipswich and Colchester. He has brought in some cabbages, peas and lettuce for which we have been very grateful.

So sorry about the poor typing these days. I do not do any at work and it is getting pretty poor. This machine has the letters spaced fairly close together and much closer than a normal machine. It is quite difficult to select the letter wanted.

The birds seem to be much more of a menace to the crops nowadays than they ever used to be. Have to get the mind onto the subject, as anyone who can find the answer to that one is made for life.

Nice to hear that there is a possibility of making loganberry wine. Our plant is now huge and although cut back a while ago it practically covers the square at the bottom of garden. It is branching out in all directions but there is no sign of flower yet.

I seem to remember that I have some elderflower wine knocking about here so must look it out and try it. Also have a number of others that really want attention.

Bought a film for the camera yesterday and took a few pictures of the party, but do not know if any good, as always a little rushed under difficult conditions.

We shall not have many if any tomatoes this year. Our plants have not made much growth. There is no sign yet of any flowers and they will have to move some if any fruit is to come by the end of the season. 

Very Interested in Don’s new job and the details you gave. Shall have to give him my order for QSL cards. I got the last lot from Atkinson’s at Looe, but I’m not all that struck on the design.

O.K. on your suggested visit to Lyng. I do not think we have made any firm dates to visit anyone yet so that should be in order. We shall pop into Weston to see Eric and Dorothy but will probably ring them up on the phone from Clevedon.

Runner beans now up to top of garage and plenty of flowers on the stems.

Glad to hear that Don finished up on a good note with the railway. I must say he has done the wisest thing. When all is secure financially and pension-wise, not much point in hanging about in this present rat race.

Have not heard news of any moves going on the Western lately so cannot report. No news of Geoff, and it would appear that we shall not get an invitation to Headstone Lane this year. I wonder why.

The mention of Holland by June was in connection with a proposed job of mine that is lined up. The new vessel on the Harwich hook run – the Avalon – was received on 25th July and named by Mrs Beeching, and we have to conduct a survey of this ship covering all the facilities, amenities, layout, crewing, etc. This will mean at least a fortnight living on board and crossing twice per day – once over and once back. After that if there is anything resulting that would indicate a full-scale investigation would pay dividends, we shall put teams in. It seems as though the job cannot be started before October now, as the crew has to shake down, and there have been engine troubles. On the first trip over, it just about got there. All this is very hush-hush at the moment, and we are not to discuss it.

No more news of the lean-to, and the firm have not told us when they will deliver. Have told Ethel we have some concrete mixing lined up for Doug. I saw him in garden yesterday, and met Christine coming back from library with a supply of books, so he is well set up.

Well must have a shave etc. before the picnic this afternoon. I must say Susan looks more like going to bed than to Horsenden Hill. She will no doubt perk up a bit when I tell her she can have typewriter to do a letter on. She says she has croup??

Well there is again for another week, soon be into the last fortnight. Love from us all once again.

*You will enjoy yourself, whether you like it or not!

**He makes it sound like Woburn Abbey or something, rather than a suburban semi-detached!

Thursday 27th June, 1963

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Eva to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter and all the news. We have not much more to tell you about the land and of course the place is rife with rumours about where the road is going to be. Mrs Clarke came over last night, if it goes through she will be walking all round instead of the back way.

The bungalow in St. Andrews Drive fetched £3500 after all they asked for £4,100 the rooms are small. And bought by Mrs Webb who is in the choir and lives in Old Church Road opposite Salthouse Fields in a semi-detached. Mrs Clarke is assessing the price of hers, if she wanted to sell last night it was in the region of £5,000. No harm in thinking.

We have a lot of redcurrants and this year the black ones are ready before the raspberries.  Never had it that way before. We did not have a terrible lot of strawberries more trouble than they’re worth really. 

Astons did not have it very nice it was cold and misty in Bournemouth.

I had the 3rd for the bowl of roses (Red Star) there were 13 entries if I had not picked them before breakfast the gale which came up would have finished them.

George Dimond married when he was 21 has been married 21 years.

Soon be August when you will be here can you give us the date now. I have sent to Gamages for a camp bed to save you bringing one.

Lots of love Mum and Dad

Wednesday 12th June 1963

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[Continued from Tuesday 11th June, 1963]

Another nice day, not quite so hot but still plenty warm enough for working outdoors. Have made another attempt to seal up the pond today. This time have used cement Compo-Seal and sand together with some pieces of expanding metal given me by Mr Palmer. Wet sacks now lying on top of new cement to prevent it drying out too quickly. No gardening today except watering morning and evening to keep things alive. The Bushells (on holiday at Teignmouth) must be having a warm time of it. The Heels are away today so we have the place to ourselves. So far we have not seen the Hewitts since their trip abroad but we understand they are back safe and sound.

Have you heard that Charlie Rust at Bristol Temple Meads has been awarded the M.B.E. in the Birthday Honours list? Have no idea what is behind this but can guess that it is a bit of bait to keep him there until he is 65 years of age*. There is nobody now at divisional level who can tell him how to run the station – most of those people being Commercial Department.

The Astons go to Bournemouth tomorrow for their annual holiday – I’m taking them down to the station here for the 8 a.m. hence. Perhaps I could run a taxi service to Yatton when they close the station at Clevedon.

Don says that he recently saw an advert in Taunton weekly paper for a proofreader for a firm of book printers who apparently print technical works for various authors on all sorts of matters, the work to be done privately at home, and Don wrote and asked for particulars etc. and eventually got the job. It is a part-time effort but will bring in some grist to the mill. This is the kind of thing I would not mind doing in the evenings especially in the winter but have never seen such an advert around here.**

No more this time. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

Mum and Dad.

Thursday Morning: a few thunderstorms during the night and a lot of rain dashed the first for many weeks. Dad. 

*Charles Reginald RUST, Esq., Station Master, Bristol (Temple Meads), British Railways.  Source:  The London Gazette ; Publication date: 31 May 1963 ; Supplement: 43010; Page: 4811; retrieved 3 June 2023

**I didn’t know about any of this, but clearly editing and proof-reading runs in the family!