Sunday 15th September, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Weekly letter and Mercury duly arrived punctually for which many thanks. Have a little news for you this week, but first to your letter. I am pleased to say that the colds etc. are much better this end, and fortunately at least for once I did not manage to get one. Perhaps this is the flu injection taking effect. If so good luck to it and long may it continue.

I gather from your letter and Grandma Baker’s remarks that you had much better weather than we had during the same week. We were unable to say we had a glorious day on the Sunday. It was very miserable most of the time, in fact until the evening when it did brighten up to something respectable. I also gather that you had many outings which were enjoyed, and a cream tea is mentioned as particularly excellent. I wonder what the impression of the Clifton Bridge was. We did see her yesterday but I had plenty to get on with so was unable to get many of the details. The journey home went according to plan, but what a journey. I should have thought it would have paid the bus undertaking to have run Express services between London and Bristol at any rate, but to take the passengers for a joyride through Bucks, Berks, Oxon, Wilts and Somerset before arriving at destination seems a bit absurd.

Glad the trip to Lyng went off O.K. We thought of you round about 1.30 p.m. that day just about starting off. At the time I think it was pouring with reign of.

We had the suit come from the Hebden Cord company on Friday. Fortunately no damage was done and nothing missing, but the cardboard box in which it was sent together with my old suit was split right across, and was covered with very many paper stickers from the G.P.O. to the effect that the parcel had been found open or damaged in transit and re-secured. As I say the contents were there okay, so all is well, but I would have thought they could have done a bit better on the packing stakes. May have a go at them over this if I can find the time.

Gather that you manage to  load Mrs Baker on the return of journey, and this is what we imagined would happen. No trouble of course, as practically door-to-door without handling. Have not yet seen the books or the rings come out but no doubt will in due course. Very kind of you. I think that Peter got on O.K. when his mother was away, but cannot really say as we did not see much of him during that time.

Thanks for letting us know it is O.K. for October 4th. We shall have to lay on emergency arrangements as you suggest just in case you fail to keep time.

The greenhouse has arrived. A card in the post on Thursday announced it would arrive that afternoon. (Some advance notice!) The carman put it on the lawn at my request, and by the time I got home the whole lot was soaking wet and large pools of water had formed on the inside of the woodwork. Good job this stuff is rotproof so no damage done. Fixed up for Peter to come over yesterday to help me put it up. The previous evening I had tried the main members for fit, and discovered that I should have to stoop if I walked any nearer to the front of it than halfway, so decided to lay one course of bricks – on their sides – to give me the necessary clearance. This took most of the time yesterday, as we are no experts. I rang up the Bricks and Cement Company here and asked for a quotation for 30 bricks and got them for 10 shillings so cannot grumble at that*. It took 29 bricks to do the job.

Managed to get the bricks down as I said, but I can see where if we had taken more time and care we could have made a better job, but at least they are level all round, and the structure fits on top. So far we have got the main bones of the framework up, and now have to fit the glass and put up the staging. The door sticks a bit, but that is a minor problem.

Was very sorry to hear about Mr Stevens [sic], but also I am not very surprised in view of the previous news you had given us. Admittedly there is no direct connection, but his troubles seemed to start from the time he left his original firm, and he never seemed to get clear of them.

June did not get the mobile basket when down that Clevedon. We saw one we liked up in Hill Road either in or next door to the pet shop, but that was vetoed in favour of a possible purchase from the Lyng area made of withy instead of plastic. (A bird in the bush as it happened.) I am sure June would be like delighted to have one especially as Ethel next door now has one. (I shall have to duck when June gets to this bit.)

Our garden was reasonably clean and tidy is now heaped up with burnable material from the steaw from the glass crate and the remains of the hedge that has now been removed. The kids just would not go away and leave things alone while we were engaged in the job yesterday, and paid for it in the end as Susan dropped a heavy iron bar on her toe. Loud squawks for a time, and we hope a lesson learned.

No news of the land yet, but must by now be reaching a decision one way or another.

Glad you found Don and Joan in good fettle. It seems that he too is in better state of health as a result of better state of mind no doubt. The new job obviously suits him. Glad Mr Aston is going on all right. I am glad to report that Mr Gray here is also well on the mend. He started work last week although only for part of the time. He travels up about 10.00 and returns about 4.00.

Very interesting to hear from the Virgins. As you say it is the first time you had all met since leaving Westbury. Are they still living there?

I have seen the latest version of the Austin and do not think all that of it. We saw a very good car at a reasonable price last Saturday, and the long and short of it is that this Saturday we were driving around to the shops in it. In short we have a new car. Managed to get a little more than half of what we gave for the old one, and must be content. There were a number of things requiring almost immediate attention and we were of the opinion that if we were going to spend money we might as well do so on a newer car. The model we have now is a 1958 standard Vanguard. It is 2088cc which is much larger than we have been used to, but although the petrol consumption will be that much higher, annual mileage is such that the annual increase in cost will be low. The car is in good nick as far as bodywork is concerned, both inside and out and the engine seems to be in fair state. However some of the gauges do not work so we shall have to get that done. The car is 14 feet 4 inches long so presents a little more trouble in getting to and from the garage but it can be done. We are buying it on a HP of course. The color is blue and white and the registration is 998 EAR.

Well it will not be long now before your visit – the month already half over now. It was a glorious day here yesterday, and again today it is the same. I went to Watford on Friday to hear a talk by Butcher, and there was a very thick mist all the way. By lunchtime it had cleared and was a fine day. In fact the last three days are probably among the best this year so far.

Well that is all for now, will be looking forward to your next. Love from us all. 

*So the individual bricks would be 4d each, which is roughly 42p in 2023 parlance. The cheapest brick on the B&Q website today was 59p, which would have made the equivalent cost of the job about 4/- dearer – and that’s for the most basic brick. LBC frogged bricks, which were the more normal stock at the time, would have brought the price up to £1.13/-

Wednesday 11th September, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 10th September, 1963]

Slight rain this morning with a little fog. This soon cleared and we left at 8:30 a.m. with Mrs Baker for Weston. Caught the 9.30 a.m. coach from the bus station and there were about a dozen people on board when it pulled away on time. It is now 4.30 p.m. and rain has started again but we hope Mrs Baker has had a comfortable journey and nearly home now. Mum and I did a bit of shopping in Weston but were back in Cleveland at 11:10 a.m. Then went round to see Mr Aston for an hour – going on all right – then after dinner started to make another strawberry bed just beyond the bottom edge of lawn.

Last Thursday evening Mr and Mrs Virgin of Westbury called at about 6:35 p.m. – they were on an outing from Bristol – and just had time to look round and away again at 7 p.m. First time we had all met since we left Westbury 35 years ago. Asked after you of course and said Edna was in Sheffield and the other two Iris and Barbara both living abroad, one in Canada and the other in Australia. Expect they will come down again one day to see us.

In Weston I have found a chemist shop which stocks all wine-making equipment so have got another fermentation lock and some new corks – latter badly wanted as have been using old corks over and over again.

Now I suppose we are back to normal again and must dig in for the winter. Before that however must do a lot of jobs in the garden, clearing up etc. Have not had to use hose since before you came and the pond is overflowing to the flower border very often with so much rain.

Cornish had the Town Surveyor there this morning to inspect the broken drain at the bottom of his field. Apparently it is going to cost a lot of money to put it right. This has nothing to do with the sale of land and repairs would have been necessary in any event.

Have not seen Roy Hewitt this week but understand he is not getting on too well – has difficulty in moving about so it may be some time before he gets round to Tennyson Avenue. Cummings returned from their Lake District holiday after the first weekend and are spending the second in day trips from Clevedon. Cannot say if they only booked one week away but they did not get very brown in the time they were there. Clevedon itself is almost deserted again now – most of the holiday people have departed and the amusements of one sort and another are closing down. Should think they have all had a very lean time this season.

Well I think this is about the lot this week. No doubt you will be seeing June’s mother over the weekend and will get the up-to-date news from her and an account of the week stay in ‘Devonia’. We feel she thoroughly enjoyed herself and is probably feeling the better for the break.

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

Tuesday 10th September, 1963

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter received this morning and the enclosures from the girls and the one for June’s mother. Very sorry to hear June and the girls have been suffering from colds again – it must be the Ruislip air. Hope they are all better now.

We have had a pretty good time since June’s mother arrived and although the weather has not been too good we have been able to get out each day. Usually we have managed to be out when the dry spells were available. Sunday was superb – a real summer’s day – and the trip to and from Lyng much enjoyed.

As mentioned in previous letter we met Mrs Baker at bus station at Weston on the Wednesday evening and soon made tracks for Clevedon. Thursday we went to Portishead in the afternoon and back via the coast road. In the morning we went to Hill Road in car for a little shopping. Friday morning more shopping early then Mum and Mrs Baker went to church with the flowers to decorate the altar etc. In the afternoon to Cheddar and found a lovely place for cream tea. Made a note of it for your next year’s visit. Saturday to Hill Road etc. shopping in the morning and to Wells in the afternoon – look round the cathedral and shops and home by 6.50 p.m. We left here 1.35 Sunday and arrived Ling 2.45 pm. Left at 5:15 p.m. and home at 6:35 p.m. via Bridgwater and Weston sunny and warm. Monday we went to Weston at 9:40 a.m. and had a picnic lunch in the car park near bus station after a trudge around the shops*. arrived home about 4 p.m.. a good day but windy. Took a walk right along the front to Anchor Head and a bus thence to Uphill and back to Sanatorium then walk again to car park. This morning Mum took Mrs Baker walking along the front here to Hill Road and back and this afternoon we went in car to Nailsea, Long Ashton, Bridge Valley Road and over the Suspension Bridge and home via Portishead. This briefly sums up the week’s itinerary but you will no doubt hear more about it in due course. Coach leaves a Western 9.30 a.m. Wednesday to arrive Ealing 5.19 p.m. Incidentally the route is: – Weston, Cheddar, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham, Devizes, Marlborough, Swindon, Oxford, High Wycombe then Ealing. As I said previously – what a journey!

Noted you have had an acknowledgement from the Hebden Cord Co. Hope the suit turns out to your satisfaction. Have ordered another myself since you went back. They will return your suit with the new one.

Yes we heard you had been to Burnham Beeches during your second week but that the weather was not too special. Glad your second lot of films are turning out better – shall be pleased to see them when we come up. Plum crop nearly over but have one tree on which the fruit is a bit later than the others so still some to pick. Mrs Baker is taking a back a box containing runner beans, plums and tomatoes. Mum has also put in some beetroot. There will be a book each for Susan and Carol from us and a couple of rings which mummy must decide who should have which. No trace of missing ring here so these will replace the loss.

Yes I have seen people park onside of road in Marlborough – in fact on one occasion I could not get into middle of road and as a policeman was about, asked him if all right at side. He looked at car and said all right.

We heard you were going to be busy at number 17 erecting a door for sidewalk. Hope Peter got on all right in his mother’s absence. Understand he is meeting her tomorrow afternoon**.

Position re: work at Liverpool Street, noted. Like Micawber, waiting for something to turn up?

Our brief note from Geoff says it is all right for Friday 4th October. Note position your end in connection with Susan. Your suggested arrangements quite satisfactory to us. Only one point. If we should run into trouble with car failure etc. and not to be there in time to go for Carol, will Mrs Gray go for her? I will let Geoff know we shall arrive his place after tea.

Don’t leave your tomatoes out for the frost to get them. If frost imminent pick them and store in a dark place. They will then ripen fit enough to eat. Sorry the greenhouse has not arrived. It is the usual complaint nowadays. Nobody can get anything done as and when wanted.***

You will see in the Mercury enclosed that Mr Stephens, who had a stroke in February, has died at Hereford. The last letter I had from him was dated the end of July but I hear indirectly that he had another stroke which proved fatal. He was under sixty and not retired.

When you were here June had her eye on a shopping-basket-on-wheels which was displayed outside the ironmongers in Hill Road. Has she since got one? If not we would like to give her one and would bring it with us. Let us know please.

Not a lot to report from the gardening world this week as have only performed the necessary tasks as we have been out most of the time. Managed to cut all lawns today – the first time since the day before you arrived. Even so I had to finish off in the rain. This soon ceased and I then picked runner beans – about 10 lbs.

No further news of the land. Have not seen Cornish lately but he is about. Heels went off on Sunday morning about 9:30 a.m. in good weather but according to weather forecast it is raining quite a lot in the Lake District. Found Don and Joan in fairly good health and Don still enjoying his new job. They made us very welcome as usual and Mrs Baker had a look around the Estate. Don and I went over to North Curry for a supply of cider. The Dobbs were away on holiday in Cornwall.****

The holiday people at Weston were very much less when we went yesterday and there were long stretches of sand with nobody on them. We were fortunate also in that the full tide was about 11 a.m. Did not get as far as Burnham this time although passed through Highbridge on our way home Sunday.

Talking about cars have you seen the latest model of the Austin firm – the Austin 1100? I saw one in Cheddar last Friday but was not impressed. I also saw in Weston a 1963 Riley 1.5 in excellent condition and only 6,000 miles for £635. The Mercury indicates that Bindings have one or two good second-hand Austin Cambridges and Westminsters. this is all very interesting.

People have moved into one of the new houses at the bottom of the Avenue and a wall fence has been erected around the front gardens. Looks a bit more respectable now.

[Continues Wednesday 11th September, 1963]

*As a regular visitor to Weston even now I can verify that it is indeed ‘a trudge’ around the shops, with far less potential reward than was the case in Leonard’s day.

**To be fair, Peter was actually a good deal younger than June (a typical ‘menopause baby’), but at this point he was heading towards his 25th birthday and would already have done National Service, so he can hardly be described as helpless even though he was not at the time in regular work.

***Looking back from sixty years later, the extraordinary levels of detailed personal service these people seem to have expected is enough to make a cat laugh. From the complaints when the post didn’t arrive first thing in the morning, to sending off the suit for alterations, to the hundred other things they seem to have taken for granted but which would now be considered extreme examples of over-privileged behaviour, it’s difficult to imagine who the hell they thought they were in the first place. My parents were very keen on ‘class’ and not acting beneath it – for example by eating margarine instead of butter, or having a milk bottle on the table rather than a jug, or (worse by far) having pierced ears or leaving one’s washing on the line overnight, both of which were the hallmarks of ‘a slut’ … allegedly. June actually described one of my friends as ‘not of our class’, which was pretty rich coming from a former barmaid. They were, in short, snobs, and behaved like the gentry they weren’t, and never understood that people of real class just didn’t do and say the things they did: they’d never actually met any, of course, because people of class would hardly have wanted to hang out with the likes of them. They always hated social climbers, but that was exactly what they were!

****Presumably these were the people from whom Don was accustomed to buying his cider.

Sunday 8th September, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks for your letters arrived first post Friday. Nothing wrong with the time of arrival this week. Did not know we were getting late arrivals before until I had the time off and discovered that letter did not reach us by first post. However all seems okay this week.

We certainly seem to have the better of the two weeks at Clevedon. The weather here has not been up to much since, with rain most days, and the grass long and soaking wet – too wet to cut. Glad the Bushells had a good day at Burnham. If you can get a couple of days to remember out of a week of the current sort of weather I suppose you have not done so badly.

Thanks for sending on the suit to Hebden Cord Co. We have had an ack.[nowledgement] from them so everything is going on okay. We have not had suit back from them yet, it takes about three weeks I believe. Might get it this week or next.

Had no idea that a trip to Gamages was mooted for the week we came back, but we did not go up to Town. Cannot think what we did do now. June did the washing one day, and on another we went to Burnham Beeches. Cleaned up the garden a bit, but that was that. Sorry you had trouble with your car and hope you have now got it put right. It would have been a bit of a nuisance if it had failed you when on the way to Weston to pick up Mrs Baker. Incidentally I said to June that I thought you would spend the afternoon in Weston (to make sure you were not late??)

Re: car, well that one at Weston was quite a good buy, but there are many more such about at the moment it is just a question of getting round to them at the right time etc. The standard of cars has improved a lot since the Marples tests, and I do not think you can go all that far wrong if the price is right. In any case it is a gamble buying a second hand car. You may buy a car with defects that require to be put right which may cost you money in the first year, but with a new car you will lose by depreciation on an amount up to £100 in the first year. So they have got you either way.*

We had our second set of films back and have 22 pictures this time, out of which there are 20 very good, and two a bit doubtful. The pictures of the pond came out well, also the views from the upstairs back window.

Your plum crop seems to have been a bumper one this year. I do not remember your saying before that you had picked anything like 1½ cwt. The ones we had here are very good and we continue to enjoy them as jam etc.

Now further signs of the mouse, so assume he has taken his departure. We have done our best to starve him out, so he may have gone to pastures new – we hope.

I do not know about getting shares in the Cheddar Caves, but it would not be a bad idea to get a job as a guide.

No doubt before long we shall know what Cornish is up to with his property. Do not get the idea of the flag in the front garden, unless he has capitulated. I must say this is a fantastic price to charge for the houses going up on your plot. What are they going to build – palaces?

Okay about being lucky to park in the middle of the road at Marlborough but there was plenty of room at the side, and it seemed that a number of people were parking there.

The local invalids not making much progress than. I am sorry to say that we have had June and the girls ill with colds. Both the girls have had runny noses, catarrh etc while June has had it much worse. We think she may have had two-day flu. Today she is a bit better, but yesterday was very rough, although insisted on keeping to a pre-arranged plan to go over to number 17.

Peter and I managed to get up most of a sideway gate and supports. We used some 4×2 for the supports and transverse and hung an old door by three gate hinges to one side. The door only partly fills the gap, but we have yet to fit a third upright for the door to butt against, and to fill in the remaining gap with two or three floorboards**. It should only take a short while to finish the job – after that the door could do with taking off its hinges, being burned off and repainted. The uprights too could have some paint or creosote.

Good crack about Mcleod. Hope he does not spell his name Alisun just to spoil it. ***

The first week back at work did not go too badly. Nothing new has come up and is not likely to while Russell is away. He returns on 18th inst. so not much new expected till then, if then.

A very bad storm was reported from the Headstone area of Harrow in the week, but this was during the day and of course you recall that I cannot see much of the outside weather conditions when at work. June said there was a lot of rain however.

I hope your trip out today goes off well. The weather report this morning said you would be getting brighter showery weather with intervals of sun, but it is very dull here at the time of writing. A good advert as you say from Geoff for weather abroad, but the advert of the cross channel ferries having great queues on Friday night of holiday makers returning early from the Continent due to bad weather is no advert. I am afraid the weather all over Europe has been the same this year; whatever country you name, they have had rough and smooth, and if you are lucky you get the smooth instead of the rough.

By the way an important complication has developed regarding your visit. By coincidence we find that October 4th is the date for Susan to be taken to Mount Vernon again. What we would like to do if it fits in with your arrangements are as follows; – June will take Susan to hospital leaving here about 1:30 pm. If you are able to get here before that time, June will be here to let you in, but if not we will leave the key with Ethel next door. In either case would you please pick up Carol from school at 3:30 p.m., bring her home, and stop for tea before proceeding to Headstone Lane. I appreciate that the more definite arrangements on your part depend on the reply you get from Geoff, so will await your further comments.

I made some similar comment on the [hot] water bottle, sometimes I think people think that the world ends at Reading.

Talk about Mr Palmer’s tomatoes being a failure, ours still forming let alone ripening. We shall have about eight if the frost holds off long enough. Our [green] house has not yet arrived from Halls.

Glad you were able to meet Mrs Baker okay. I must say that the bus takes an awful long time to get down, and although cheaper than rail I do not think I would like to take that trip on. I do not know the route so perhaps you could enlighten me. I gather it calls at Wells as the last stopping point, but where it goes before that I have no clue. Can imagine you have had a trip or two by now, and we shall look forward to a report on the short stay soon.

I was hoping that the greenhouse would have been here by now so that I could get cactus in, but shall have to bring them into the house and slack off the watering. Sunflower collapsed under the weight of the head, but we have tied it up so that the small side blooms show.

Well there it is for now, be seeing you very soon, so love to all from all of us here. 

*I find this a curious attitude, because there simply is no ‘they’ in this case. Yes, a new car loses a large part of its value the moment you drive it away from the showroom: in that case it is the manufacturer and the seller who pocket the profit. With a second-hand car, the seller – who may be either a company or a private individual – receives the price you agree to pay. If the car turns out not to be worth what you paid for it, the person at fault is yourself for overpaying: nobody stood behind you with a gun and forced you to hand over your money. Alec and June were always expecting other people to swindle them, including family members: it’s impossible to explain to those who have not experienced it precisely what a toxic attitude this was, and how distrusting everybody on principle can be so corrosive and embittering. Surely it’s better to expect people to behave well unless they give us good reason not to?

**This is the sort of thing Alec habitually referred to as ‘hatchet carpentry’. His skills in this respect were fairly rudimentary – he could build things that would work and would not collapse, but they would never be considered beautiful. I suspect the obsession with re-using old materials originated in the shortage/high prices of building materials which was a hangover from the war. It took many years for the housing supply to be replenished after the bombing, and even then a lot of the housing stock that remained was substandard, and for a long time building materials were at a premium. It’s notable that DIY in general did not really emerge in the UK until Barry Bucknell became a regular presence on TV: before that, people just used to assume that you had to have specialist skills to build the things you needed and preferred to buy them ready-made. B&Q did not come into being until 1969, before which people bought tools from a hardware shop, paint and wallpaper from another shop, wood from a timber yard, etc.

***Leaden and misplaced humour: Dr Mcleod’s first name was actually Alistair.

Thursday 5th September [1963] 8 a.m.

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 3rd September, 1963]

What a day yesterday, it rained and rained and rained. We set off for Weston at 2:30 pm and to start with when passing Huish the men were tar-spraying one side of the road and they plastered the bottom half of the car but I did not realise this until much later in the evening. (Have since with lard and elbow grease got it off.) Visitors soon left Weston in cars by the hundred owing to the rain but strange to say it cleared up about 7 pm. We checked with bus people that London coach was due at 7:44 p.m. and found a timetable posted giving route (what a root!). We thought we would have a little walk to keep warm about 7.20 p.m. and were just passing bus station when a Greyhound coach with only about two passengers turned into bus station and we went inside and sure enough it was the London bus in at 7:25 p.m. with Mrs Baker safely on board. We got moving and were home at exactly 8.05 p.m., Mrs Baker quite well and happy and not over tired with her journey which of course was in rain most of the way. After supper and a chat we retired at about 10:30 p.m. This morning it is lovely so far – sun shining at 7:45 a.m. and sky much brighter. Mrs Baker had a real good night – slept right through and was up shortly after 7 a.m and came down to me where I was getting the tar off car. No more now.

Love from us all to you all and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad. 

Tuesday 3rd September, 1963

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter received this morning first post and for the one from the girls. Sorry to hear your letters have been arriving second post recently. They are posted before midday for the 1:15 p.m. collection here and if you can say how long since they have been reaching you after first post I will have a ‘pennyworth’ out of the Post Office people as I cannot see why such an early posting this end should not ensure first delivery your end. Can understand the occasional late arrival but [not] a regular one.

Taking all things into consideration there is no doubt you had the better week or so for weather in spite of the high winds. There has been torrential rain here at times since you returned and the weekend was simply atrocious – much more than the previous one when the Benn family were here. The visitors next door with the Bushells were however lucky one day when they went to Burnham. They had a glorious day and very little wind but it was the day we had heavy rain with thunder and lightning here. They were surprised when they got back to hear about it.

Incidentally I meant to have told you previous letter that your suit was duly posted to Hebden Bridge on the Monday afternoon and I expect by this time you have had receipt in acknowledgement. Hope  suit turns out satisfactory. Wonder if you went to Gamages as you had in mind last week. We have only been out locally of course but tomorrow we shall go to Weston after dinner and have the afternoon looking round and meet Mrs Baker at 7:30 pm. Hope she has a good journey down.

Went to Hill Road yesterday and coming home car stopped in Old Church Road opposite Long Avenue – no petrol coming through. Fiddled about with the lead to carburettor a bit and eventually got car moving again and was soon home. Called in the expert last night – he did not get home until after 6:00 p.m. – and he found a fraction of dirt in the carburettor and soon put the matter right. I gather he did not go to Weston again with their visitors so did not see the Hillman in the showrooms. As a matter of Interest I will see if it is still there tomorrow. No I should not be in too much of a hurry to get another car until you find you really are onto a good one. There are a lot of phony dealers about and a dud car can be made to look almost like a new one.

Note your lawns now looking better than ever and that you have been able to cut them once more. I have not touched ours since the day before you all arrived when as you know they had a close shave. Nearly time though I got machine out again. Needless to say I have not yet restarted on the further alterations to pond area and the plots. Am plodding on with essential work on the garden and today managed to get out the last of the potatoes which finishes the plot beyond the hedge. It is literally choked with bindweed and under any circumstances I shall not plant it again. Have also taken down the ‘cattle pens’ intended for use as compost heaps* and brought the wood (very useful) up to site near garage for stacking.

We continue to pick plums and by weight we have well exceeded 1½ cwt. Glad June was able to make use of those you took back and it is noted you do not want any plum jam brought up. Mum will reply to this point as it is not only plum we have available.

A mouse about eh? May be no trace now you are in residence but I should put a trap down for his lordship as he may bring in others.

Noted the outside of house now repainted and that it looks all right. Also that the missing tiles have been replaced with a good match. Now all you want is the greenhouse in position and you will be ready to face the winter in comfort.

Yes we thought it odd that there should be such queues for the Cheddar Caves but put it down to the fresh influx of visitors over the weekend whereas on the Friday where we went those visiting the area that week had already had their fill of caves. Should like a few shares in that lot.

No further news re: land except that the Pearsons have been asked to get their deeds back from the people who have lent them the money to purchase house for inspection by the solicitors for Weston and Plumley the firm buying the land. This is a good sign. Cornish meanwhile has had somebody else in to look at site but it is also known that he went to solicitor last Friday in connection with our scheme so we do not know what he is up to. The other day he (Cornish) had a very long pole with a dirty rag at the end of it stuck upright just inside his front gate but I did not see him or should have asked what time the balloon went up**.

I told you last letter that the two semi-detached houses across road at top of Avenue will costing £3,400 [£86,420 in 2023 money] each. We now hear the builder could have got £3,850 [£97,850] for each but was already committed to the smaller sum. Just shows what houses are fetching nowadays. A later bulletin indicates the new houses to be erected on our plot after be sold for £4,250 [£108,025]. This is for detached houses with garage. I suppose we shall know one day exactly what they will cost to purchase.***

Interested to read about your route through the Bath area. I must try the top road through Bath one day but I’m so used to the Lower Road that I do not care much to change. I like Marlborough for a break. Most useful for a coffee or bit of shopping but you were a little fortunate to get parked so nicely in the middle of road.

Saw Roy Hewitt for a few minutes this morning. He still has not been out and said he has some pain where the operation took place. He will be seeing doctor this week. Latter just back from a month holiday in Scotland. Presumably back with the McClouds [sic].**** Understand Bill Aston going on all right but no news as to when he will be back in Clevedon.

Now over to June’s letter for a minute. Glad you enjoyed yourself June whilst with us. We all had a very happy time and something now to look back on for a few months. Yes can quite understand you have all been at it pretty hard since your return – that’s usually the case after a break. Hope Alec not too cheesed off after his first day back at Liverpool Street. Shall be interested in any work news from that point. Susan and Carol due back to school next Tuesday – a little relief for you. We guessed you would be seeing your mum off on Wednesday – we shall be at the Weston end to meet her and will include in this letter a short note of her arrival. A letter from Lyng this morning says they are looking forward to seeing her next Sunday. Shall leave here about 1:30 p.m. to arrive there about 3 pm and home again I expect by dark.*****

I see Harrow had a bad storm yesterday. We also had thunder and lightning from about 2:30 p.m. – started when I was on ladder picking plums but managed to get to garage before deluge came. The Hoiles (live at bottom of our field) are at Bournemouth and say the weather is awful. A card from Geoff yesterday posted seven days earlier said they were having grand weather – the water was 70 degrees. A good advertisement for a holiday abroad as against the weather experienced here. They are now on their way back and should be home Wednesday evening. Have already written them and suggested October 4th as our day of arrival there for the weekend prior to coming on to you. It is now up to them to confirm or suggest alternative date.

Bad luck for your cousin to get food poisoning in the Channel Islands****** – hope it was not serious. There would have been no need for your mum to bring a hot water bottle – we have some here and in any case can always get a brick and heat up in oven*******.

Did you get the glass (for bathroom) home intact. Have been trying my hand at glass cutting on the glass I brought back from Ruislip but an afraid without success. Could never master the art of glass-cutting.

Called in on Mr Palmer last week with a few plums for Mrs Palmer and found he had made a garden seat for himself so commissioned him to make one for me 4’6″ long. It would work out much cheaper than buying one ready-made. His tomatoes are a failure due I think to try to grow them against a wall. He seems to be keeping up very well now and says he was sorry he did not see you during your visit.

Noted Mr Gray not yet fit for work but that he feels quite all right in the car – will enable him to get about until he as well enough to return to duty. Mrs Cummings and family drove off to Ambleside (Lake District) last Saturday for their holiday but I should think it is a poor place to go in this kind of weather. The Heels are going to the Lake District too next Sunday for their holiday and will be away about five weeks altogether as they are returning to the Derby area to visit relations before coming back here. I hope it keeps fine for them.

*I can only imagine he’d got hold of some old wattle hurdles to section off this part of the garden and was intending to compost them afterwards. That sort of thing was much more readily available in those days and was so much a part of everyday life that it was hardly even mentioned.

**I suspect that this is an allusion to Leonard’s service in France during the First World War but I have no more information than that.

***Three times as much these days, if local listings are anything like accurate.

****I think we must assume the doctor’s name was McCloud.

*****Sunset would have been round about 8 p.m., which suggests setting off for home by 6.30 or thereabouts.

******This can only have been the wonderful Eileen Basham, who is mercifully still on the right side of the grass: she’s the very last member of her generation in the family unless one counts Peter’s wife.

*******Pretty sure this is a joke but wouldn’t put it past him. I certainly had a warming-pan used in my bed at round about this time, but that was elsewhere in the family.

[Letter concludes on Thursday 5th September, 1963.]

Sunday 1st September, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Well here we are again with resumed letters. Thanks for yours arrived Friday second post. I gather they have been arriving second post for some time – do not know why.

Once again thanks for a very nice stay with you, and once again it was all too short. The weather could have been kinder, but when all is said and done, it could have been very much worse. We managed to get out and about quite a bit and see places and people, and regret we were not able to see Mrs Marshall, and hope you will give our apologies when you next meet.

The first lot of films back were very poor. I have a fair idea how it occurred, but shall have to have the second lot back for worst fears to be confirmed or otherwise. Weather since we have been back has not been all that good although we have had several nice sunny spells. Got the lawns mowed just after we got back, and the rain came down heavily afterwards so that the cut grass had a good chance of reviving. All lawns are now at the best we have ever had them, – completely covered with grass and uniform green and low length. We made a few adjustments to the rockery at the back (? border) and widened the path adjacent to the carbon. Had a couple of bonfires and cleared up most of the stuff that had has been lying about.

Have enjoyed the plums and tomatoes. The former were divided, and the first part were bottled and the second lot went for jam. June now has about ten pounds of jam and in answer to Mum’s query says she is now all right for plum jam. Of course we eat quite a lot too for pudding etc.

Glad you managed to get the logs after all, was afraid they might be a bit funny with you as you made them take the first lot away.

Found traces of a mouse in shopping basket in cupboard under stairs. There was a lot of shredded newspaper in the basket which hangs from a hook. The animal may have been encouraged by the quiet house while we were away. However all is now cleared out and burnt, and we have had no further evidence of occupation.

Our house was as good as finished when we arrived back. He* has not made a bad job of it, and came round a time or two since, to put finishing touches to it. He has matched the missing tiles in the front as best he can, and also included in the original cost has painted the front metalwork of the garage. Of course if we want the back done we must do it ourselves, but it was a good point in his favour.

Odd that the queues for the caves were so great on the Monday we returned. Good job we went when we did.

Snags and tangles still appearing with the big deal then.  No doubt it will all be sorted out soon one way or the other.

Cannot think what happened to the ring.  It will turn up one day in the most unexpected place I am sure. As I write there has been a small deluge, and heard June running for cover down the garden path.

The girls were very good on the way home. No trouble from them at all. Took on petrol at Wilcox garage, then we were right away. We went through village and out on the Bristol Road to Cambridge Batch, then across the main road through Winford and Chew Magna and onto the main Wells to Bath Road. We travelled along that road as far as the junction with the A4 where one turns left for Bristol and right for Bath. We turned right of course and came shortly to a road junction which separates the low route through Bath from the high route. We turned left and followed the high route along the Upper Bristol Road. This is the same route as we followed the last time, and is fairly easy. After that we followed the A4 all the way until the M4. The total mileage back was 134 so the difference of the detour around Bristol amounts to two miles. I think I can cut that by about two miles by using a different route in the Langley area.

Note there is no news of the car at Weston. We have been looking around here and found at the garage in Victoria Road a 1958 model of the same for £265 [£6,735 in 2023 money] but on closer inspection there was a great deal of rust about and the key could not be found to test the engine. Back tyres were very smooth and there was also rust in the boot. A similar at the Blue Star Garage was listed at £295 [£7,500 in 2023 money] in was in much better condition with only superficial rust on the bumpers. This model had radio and the trim was in better fettle, but we did not ask for the engine to be run. Mileage of the former was 47,000 and the latter 42,000 which both compare unfavourably with the Weston model of 36,000. However we would prefer to sell ours privately if we can, then we can see the true extent of the difference in prices. You may gather from this that we have taken no decisive step in the matter and seem in no immediate prospect of doing so.

Glad you were able to see Roy Hewitt and hope he will be on the mend quickly. Hospital usually leaves one pretty weak but he has all the time he wants for recovery. Doug Gray is still not ready for work although he said that sitting driving the car was the most comfortable position he could be in. He feels that if he went back to work he would not be comfortable in the upright chairs. He could take his car to work I suppose. It is absolutely pelting at the moment. Hope you find Bill Aston in good fettle, and give him my kind regards. We enjoyed his apples.

There was a parking spot in the middle at Marlborough about two cars in from the Bristol end so we dropped in there. It was a good job we did so as when looking along could find no spare space. In fact when I returned to the car from a short walk someone drew in behind me expecting me to pull out, but he was disappointed as we are about to partake dinner.

Yes please remember the Heuchera – we forgot to take any then.

We have a card from the Halls people saying that our greenhouse would be finished next (last) week and would be dispatched on the first available transport to our area. So far no sign.

By the time you get this Mrs Baker will be thinking about her journey on the morrow. We took her out to Burnham Beeches on Friday and although the weather was a bit dull it was quite warm and dry.

Well well, mother in the choir. Someone has a sense of humor no doubt.**

Well I must close now as getting short of news. Susan wants to use the machine so I shall have to move up. Love from us all for now. 

*Presumably ‘he’ in this case is Peter.

**Eva was very deaf and had a hearing aid that was likely to emit heterodyne squeals at odd moments, so Alec has a good point here!

Wednesday 28th August, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

We were delighted to get your letter and the card from Susan yesterday morning to hear you had arrived home safely on Monday at about 3:00 p.m.. The weather was very kind for the journey but it continued very windy here all day and again Tuesday. About 11 a.m. Tuesday rain started and kept on the rest of the day. There was thunder and lightning from about 2:30 pm intermittently until just before we went to bed. Rain exceptionally heavy at times in fact it stopped the traffic at Tickenham because the drivers could not see clearly.

Needless to say we miss you all and the place seems empty again but in spite of the doubtful weather I’m sure you enjoyed your holiday as we certainly did.

Have been hard at it since you left and also had five or six different visitors later in the day for plums and tomatoes etc. Fortunately we were able to supply all demands. Have now cleaned out the old raspberry canes and tied in the new growth – picked quite a lot of plums and dug another row of potatoes. The logs arrived Tuesday morning and it took me until dinner-time to store them away safely in the shed. All the old newspapers were taken to bonfire site and burnt – some blaze – and the logs packed under the bench as far as possible and remainder just inside door. Now we are stocked up for the winter.

Bushells and company went to Cheddar on Monday but said the queues for the caves were so great that they gave up the prospect of getting in.

I went to see Jack Bishop this morning and in addition to the point raised with Mr Heel regarding the provision of superlap fencing he (Jack Bishop) said that Weston and Plumley were querying the price per plot. I told Jack exactly what had transpired and left him to sort out further with the prospective purchasers. Cornish has not yet been up but he has had a similar letter to that received by Heel and myself.

Noted painter has finished the painting of house and that it does not look too bad. Also that your runner beans are ready for picking. It is surprising though how different things look even after an absence of only ten or so days.

Mum and I have searched everywhere we can think of but we cannot find Carol’s ring. I’m afraid it must be written off as lost.

Have heard that the price of the semi-detached houses now being finished off across the road from the top of our Avenue is a £3,400 each. [Roughly £84,500 in 2023 money.] Just shows how the cost of houses is rising.*

We hope you will have another good week at home before returning to the normal routine although I expect June will say she has already returned to normal working. How did Susan and Carol stand the journey home? Query any use for the ‘big tea cup’?**

No more information yet from bushel re: car in showroom at Weston. I do not think they have since been into Weston unless they are actually there today – they have all been out since early morning. Incidentally the wind has dropped today consequently it is a little warmer. Forecast said rain this afternoon but we have had a very nice day.

Called in to see Roy Hewitt this morning when returning from solicitor and found him cheerful but somewhat weak. Cannot move about very well yet. Bill Aston had his operation this afternoon and I’m going over to Mrs Aston presently to find out if it went off all right.

Were you able to find a parking place in the middle of the road at Marlborough? Quite a nice point of call between Clevedon and Ruislip – within six or seven miles of halfway.

I hope June was able to make use of the plums before they got mildewed which they will soon if left for a few days. Must remember to take some slips of heuchera (the red one) and bring up together with the other stuff including shallots, apples and potatoes etc.

Well I think this must be all for now. Shall be looking forward to your usual weekly letter and drawings from the girls. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for two dear little girls. Mum and Dad.

P.S. has your porch arrived yet? Shall be looking forward now to Mrs Baker’s visit today week. 

*The lowest price asked for an equivalent house nearby at the time of uploading this post was £260,000, so pretty close to three times as much as its 1963 equivalent.

**This was a blue plastic potty with a handle, and I have vivid recollections of Alec marching staunchly along a mainline railway platform (probably Paddington) carrying it at arms-length with a newspaper over its contents, because one of us had used it too close to the station for it to be emptied out of the window as was his usual practice.

Sunday 11th August, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for weekly letter. Herewith the final effort before we set out for Clevedon.

Not a lot of news since last weekend. Sorry about delay in post, but your letter was not sent off until Tuesday. Had the Tuesday off here as part of the extended holidays now allotted for Bank Holidays. Short working week of course, but it went against the grain for all that. This week will also be a short week – thank goodness.

Note you did not go far over the Bank Holiday period. Both Saturday and Sunday here were shockers. It came down fairly continuously on the Sunday as I think perhaps I may have told you. Monday was better, but the Tuesday was very good. Of course so far as weather is concerned, the Wednesday when we were all back at work was even better. I should imagine the numbers of holidaymakers at Clevedon now is about at its peak [sic], and we should see quite a few there if we get up by the beach.

Bad luck about the trowel. Must have given it pretty rough use to break that sort of implement. Perhaps there was a flaw in it. Note your work with the concrete blocks. Quite a good idea, and saves mixing up so much cement. Peter and I had a go yesterday and mixed up about three and a half bags of cement and just over a yard of sand, and put down the base for the greenhouse. Have half a bag of cement left, but sand gone completely. Had just half a barrel of mix left over at the end so put some on the floor of garage to level up one corner. That means that the rest of the garage is now lower, but had intended to level it all up to the metalwork, so that the rest will have to wait for another time. It should stop the water collecting in that corner though. June ordered the stuff from the shop in Whitby Road, and it was promised for Saturday morning, but had not arrived until about 12 pm. This of course is typical, and we were left fuming – ‘all dressed up and nowhere to go’. However managed to fill in the time by trimming back and cutting off at the base the hedge on the field side. Made rather a mess of that – had to cement over the part where the privet was going, so the hedge had to go. Also it rained quite heavily during that period, and we would have had to seek shelter more than once. About a pint of water collected in wheelbarrow in very short time. However apart from a slight drizzle for a couple of minutes, and threatening clouds, we had no more rain after the stuff arrived. Furthermore the sun came out in the afternoon, and it became a very fine day.

By the way, while I think of it, we shall arrive somewhere in the region of tea-time, but cannot say exactly when. A lot depends on how the children stand the journey. Please do not prepare any cooked meal for our arrival. If any previous trips are anything to go by, a cup of tea and a piece of cake will suffice.

No we have not heard from Geoff – might be living in a foreign country. June and Carol will be in the car. Have decided against coming by train. Susan had her letter direct for which many thanks. She is back with us again after most enjoyable holiday with Grandma Baker.

By the way the poor old dog over there had cancer and was in pain, so Derek (Delph’s brother the RSPCA man) took him away and put him down. Of course Mrs Baker and Peter both miss him, but he was very old.

Our sunflower is in full bloom now, and looks very fine. We have some beans on the runners, just coming up to a picking size, but will probably not be ready to bring down. (Coals to Newcastle etc.)

Well I will not exhaust the news stakes now , as we shall be seeing you sometime on Thursday. do not worry about arrival as we shall take our time, and maybe this time if things go wrong we shall have frequent stops. I hope to go by the A4 to Chippenham, then make for Warmley, turn off that road and rejoin the A4 at Keynsham for a few yards, then go on the Wells Road for a bit, and come down through Harptree and Chew something or other – not sure if Stoke or Magna without looking at map*. Do not know what time we shall start, and informed it will be as soon as ready – which is as long as a piece of string. We are not having the roof rack this time, so will have to rough it with all the paraphernalia inside.

Had some of your wine – elderberry brandy – with lunch yesterday, still tastes very nice.

Will look forward to next Thursday then, and expect us when you see us. Love from us all.

*Frankly it could have been either, but I suspect he meant Chew Magna.

Wednesday 7th August, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

[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.