Wednesday 27th November 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 26th November, 1963]

Heard in Elfords last evening that Mrs Marshall’s nine and a half acres of land sold for £51,500 pounds [approx. £1.3 m in 2023 money] – not bad as this works out to about £ 5,421 [£133,000] per acre*. Understand there were several firms bidding but that Wimpy dropped out at £45,000[£1.15 m]. Have not heard who actual purchaser was. Lot of comment in the immediate neighbourhood this morning but I say good luck to Mrs Marshall. The ultimate buyers of the houses or bungalows will of course have to pay the higher prices for the ground but I’m afraid it is going to put the cost of the buildings up very high.

Lovely day here and I have been pulling up the sleeper edging to the path behind the runner beans.

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

*According to online sources building land can go for anywhere between £300,000 and £1,000,000 per acre in 2023, or anything between three and seven times as much as Mrs Marshall received, but I doubt any formal Planning Permission was in place at the time of the sale.

Tuesday 26th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Once again many thanks for a nice long letter and enclosures from the girls received this morning first post. Glad to hear our last letter reached you on time. Next time we go to the shops we will get some newspaper wrappers and try sending ‘Mercury’ separately and revert to ordinary-size envelopes for the letters. Don’t like the idea of keeping the papers and sending them on in bunches – they are apt to get lost before dispatch and the news is somewhat stale by the time they reach you. I do not think it is going to cost any more to send separately but we shall find out in due course. Between now and Christmas we must expect a little delay at both ends because of the heavy postings but that is exceptional.

We are glad to note you are all keeping fairly well today but it is a time of illness everywhere and this continuous rain is not going to help matters. Our neighbour opposite (in Miss Weekes’ house) had more damage than we told you about. Practically all the ridge tiles on one side of house were ripped off in the freak storm and you will see in ‘Mercury’ that Norman Baker had a narrow squeak and that damage on his farm amounts to £700 [£18,000 in 2023 money]. The builders are having a busy time doing emergency repairs all over the place. I think we were extremely fortunate here.

Yes both panes of glass came from Bushell’s side but the next door neighbour again (Drewett’s old house) lost very much more glass from their verandah. Your greenhouse stood up to it well but as soon as you can you must put the bottom part right and make it secure from penetration by wet. You will also find the greenhouse will keep warmer then.

Your drainage from the lawns seems to be very satisfactory now but I expect the Robinsons found a drop lying about.

However does June manage to get the girls to and from school under such conditions? Could do with the car.

Sounds as if your Christmas cactus has sufficient water but I will leave Mum to comment further on this. Geraniums do not need water this time of year and mine are very dry indeed but they seem to keep nice and green.

I’m glad you have run Jackson to ground and that it is possible the work will be done sometime today. You will feel much relieved when the job is completed. Wonder how the girls got on with the prize giving at Sunday school – did you attend for this ceremony? Your comments noted re: Carol may want to join same lot of Brownies as Susan but she will be a lot older by then and may not mind. If Susan is still going to Ruislip then Carol I suppose will go too*.

The Work Study section then seems to be moving towards a bit of a climax and you should be hearing what’s what soon Falls stop as we have said before – good luck if anything should come your way.

Re: our trip out with the Richings I doubt very much if I could take you over the same route again but to start with we passed your old school [now Broadoak Academy] and then turned left onto the Hutton road and after that up over Bleadon somewhere and on towards Bath**.

Mum and I popped into Weston yesterday morning to have a look around. It was fine and sunny but very cold but within half an hour of our getting home at 12:30 pm it started to rain and this became torrential in the afternoon so we think we were lucky for once. Nobody in attendance at the car parks so saved a couple of bob. Weston as you know is a very different place in the winter to the summer months when so many visitors are about.

Since writing last week have managed to do a little work outdoors – picking apples from the Jersey Beauty tree from the ladder and picking up others from the ground. Also I have taken up the sleeper edging at bottom of garden and dragged the same to a new storage position on the wide path alongside Heels’. The sleepers are half rotten and our only fit for cutting up for firewood now. In fact I had to cut the big ones on site with the cross cut saw before could move them. Have also taken down the galvanised sheets around plot beyond hedge and pulled up the stakes. It’s beginning to look like a wilderness again but I want to recover everything that might come in useful elsewhere even if only for the fire. Have also taken down the posts Norman Baker put in for the barbed wire and have even rolled this up ready for him to take away. Incidentally he sent down the other day a big lorry-load of stable manure and this will eventually have to be put on ground just the other side of golden privet hedge.

Most of the plants have now been taken out of the flower plot adjacent to pond ready for the rockery stones to go in. These latter are at present on ground which will be sold hence the need to move them soon. It is unfortunate all these things have to be done in the worst time of year.

Have not seen Cornish since taking him up to the solicitors but he has been seen talking to various neighbours in the Avenue no doubt keeping them well primed as to how he has negotiated the sale. Mrs Marshall’s land comes under the hammer today but I shall not go to the sale which is taking place at the Council House.

Have received catalogues from two firms advertising precast concrete garages but they are much too costly – in the region of £145 [about £3,700 in 2023 money] for one the size I require. This would not include enough room for a shed either. It seems as if the best proposition will be to have one erected of concrete blocks and rough-cast over to be in keeping with surrounding buildings and such building can be made sufficiently long to enable a partition to be put in to shut off a workshop. My measurements indicate that if this building is 28 ft long (18 ft garage and 10 ft workshop) there will still be about 56 ft left of the drive for the greenhouse to be re-erected thereon.

Yes I shall have to communicate with Council in this case as the building will come up to the recognised building line but they will simply be told a new garage is being put up and the existing one dismantled. A plan will of course have to be sent in. I carefully measured the land during last week and it appears I shall have to cut pond into about half its present length to be able to get a path on the far side of it. This will be a job for next season.

Have heard no more from Plumley and Weston or solicitor but do not expect to for several months now. We hear that Plumley and Weston have formed another company to raise the money for the project – this I thought they would do to keep it separate from their existing company.

Noted you favour the coast if and when you make a move from number 84. The parts you mentioned are however a long way from London and would involve many hours of traveling daily. No help for it because the coast is so far away. It is nice being in open country and we never liked being shut in by houses etc. and this makes us a bit dubious about our situation here when buildings are going up all around us. However there will be plenty of time to think further about this.

Now to June’s letter. Yes we shall be very pleased to see Alec on the 14th December if he can make it that day. Let us know train travelling so that I can meet you. I have not a timetable so look out return service please (from Yatton of course).

So Susan and Carol now getting some idea of the dancing – good, they will have something to show us later on. Sorry to hear your mum June is still paying out income tax – when will it end. Good idea to have a concrete path for the washing line to run along. We shall have some concrete paths to break up soon which is a great pity. Alec will remember the work put in on the many years ago.

Was picking apples from tree at the bottom of field last Saturday (from ladder) when Hoile called out from over the fence. Said it was his birthday that day and would I come over. That finished apple picking for the day although it was only about 11:30 a.m.. They are going back to London in the spring and very much regret the move. They are Londoners and have been here about three years and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Heard that Martindale (house at very bottom) had a rough time with the whirlwind – two holes made in roof and water poured into house. The wife of the occupant was there on her own (husband and son both working at Cheltenham) and she had to put baths and buckets down to catch the water. Builders have since put the matter right.

Have caught a total of four mice so far and think this is the lot for the time being. They will eat anything and I saw signs of them eating some of the apples which gave me the clue that they were still there after the ‘Beanfeast’. We have apples in all the drawers of the two chests of drawers in the garage and also have them stored in boxes around the place. Had a customer this morning for 34lbs pounds – mostly Bramleys. Our potatoes (bought from local farmer) are in sacks in porch near house where we think they may be warmer but in any case will be nearer to hand if it is necessary to take emergency measures in the coldest part of the winter.

The only thing the firm of Plumley and Weston can do before the 15th February is to bring the electric booster from the field beyond the river through the garden of Martindale into our land and erect same ready for serving the new houses. The people in Martindale have agreed to this so far as they are concerned but want it done quickly so that they can proceed with their own improvements on their property.

If your runner beans were green when you picked them I’m afraid they will not now ripen and will be no good for seed. I have had this trouble before. Will see if can supply enough for your purpose.

[Letter continues Wednesday 27th November, 1963]

*Look this is just bad research and poor planning, absolutely typical. And what’s more, when joining the brownies at Ruislip Manor, nobody there said “But there’s a pack nearer to you!”. It was just a question of getting on the coat-tails of the Williams sisters who went to Ruislip Manor – goodness knows why, but clearly it was more convenient for them to do so.

**Suspect this involved either turning off in Bleadon and running along the bottom of the hill through Loxton and Compton Bishop, or going south as far as East Brent and picking up the A38 there. Either way the outcome would be the same: A38 to Sidcot and left onto the A371 to re-enter Weston via Banwell and Locking. The roads approaching Weston from the east have changed out of all recognition in the years since – not least because the M5 now runs right through the middle – but it makes a comprehensible and worthwhile tour around. The only astonishment is that neither Leonard nor Alec seems to have ventured into this area before.

Sunday 24th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 letters, Chinese relativesLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for weekly letter and enclosures. Post here on Friday as normal, can’t think what went wrong last time. Thanks for the ‘Mercury’ and the two cartoons – very good.

I agree with Richings that the odd-shaped envelopes do get pushed aside for those of similar shape to be sorted first, but would not have thought it would have made all that and difference. However if you would like to cease sending the ‘Mercury’s for the time being, and keep them for me that would do nicely. This will help in the postage, and also on size of envelopes. Could send off a batch of the papers from time to time at paper rates simply enclosed in an addressed brown paper band. I well remember that we used to get copies of the ‘Melbourne Star‘ from Exeter like that*.

Glad to report that the three girls seem to be in good shape again this week. So clean bill of health from here once more.

Some game with the whirlwind then. Not surprised at the station roof came off. I doubt if it gets much attention other than painting. Not very pleasant for the bystanders though. Good job no one was hit. Very good job too you were out of the way when the further pane of glass arrived from Bushells’. You did not report where the original pane came from, and no doubt by now you will have found out about both. Is it part of his new lean-to I wonder. Had a thought or two for mine in the week, as we had so much wind here at very considerable gale force. We rarely get really heavy gales here, but this one was a little out of the ordinary. However for one reason or another the lean-to held fast and seemed pretty steady. At least the glass did not lift off, and there was no shifting off the framework through air pressure. Mind you the wind was all in the front of the house so it was not a final test by any means.

Very heavy rain here too. We had it for about two days almost continuous, and water was streaming down the hills off the fields and down the roads. The field was water logged as usual, but our plot kept free due no doubt to the raising of the levels over the last few years. No rain came into the greenhouse from above via the glass, but we did get a good bit under the frame as previously. Nothing much to worry about anyway.

Your flower bed by the pond turned into a water meadow then. Should think you will get the benefit of this on the plants then next season, unless pond cut in half by them.

No more severe drops in temperature this end. We have had the heater on for most of the time since the last frost although it was not really necessary last night. However the temperature stayed at about 50ºF [10ºC] during the night. Our Christmas cactus is getting all the water it needs. It does not seem to be using much as after topping up with water the pot is very damp for about three weeks after, and soil a little soggy. Do not like to give too much to any plant in these conditions, and the same remarks apply to all the plants in the lean-to at the moment that are getting water. I usually go around once a week – do not touch the cacti unless completely out, and give those plants which need water regularly a little unless still moist from last time. Apart from the geraniums which I allow to dry out, the others managed to hold the moisture for a very long time.

Had no further sign from Jackson so I went over to the garage yesterday and found him in the middle of spraying someone’s car. I asked him when he was going to do the jobs so he offered to do it on Tuesday. I shall put car outside his place on Tuesday and he will drive it to his garage in Maida Vale, do the work and drive it home for the evening.

Did not get a lot of reaction from Susan on the church parade**. We have prize-giving this afternoon so they might get one each if they are lucky. I do not know for certain if the Brownie pack at the church in The Fairway is a new one or not but I rather fancy it has been in existence for some time and we have only just heard about it. Do not know about Carol going to that one, expect she will want to do everything the same as Susan so the pangs will come on if we suggest that move for.

Thought you would get the point of the likely moves re: B.R.B.. I am sure they will not be delayed long now, as we know for a fact that Russell has this week been discussing his proposed new organisation with Pearson Armstrong (Chief Establishment Officer) and also with the Organisation and Methods chief. Further to this is the fact that Butcher was to have got an answer to his proposed organisation and task remit for the B.R. Board meeting on 14th inst. We have not heard if he got what he wanted or not, but either way we should be able to proceed in one direction or another without further waiting.

Very interesting run you had with the Richings in their car. Perhaps you can take us round the new routes if you can remember them. I must say that although I knew Weston fairly well as a town, I did not get much opportunity to view the surrounding countryside.

Big game hunting with a vengeance in the garage. Just as well to keep the vermin down, but doubt if many will get fat on the food lying about. Apart from the beans which have already been mentioned, don’t suppose there is much else there that they fancy. My runner beans that I picked are green so assume they will be no good for seed. I have not as yet looked into the pods.

Thanks for the news about Hoile. Did not remember what he was up to.

So the first moves of the final round are taking place over the house. Very interesting to note the procedure. Have no idea what the total amount is going to cost Plumley and Weston. From the figure you gave me, and assuming the share of the other people, even 10% of that lot is quite an amount for them to deposit initially. Assume that they can do nothing to your property until 15th February, and that meanwhile you will have to pull anything you want to retain behind the dividing line.

Poor old Cornish this job could well have turned his head. Fancy wondering at what stage when he was going to get his money? With all his chatter and nosiness I should have thought he would have found that out long before going into sign anything.

Note your ideas about the garage. This of course is certainly the way to tackle the job, and you should have a fine building put up in due course. Of course there is the question of getting the planning permission from the Council, and remember you did not go to them about the last one. If memory serves me right, they found out.***

With regard to possible moves near us, of course we should be glad to have you a lot nearer, but as you know there is no guarantee that we shall remain put. I would welcome a change quite frankly, but this will be linked with opportunities and requirements of the future pattern of our work. I would like to get to the coast, but the amount of coast which is convenient for working in London is strictly limited. About all that is available is east coast of Suffolk or Essex (for Liverpool Street) and possibly south coast of Kent and Sussex (for Waterloo and Victoria). If you are used to open spaces, then London is too shut in for living as a permanent proposition. It is all right for a week or two but once you realise that it is a permanent arrangement it is not so good. I mentioned these things, as they are considerations if you have in mind leaving the coast for a heavily built-up area. Of course again, with a car one does not have to live exactly in any town or favoured spot as long as it is easily accessible by road. There must be many like that about. For visiting purposes of course I should say that the distance you are from Lyng is as far as is desirable so far as day trips at least are concerned. With improvement of roads though who knows what mileage will become normal in the future?****

Re: visit, will have to arrange to come down in mid-December and will give it some thought. Hope that time will be in order but will put an actual date to it in due course. I have to pass letter to Editor for approval so will wind up once more and leave a bit of space for June in case she has a comment or two. Love from us all for now.

*Oh, this is lovely! Clearly right up until her death in 1940 Mary Maud was sending copies of her local newspaper in Australia to her brother and his wife in Exeter. We also know that she sent – or someone on her behalf sent – food parcels throughout the war.

**What reaction did either of them expect? I was taken to church, I was brought home, end of story. None of it was at my request, and it wasn’t exactly a ‘treat’ for someone of seven years old.

***My resident Planning expert thinks that a replacement garage – within certain constraints – would probably have been covered under Permitted Development rights at the time of this discussion. It will be interesting to see how the story unfolds throughout 1964. The present garage on the site is certainly in the same position as the one Leonard built, but it’s impossible to tell whether or not it is the same garage: I suspect not.

****DH is currently involved in 400-mile round trips in a day to see his mother on a regular basis, and it is not so many years since I did the same for my mother (June). The difference is that he goes by car, while I put my trust in British Rail (or whatever it’s called this week).

Tuesday 19th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks once again for such a nice long letter received first post this morning. Sorry about late delivery your end last week but letter was posted as usual before midday on Thursday and should have reached Ruislip Friday. Was telling Richings about erratic arrivals the other day and told him I enclosed the local paper with letter and he said he thought he could give reason. Apparently he was shown over the Weston post office recently and noticed that when the bags of letters were brought in for sorting and stamping all normal-sized envelopes were dealt with immediately and other envelopes tossed aside for later attention and this could mean a much later departure if the office was busy. The point being that normal-sized envelopes were put into the automatic stamping machine but the larger ones would not fit and have to be hand stamped.

Noted Susan off colour again for a day or so but all right again now. Carol managing to keep going.

We have had some extraordinary weather here these last few days. Yesterday morning at 6:55 a.m. a whirlwind struck part of Clevedon and tore off slates and tops of wooden roofs of sheds etc. etc. Clevedon Station lost some of its roof and the debris was blown across the road and broke some windows in the Conservative Club. The house opposite us (formerly Miss Weekes’) lost several tiles. Another piece of glass from next door came over our side and shattered into hundreds of little bits against the wall of house. I even found some pieces out in middle of road.

Heel came round this morning and asked if we had any water coming into bedroom as he had a big patch and repairs would be necessary at once. Checked upon ours and even went into attic and had a good look around but everything in order and dry as a bone. The flashes outside of chimney on Heels’ side have broken away and let water in. We had ours examined and repairs repaired about two years ago and they are still all right.

Now we have heard continuous rain for two days almost and there is plenty of water lying about. The pond has risen to such a height that the flower border alongside is covered. After Monday night’s gale I was able to pick up quite a lot of apples and brought in two hampers each of Bramleys and Jersey Beauties most of which are sound because they fell into long grass. Could not do a thing outdoors today except get in the wood and coal and a bit of greenstuff for dinner.

You have had a more severe frost than we have here but temperature is certainly dropping in greenhouse. The thermostat will ensure the heat coming on when it drops to 32ºF [0ºC] or less. Apart from the Christmas Cactus- which should soon be showing signs of buds – it is a quiet time for most things but if you can keep stuff alive this is all that matters just now.

Pity about Jackson but I should not wait any longer for him. Get those rubbers on the other three wheels as soon as possible by someone else. It is his own fault if he loses custom.

So Susan did not have to Parade then. What was her reaction to the service? You may not have seen parades Alec but I fancy there must be many in the London areas. Is the Brownie pack at the church (Fairway) a new one or have you only now discovered that they have one? Might be all right for Carol later on being so much nearer for attendances.

Quite see your point regarding possible move to B.R.B. One of those instances where it is wiser to wait (like Micawber) for something to turn up. Anyhow good luck to anything that may come your way.

Have no idea what is happening at Bristol – never see or hear anyone nowadays unless exchanging visits with Stacey. Richings gets a bit of news now and again but as you know we do not see them very often. I gather a lot more of the stations at which there are separate goods agencies are being brought under one man and I believe there are schemes afoot to put several stations under one Station Master.

Cannot follow Richings’ argument regarding the purchase of another Anglia but he is friendly with the agents for Fords in Weston and this may have had a bearing on the matter. We went down there last Thursday as mentioned in last letter and it happened to be a lovely day. We arrived about 2 p.m. and he took us all round the country – about 50 miles altogether – in the afternoon. We went through parts I have not seen before and in the immediate vicinity of Weston end there are hundreds of houses and bungalows going up. In fact he says they are opening up a new Estate altogether*.

Yes the broad beans were paid for all right and I had the second mouse this morning. The point now is where shall I plant the seed. Have not yet picked in the runner-bean seed but it will not be a lot. Too many green ones still on the stalks and they will not ripen now.

Hoile is in charge of the maintenance of road services vehicles for Bristol and west therof at present but he has been promoted to a position in London. Have heard nothing from them direct but only from other sources. They are Londoners so know the difference in the cost of houses there and here.

Well we have moved a stage further towards the sale of land. The agreement was signed by all concerned last Friday and the 10% deposit has been handed over to the solicitors that for safe keeping – by Plumley and Weston. This is of course for the first part of the scheme and possession has been agreed for three months from the date of signing i.e 15th February next. The deposit has to be lodged with the solicitors as a sign of good faith but it is not given us until the completion date (15th February). We were asked to go to the solicitors for signing any time after 3:00 p.m. Friday and I saw Heel go out in car just after that time. I followed about fifteen minutes later only to find Heel had not then arrived. He came before I could get in to Jack Bishop but being first I went in first. After I left Heel went in. I came back (in car) in torrential rain and as I got near the bus stop at corner of Salthouse Fields who should be waiting for a bus to take them up but Mr and Mrs Cornish. I could not do otherwise but turn around and offer to run them back which they gladly accepted. Mrs Cornish was not in a condition to be out – had a shocking cold on her – but Cornish asked how I had got on. I told him I had signed the agreement and he said ‘What about the money when are we going to get it?’ I dropped them at the corner of Challicoms (near solicitor) and came home. The rain was still teeming down. So far so good. The present position means that from the 15th February we lose the field and part of garden down to a line drawn across from Bushells’ to Heels’ about three feet beyond the garage. It is not thought two years will elapse before the option on the remainder of ground is taken up so next year as soon as can get busy outdoors shall have to move garage and greenhouse to new sites. Shall have a new garage altogether either one made with concrete blocks and rough-cast over or a precast concrete one and in this connection I have sent to Thorns for their catalogue. Mr Palmer has suggested advertising the present garage for sale on site so that someone else would have the bother of dismantling it. Must consider this in conjunction with other ideas.

It is a big upheaval as you say and one which was never anticipated or desired but now that it is unavoidable it is the time to consider all possibilities even to moving ourselves. We have improved the interior of this house in very many ways as you know but there are still things we have not been able to do. I do not like the idea of being shut in but until the buildings are up one cannot really imagine what it will be like. All sorts of ideas are in our heads but they will want some sorting out. We would of course like to be near you and by this I do not mean in the same district but more handy than we are now. But as you write the nearer in your direction we come the dearer the house or bungalow and we do not want to lose the advantage the money will give us for selling the land. One thing is certain we shall not be out of jobs now for some time to come although I visualise very little gardening outdoors next season – the time being spent on remodelling the smaller patch of ground. Don has come up with the idea of leaving a three-foot path between Bushells’ fence and the proposed garage, shed and greenhouse to enable one to get to the back of these buildings but I cannot see ground being wasted like that. It is all very interesting and a little bit exciting.

You had a good contact with the chappie in Poland then – must be quite exciting for you to get so far away.

Noted to you have acquired a gas poker and that it is proving useful. It is something we have never got round to.

Your final note that you may be able to pop down for a weekend we much appreciate and if you can make it we shall be very pleased to see you – only wish it could be all of you. Can meet you at Yatton and of course when you say date and time. You will be able to then see all the correspondence that has passed in connection with the sale of land.

Incidentally Heel told me the other day that Cornish wanted him (Heel) to go in with him to sell their two plots at a considerably less sum of money than we are actually getting under the signed agreement**. Heel would have nothing to do with it. The auction of Mrs Marshall’s ground adjoining ours is fixed for the 26th inst. It is sure two-fetch a good price.

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

*I haven’t been able to find any dates for the opening up of new parts of Weston, but the reference is probably to the Oldmixon Estate – on the site of a previous aircraft works – where I and my family actually ended up living for about eight years. The houses are lovely, but the layout of the estate is absolute pants.

**I can’t help thinking Mr Cornish was probably desperate to get his hands on the money at this stage!

Sunday 17th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Your letter to hand once more for which many thanks. Arrival this week however was Saturday morning at 8 a.m., so wonder if we have started the pre-Xmas delays, or if you posted a bit later this week. I imagine that June posts the letter on Monday afternoons at Whitby Road so that it should at least leave on their 5pm collection, the 6:45 p.m. postmark you get must be the Ruislip General Post Office mark. I wonder if you have noticed what sort of arrivals you get when I post from Liverpool Street.

We can say we are okay for health this end, but only as a result of the timing of this letter. Had it been written two days ago we would have had to tell you that Susan was having one of her turns. She was poorly when I got home on Thursday night, and we had one or two spells from her, but by midday Friday she was right again and eating something. When I got home in the evening she was eating hot buttered toast, so back to normal again. So far Carol in order.

You mentioned about the weather. On Wednesday night after bringing Susan home from the Brownies I had the idea that we were in for a frost. The sky was clear, and no air was moving, so I lit the little heater in the lean-to. Good job I did, as when I looked at the thermometer in the morning, the temperature had dropped to 38ºF [3ºC] inside despite the heat. During the day although I left heater on the glass dropped down to about 32ºF [0ºC]. There was white frost everywhere outside, and could see it on the roofs of cars. You may guess that I turned the wick up a bit for the succeeding nights, but although we have had no frost the temperature inside has been about 38ºF. Can’t turn the wick up too much as the thing would start to smoke. I think that as long as I can keep the reading at or above the 32ºF mark we should be all.

We had strong winds at the early part of the week, and I remember one day coming home from the station in the rain and had to put umbrella down and fold it up as the wind would have turned it inside out or broken the stem.

Hope you have found the source of the glass found in your drive. I expect it was from Mr Bushell’s new lean-to. Just as well no one was about when it came over though.

Glad to hear you are both improving as regards health stop must agree this last one has taken some shaking off. I imagine the change in constitution of the anti-flu cocktail this time must be to meet the changing form of Asian flu virus from year to year. I think ‘A’ and ‘B’ strains alternate and the antidote to ‘A’ is useless for ‘B’ and vice versa.

No wet coming into lean-to from the glass portion, but all from underneath*. We had a little more of the latter in the early part of the week with the rain. Everything in the lean-to is static now, nothing has died off and nothing seems to be making much progress. We have our Xmas cactus out there and give it as much water as it wants which does not seem to be much, but it does not seem to want to put out any flower buds. We do not turn it or shift it and it has the light.

No sign of Jackson and in fact I have not even set eyes on him since. Have walked over a couple of times to see if he is at work in his garage, but each time found it locked up. He could not care less obviously.**

With regard to Susan’s church parade it was no march, as they all met inside the church just for the service. I do not think they have these marches around here, and I certainly do not recall [ next line missing from original ] Susan to Brownies, we have since discovered that there is a pack at the Parish Church (the new one) in The Fairway. Of course it is too late now to change*** as Susan has all the badges, shoulder flashes etc. In any case she would no doubt squawk if asked to change now. Carol does not show any overpowering desire to go to Brownies. I think she knows that as for Sunday School and for day school that her turn will come in due course, and she has been told she can go later on.

No, you are quite right I was not an applicant for that B.R.B. job. I have not applied for anything since going to E.R.. I am due for a merit advance on 1st January ’64 and intend to get that in the bag before thinking about anything else. Also from the local opinion, it is doubtful if anyone would get a recommend on an application with less than two years’ service in the job. I think there is a strong possibility of my job going to the B.R.B., or at least myself being loaned to the B.R.B., and that being so I would rather go at their convenience (apparent) than my own. Although it suits me must give them the impression of doing them a favour. (Some hopes). If my surmise is correct, I think that we should know the definite form of things quite soon now. I could be wrong that these things will come about, and of course, someone else could be sent, but for the moment I prefer my original reading of the situation as it would be so convenient for them.

Pattisson I played cricket with and against, and also worked for when I was on that job that took me to Cardiff. I think he is a good number as they go, with none of the viciousness of the Edwards/Fellows/Godfrey era. He’s also equipped to move in circles at all levels in life and I would not be surprised to hear that [he had] become a General Manager in future. I would have thought that Griffiths would have got a bit higher by now. What is happening down at Bristol, is there no promotion, or is it all going to the wrong people?

Interesting news of the Richings. Should not have thought it a good idea to get another Anglia. Not much point, if you want extra power, why not get a model that is designed with it? All right about the grandparents-to-be. They will again have to put their hands in their pockets****.

Okay about the mouse then. Managed to get paid for the beans after all. I took the last couple of beans off the runner haulms yesterday and I’ve put them to dry out in the lean-to. I will plant them in the same place next year if we can keep them that long.

Cannot remember what job Hoile had, so you can remind me next time. You will have new neighbors in any case then even before the new road and houses are built. He will of course have to pay a little bit more for his house up there than in Clevedon. That is the drawback of moving back. Okay going the other way though.

Regarding your situation as it would be if land sold, it is difficult to come to a firm decision without all the facts. In any case you will have a major upheaval on your hands so far as land and outbuildings are concerned, but the interior arrangements will be untouched. If you were to move of course you would have the interior arrangements to worry about as well. This and the price of doing it, will have to be set against the results (in view, comfort and convenience, seclusion etc.)etc. that you would hope to gain over a remodelled Devonia. In short before anyone could advise, they would need to know where you would move to, what you would think of living there in terms of convenience etc, and how much you would have to pay for it above the selling price of your present house. (This quite apart from the land deal). I have a feeling you would feel rather shut in under the latest of the land proposals, as they would bring the boundary very near to the house. Former arrangement would not have been so bad. However one must bear in mind that to buy a house with even as much land as you would have under the latest proposal, would cost the earth at the present day even if you could find a house with that amount of land attached. If you had in mind coming this way for example it is likely that the cost would be prohibitive. However having said that there are I suppose other properties like Geoff’s about if you are able to find them. Do not know what he paid for his. I am inclined to degree to agree with Geoff that a brick-built garage is the thing to go for, but agree also that for your purposes breeze would be quite suitable. Would have liked a brick one myself, but at the time cash and rating rule that out.

I agree with you that it seems that Heels are likely to move after the deal if it comes off. If it fails to come off at least you have had some fun over it.

Very interesting to hear of Miss Weekes. She is going on to a fine age. Had no idea she was still about.

No activity in garden here either. It is a dead season for us. We cannot do anything after our annual Bonfire Night clear out. We did not even have that this year as most of the burnable material had gone some time previously.

So you have a lamp going for Mum now then. Wonder what the results are so far.

Good proposal by Mr Palmer on the garage-cum-workshop. Could make a good thing of it, but might be a bit pricey.

We have bought our gas poker at last and have fitted it for the boiler in the kitchen. It is a fine job and gets the fire going in about ten minutes. I’ve used it twice so far and for some total of about 25/- [about £32 in 2023 money] it is good value. The arrangement is a safe one as tap cannot be turned unless the flexible cable is plugged in. Cable and poker are removed after the fire is lit and are going concern.

Hopped up into loft this morning, and tried the transmitter on 20 meters. Worked a station in Gorlice – Poland and exchanged signals 5/8/9 each way. Maximum possible is 5/9/9. Have not worked out the mileage, but it is upwards of 1000 miles*****.

Not very much news from this end this time. I see a drawing or two in the making, so you will be in luck again.

Well there it is again for another week, hope you maintain improvement in health. Shall have to think about coming down for the weekend shortly, and will probably make firm proposal next week. Some love to you both. 

*Hardly surprising as I doubt there was any mortar involved, just loosely-laid bricks.

**Or he’s in prison or in hospital or dealing with a family crisis like a bereavement: there is no mercy or consideration for anyone but himself.

***Oh, really? Watch this space – or another one just like it, anyway.

****If you think this grudging attitude is bad, you should have had to live with it. “You’re only here on sufferance” was one of his favourite expressions: he was always very keen to let us know that we could be kicked out to fend for ourselves at virtually any stage from birth onwards.

*****GPS Co-ordinates’ Distance Calculator comes up with just over 950 miles in a straight line, whereas Rome2Rio suggests the distance by road would be in the region of 1250 miles depending on the route taken.

Wednesday 13th November 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 12th November, 1963]

Not much more this week. Had torrential rain this morning and again this afternoon and wind in the northwest. Mr Palmer looked in this morning and was very interested in land proposal. He said he would not attempt to move garage but offer it for sale on site as suitable to farmers or builders. He further suggested that new garage and workshop should be combined with the partition separating the two. Garage section being 18 ft x 10 ft and extension 8 ft x 10 ft. To be made with concrete blocks and rough-cast over. Possibly a flat roof but doors for the garage to be of the p and over type. So far as the greenhouse is concerned the glass must be taken out of roof sections otherwise it would be shattered in the removal.

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

Tuesday 12th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Once again many thanks for letter and enclosures received second post this morning – postmark the usual one of 6.45 p.m. at Ruislip. Very pleased to hear you are all in good health once more but should not have been surprised to hear otherwise having regard to the weather prevailing this past week. For the last couple of days we have had terrible gales with plenty of rain and these conditions continue. This morning I found a pane of glass shattered on the drive between our house and Bushells’ but could not see from where it had been blown. In the end concluded it had come from Bushell’s side some time during the night. He is in bed (nights) so cannot confirm at present. Fortunately I spotted glass before bringing car out of garage and cleared same quickly.

So you have had the anti-flu jab once more – just as well to take all precautions. The present wave of flu is still very bad around here but Mum and myself continue to improve. Yes I remember the flu jab given us by old Dr McLeod – methods have altered a lot since then including the experience of another War. You must have had a different one to last year for Dr to mention it in the way he did.

Thought of you all Bonfire Night – should say conditions here were similar to yours but it is a fact we neither saw nor heard anything. Glad you were able to find a few for Susan and Carol. No doubt they were delighted.

Bad luck about greenhouse then but from your account it does not appear the wet comes in through the glass portion and if the trouble is with the brickwork I take it you can remedy at some time in the future. Pity Jackson has not put car right for you. He is not asking for future work to be given him going on like this.*

Fancy Susan taking part in Sunday’s Parade but I should have guessed she would be. What was her reaction? We have the usual Parade here and it was the biggest for many years. Of course the Brownies were present in good numbers and the weather was not too bad just at the time the Parade was on the move from the Triangle to the church. The bishop of Taunton preached. All seats were taken and others had to stand.

Yes it is a long way to Ruislip Manor** for you to take Susan weekly but there is no doubt she thoroughly enjoys it and it should teach her quite a lot. Expect Carol wanted to go to.

Noted three of your E.R. colleagues have had interviews for the B.R.B. job but so far without success. Do I correctly assume you are not an applicant? I do not think much of questions A and B – (a bit of sauce considering what Butcher must get) but question C seems a reasonable one. I had heard of Pattisson but do not think I ever met him. Understand Griffiths (Chief Controller Bristol) is now first stage Out Of Category due to the three Assistant Chief Controllers being made Special B. No good to Griffiths as he will be financially worse off getting no overtime etc. We heard this from Mr Ritchings who with Mrs Richings arrived here without notice last Thursday afternoon. He has changed his Anglia (new two years ago) for another larger Anglia (or rather heavier horsepower – I believe the size is the same). They are expecting to be grandparents early next year. The son and daughter-in-law are now in a school house at Woodcote near Reading adjacent to the school to which he is attached. We are going to Weston on Thursday afternoon for return visit.

I do not know about picking apples after the gales – the biggest job now is to pick them up off the ground and this we are doing with some haste to get them indoors before the rats (if any) and mice get them. By the way I found the broad beans the other day. They were mixed up with some potatoes I had covered with newspaper in a deep box. Was able to recover enough to plant later but it was obviously the work of mice during our absence from home for ten days. Searched the garage but could find no further trace of livestock so last night I set three traps and one came up with a mouse this morning. The other two have not been touched. Surprising what a bit of cheese will do.

We hear unofficially that another of our neighbours living in St Andrews Drive (Hoile) are going back to London in the spring. They came down here about two years ago when Mr Hoile was moved from London to Bristol. Now he is to go back presumably on promotion. Their garden backs onto part of our field and I have supplied them with quite a lot of fruit and vegetables in the season. It is pretty certain they are loathe to move back to London but I should think it has been made worth his while. Moreover they have spent a great deal of money improving the place they are in and it is doubtful if they will recover it all. The rates are over £100 per annum. [About £2,500 in 2023 money.]

So the dancing continues to improve then. Do they practice much at home? I know they did when we were there but that was to show us how they could do it.

I wrote to Don and Geoff last week regarding the land – they are both interested – and have already had a reply from Geoff and am wondering what Don will have to say now. There have been no further developments to date but Zero Day for signing is Friday this week and we should hear from solicitor about this soon. I have not had a visit from Plumley and Weston as expected but shall not bother them again.

No Alec I did not want any suggestions on Heel’s future plans for removal but on the various aspects of the matter as it affects us at Devonia including rearrangement of garage and greenhouse and possible move out altogether if we do not take kindly to the restricted space and outlook when the complete occupation has been effected. Geoff suggests a brick garage but this is not Headstone Lane and a concrete block building with rough-cast covering would be more appropriate. Many thanks for pamphlet showing different types of garages – gives some idea of the prices. This is something I have not had to consider at any time as the existing garage was once an Army hut. It is obviously too big and ugly to re-site this next to shed between us and Bushells’ but the best material in it could be used for a workshop to follow on behind garage on the drive.

I have seen neither Cornish nor Heel since last writing.

The new road will come out opposite of the Post Office i.e this side of West End House and I should think it will be a sharp left hand turn from the Old Church Road. I agree it would be a more natural run in if the entrance was effected the other side of West End House***. No we should not want Heel’s house under any circumstances – it is not nearly so satisfactory as ours from very many points of view and now that the road will pass close to the place it is my opinion the selling price will be affected if and when he wants to part with it. These remarks also apply to Cornish’s house.

We hear that Heel’s relatives – who had a bit of a small holding at Churchill – have sold the place (fed up after last winter) and bought a bungalow near Leamington. This is about 10 miles away from where their married daughter lives. These people and Heels met every week alternately at Churchill and Clevedon and it is this fact which makes us think the Heels will also clear out in due course.

Saw Roy Hewitt late last week and he is still finding it difficult to get about. He has certainly slowed up a lot since the last operation earlier this year.

I see the people have moved into the precast concrete bungalow near Tennyson House and they have to leave their car in the road at present because they cannot get it inside the gate for mud. How they get in and out themselves is a mystery. Quite a nice looking bungalow but position not favourable – maybe all right when the surroundings have been adjusted.

Nothing done in garden this week as you may guess. The various apples have been stored away in drawers and boxes in garage and I have cleaned out one or two corners in looking for mice. The ground is literally saturated and unworkable. I think Mum has put in a few bulbs here and there. My progress in the pond area and in putting concrete block edgings to the plots on the lawn has automatically ceased since we heard about the additional land being required. Other matters to be attended to first these days.

Mum saw Miss Weekes yesterday. (Used to live opposite in Cartref). She is now 90 years of age and said her sister (hairdresser in Whiteladies Road, Bristol) was 100 last Sunday. Miss Weekes herself is now living in one of the old people’s bungalows on Churchill Avenue.

Sorry you had to knock over a cup of tea when typing letter – good job it was not a glass of beer.

I see the two cuttings of tradescantia you gave us are looking nice and fresh and presumably are taking root. Have turned out an old lamp, formerly used for car during cold weather, for Mum to use in one of the porches if and when the weather gets very cold. I suppose we shall have to have some bad weather later but let’s hope it is not nearly so bad as last season. 

*I suspect that was the point!

**Between five and ten minutes – how utterly shocking!

***The Post Office and West End House are long gone.

[Letter continues on Wednesday 13th November, 1963]

Sunday 10th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for weekly letter and Mercury. Glad to say a more or less clean bill of health this end once again. Had my anti-flu jab on Friday so suppose some immunity for a while? They do not give you any advance notice of date of these things, but just say do you want one, and in a couple of days suddenly they say the Doctor is waiting down the corridor to give it. Not that it matters, but there is always a danger of missing out if not in the office at the right time etc.

Very glad to hear that you are both much improved now, and more or less back to normal. Note you are beginning to take a more active part in the garden, but from your latest news it must be a bit of a problem knowing what is likely to be a profitable job and what is likely to be undone by the later alterations. A very good time for ‘making haste slowly’ I should think.

So sorry to hear that Bushell was rough after his flu injection. Have had no such trouble with any of mine since that lot that McLeod gave us back in the 1930s. This time the doctor said it would be a bit more painful, and a bit more red about the arm, but I do not know why, and in any case although he was right, it is negligible anyway.

You mentioned rain. Well we have had a night of it. It was clear in the evening when we went over to number 17 for Bonfire and the remainder of the sparklers etc. During the night however it has rained pretty steadily, and still at it now. The inside of the greenhouse is very wet indeed after this lot. it appears that the rain has come from a different direction, and has driven in under the bricks. This is the first lot we have had from the direction of the field.

We were not in very much last Saturday but in any case Jackson did not come over to do the car. He has not been anywhere near us since either. He is a proper dead loss. I would not have got mixed up with him again but for the fact that I borrowed a jack from him at short notice for Peter to do a job for me. It is much easier to drop car into garage with instructions as to what needs doing and pick it up when they are ready. This way we are not likely to lose the use of car when just about to go out etc.

Must make a break here as have to take Susan to church parade with the Brownies at the Baptist Church Ruislip Manor. Have just run Susan to the Manor, and left her with a couple of her friends. I suppose I shall have to go again about 12 o’clock to pick them up.

Thanks for the tip about heating the greenhouse, I wondered if it was safe to let temperature rise due to the effect of the sun, but apparently all in order. The most we have to report this week is a max of 68F [20ºC] and the min of about 42F [6ºC]. All still well above the level necessary to bring heater into action. Your cone almost a firework then, ‘light blue touch paper and stand well back’. Still not put up the extra shelf in the greenhouse, but that will have to wait a while.

Re: Liverpool Street – three of our chaps, two from the Lines and one from the School. all senior in the grade, had an interview with Butcher in the week for vacant job at B.R.B. They are in the process of licking their wounds at the moment. It seems they were told that A) they were a doing a good job, and B) getting quite a satisfactory salary, and C) had they thought of getting promotion elsewhere? The job has not been filled yet and although I suppose it is still an outside chance that one of them might get it, I have my grave doubts. I think the trouble with that lot is that they want go up too quickly, and they have a false impression of their own importance. They apply for anything and everything with the result that no one knows how sincere they are when they apply for any specific job. However we shall be a bit wiser a little later on no doubt.

Interesting about Pattisson. He is not a bad chap, public school and all that, but seems to have his head screwed on. He was Assistant to Hamblin when latter was last at Paddington. Since then of course he has been Assistant to General Manager and Assistant Divisional Manager at Birmingham.

Note you have started on the apple picking then. Some game that each year, but maybe last time on those trees.

Funny Don not knowing what to do with the money. Guess it must be an act, as cannot envisage any situation here that would not require £.s.d. Perhaps he has got so used to saving for his old age that he cannot break the habit.

Fireworks went off fairly well after somewhat damp start. It rained pretty heavily in the day, and when I came home it was still raining. By the time I had had my tea it had stopped and the girls and I went out into the garden and let them off. You do not get many for your money these days. The day of the ha’penny banger has gone, and at 6d a time, you can get 20 for 10/-. [Roughly £12.75 in 2023 parlance.] We had a couple which cost more than 6d so that reduced the number. However the three rockets went up, and the Golden and Silver Rains poured, and the volcanoes erupted so all ended well. Dancing went a bit better on Saturday so June says and they are beginning to get the idea now. Brownies still going strong, and as stated there is a Church Parade today. Bit of a jaunt to go to the Manor each time, but there is nowhere nearer that has a Brownie pack.

Your report on the land situation is pretty comprehensive, and that leaves little for me to say. Can only hope that it will work out as you want it to, and that if you feel disposed to remain there that the amount of land and surroundings will be to your liking. I expect Heel could write a book about Cornish but wonder myself if he himself is not a bit too smart sometimes. I would not be a bit surprised if Cornish had not spent a bit of time over at ‘Devonia’ when you were away either. Good crack about buses, but they have come about 35 years too late to do us any good.

Sorry about the gap in line above, have just knocked over cup of tea with the carriage as it moved along.

Interesting about the lie of the roads that are planned. We think that you mean that the extension of the Avenue will come out on the village side of West End House, but there is just a possibility that you mean opposite the present post office (which used to be Cox’s shop) on your end of West End House. The natural lie of the road would be the former of course, and if a new road it would probably be used as the main road in preference to Old Church Road. I can visualise that with a little re-adjustment you may well have quite an amount of land left after all is settled.

You ask for suggestions re: Heel. Doubt if he would want to live amongst the ‘Cornish’ so better keep him away from the southwest. You may be thinking of buying his place if he clears out – perhaps this is what you meant, or had you in mind doing the same? Anyhow you will have a lot to think about and plenty to plan. By the way my garage measures 16 feet by 8 feet 1 inch. [4.8 x 2.4 metres approx.] 

[Letter ends here abruptly: presumably there was a third page, but it has become detached at some point and is no longer in the file.]

Wednesday 6th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 5th November, 1963]

Held closing of letter over until today in case any further news but so far nothing else has transpired except a letter from the Solicitor asking for the Deeds of the house to enable the agreement to be drawn up. Am still waiting for Plumley and Weston to call round. No more this week then but I think you will agree this is enough to be going on with. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

Mum and Dad

Tuesday 5th November, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the weekly budget duly received this morning usual post. Glad to hear the girls are improving and that Alec seems all right at the moment. Hope June too will soon be A-1 again. There is still a lot of illness around here – mostly flu which takes a bit of shaking off. Glad to say both Mum and I have improved further since our last letter and once more taking a little interest in the garden although I am not yet back to 100% work in that respect. Bushell had a flu injection last week and was rather rough for a couple of days afterwards. whether here has been very much the same as you indicate you have experienced at Ruislip.

Today quite sunny and warm but clouds about and rain forecast later. The ground however is very wet and cannot be trodden on without water squelching upwards.

Noted Mrs Baker and Pauline with you on Sunday – hope they are both keeping well. You have not then had occasion to use car much recently. Hope Jackson soon turns up and finishes off the necessary repairs. Bushell was stripping down his father-in-law’s car engine yesterday and decarbonising the same at. All correct last night by the sound of running engine. He will do the same to mine later on.

No need to worry about heat in the lean-to. If the heat is natural (i.e sun ordinary temperature) the plants will respond to same but artificial heat above normal temperature at this time of year is not good for them. I don’t like to register 100º[F] or anything near it at any time but it does happen occasionally. Naturally you will have windows open on mild days and keep thermometer down. You will not require the heater until the degrees of heat drop to almost freezing point unless you have any delicate plants in greenhouse. Just sufficient to keep out the frost is all I aim for.

Yes I have used cones before but only when everything has been taken out of greenhouse. This time I tried one without moving chrysanths and it proved satisfactory. I close all windows and put cone on concrete path, light it and get out quick and closed door. Almost immediately the place is filled with a thick fog of smoke and I leave it like this until next morning when it is safe to enter again.

Noted position re: shelves for lean-to. Could supply some if you were near enough.

We get troubled with moss and the only check to same is either to move the topsoil about the pointed stick about once a week or cover the topsoil with some very small gravel. Poorness of soil and watering are the chief causes of moss. I should not leave the moss on the soil.

So you had a couple of days at the E.R. study school then with Butcher in attendance for part of time. Quite an interesting situation seems to be arising and we wish you the best of luck. Butcher is obviously anxious to increase his staff by the sound of it. Shall be eager to hear of any further developments.

In this week’s Mercury you will see that Pattison (Plymouth) was at Taunton recently at a public meeting and someone asked him about the Clevedon branch. His reply that Clevedon was not in his promise but he would hazard a guess that Clevedon would not lose its passenger service. Some cheek speaking for other people unless he was tipped off to do so. I think Titball’s cancellation of the meeting was on the orders of H.Q.

The sewer connection has now been made for the bungalow near Tennyson House – apparently they had to dig the road down as far as Mrs Gardner’s bungalow to find it. The big question now ‘who pays?’ The sewer on Aston’s side of the road must run at the back down to main sewer outside the new houses in the quarry.

Glad you still have a few apples left. I have picked in quite a lot since last letter. Bblenheims, Coxes, Bramleys, Lane’s Prince Albert, and Cellini Pippin. There are a lot more to come in if can only pick them soon. The Jersey Beauty has a lot and these have not yet been touched. They keep until March and April.

I do not think Don is interested in furthering his position at the printers – he seems to be quite satisfied to be doing a job and getting paid for it. Actually had the sauce to tell me he did not know what to do with the money. Could have given him several ideal suggestions.

Noted your further contacts on radio and that you get blanks some days.

Many thanks June for your letter and I will tell you about land on next page. Actually I am waiting a call this afternoon to clear up a point or two and may be able to tell you more about this also. Noted the girls are improving in their dancing etc. presumably the Brownies also going well. Hope they have a fine evening for the fireworks – always a bit exciting.

Since our last letter there have been some remarkable developments in regard to the sale of land. Last Thursday Heel came round in the afternoon and stopped two hours. He was full up. Apparently in his absence on holiday Cornish practically sold his (Heel’s) plot of ground to another would-be purchaser. Anyhow the day after Heel arrived home a man called with the necessary papers for him to sign. This man also brought his measuring gear to go around the land. After a few words heal told him he could measure up if he wished but that he was not entering into any agreement with him. He (Heel) then went to Plumley and Weston (our would-be purchases) and told them what was happening and that Cornish had had all and sundry looking over his (Heel’s) ground during the five weeks he had been away. Plumley and Weston had heard something of this from other sources (Cornish broadcast all his business to pub and club) and I think it was on Heel’s suggestion that the next move came from the firm. He told me he had a lot of startling information to pass on to me when job is settled regarding the way Cornish has been carrying on but he (Heel) would not mind if he never spoke to Cornish again. Heel then asked my reaction to the firm’s latest proposal and I said I was prepared in principle to agree to the larger scheme. Heel said he was quite satisfied but what the firm had set out was the final offer and if these terms were not accepted it was quite definite the whole project was off. He said that Cornish was inclined to accept (I should think so too). He (Heel) himself was accepting and we already knew Pearson agreed. We have all therefore written Plumley and Weston accepting categorically their proposal for the larger of the two schemes. However in measuring up on my own the new figures given by the firm I find the division cuts across about three feet inside the hedge at bottom of lawn and I fear across the far end of pond. I’m just wondering if a slight adjustment can be made to leave the pond intact*. I see in any case of the four plots concerned I shall finish up with the largest so cannot force the issue too much. Cornish gets the highest price because he gives up most. Heel is next and Pearson third.

The actual price to be paid us for the land at rear of Devonia is £2958. [Roughly £75,000 in 2023 parlance.] Part of this however will be held over for time being as firm require only the option on the extra land for two years – the position being that they will see how the first batch of houses go. It could be that the extra land may never be required. Personally I think once they have got going they will want the lot. Cornish is left with a very small piece of ground – the new road will go down between his place and Heels’ linking up with the development taking place on Mrs Marshall’s ground and linking up with the extension of Tennyson Avenue at the back of Pearson’s place. This will make a loop road going into Mrs Marshall’s ground opposite Cox’s shop (formerly the Monumental Masons showroom) and coming back into Old Church Road via Tennyson Avenue. What about buses travelling this route in the future?

We quite understand your point regarding your own possible movements of the future. As stated before you cannot do better than the London area for work but you will not always be at 84 Queens Walk. We have a couple of years (as per option mentioned above) to make up our minds whether we shall like being closed-in somewhat after such open views etc. or to make a change ourselves. We think Heels will clear out when the job is settled. Any suggestions? In the meantime as June says there is the excitement of remodelling the bit of garden left and the resiting of the garage and greenhouse. The garage will never stand moving again and in any case it will have to come up in line with the shed outside back door – the drive being done away with. A smaller garage is indicated with an additional building (possible made out of existing garage material) as a workshop. Not much good putting greenhouse alongside Heels’ hedge Alec – no sun there. It may have to be resited near enough on the circular plot of ground on lawn (garage end). The further end of lawn I mean. With the drive dispensed with this ground can be recovered and the hedge alongside the drive taken down. Such are the ideas we are thinking of but there is plenty of time for further thought and planning. I think you will agree the price offered is worth accepting even if it means a bit of an upheaval. What is size of your garage? Query 16 by 8 feet. Should have to consider one wider than this. Did you get yours locally or send away for it? Query cost. You told me at the time but I have forgotten – believe it was in the region of £50. [Roughly £1275 in 2023 parlance.]

[Letter continues Wednesday 6th November, 1963]

*Spoiler alert – it could not. An inspection of Google Earth does not reveal whether the fence still cuts across the pond – a tree canopy is blocking the view – but, given the time elapsed since the transaction, I suspect the whole thing has been filled in long ago!