Sunday 5th May, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Your letter to hand punctually again this week. Many thanks for all the news etc. Yes I did take up a lot of space with the Watford saga, but there was quite a lot of it to tell. Yes the typewritten note from Susan was a special favour but not repeated this week owing to misbehaviour.

The week for weather has not been too bad but one or two days and nights were rather cold. Glad to hear the cuckoo has arrived your end – no trace here yet.

I suppose there will inevitably be a short period of cooling off by the people who are enquiring about your land. All done to whet your appetite. I have no doubt they will bite as you say, but greed may make them bite too early if they do not watch out.

Carol still as full of tantrums as ever although she is sleeping quite well. She did have a dream or two at first but seems to have settled a little more now. The present reaction is as I say plain naughtiness.

Heat in the attic variable. Could have done with the heater there on Thursday night (the maid’s day off). It is not an ideal place for the job in many ways, but the only one in which I am fairly sure that things will remain where I leave them.

Eastcote Timber Supply did manage to telephone but so far nothing further from them. We now have catalogues from several firms who specialise in these things and in due course will be more able to decide on the article.

Glad the visitors from Lyng had a good day albeit rather cold. Note the reaction re: radio. All these things can and could be made at next to no price provided you have time, patience and know-how, but I suppose that parts were rare and hard to come by many years back.

June’s work in the back bedroom now finished and a very fine job it is. Hope the children appreciate it. They are now back inside once more.

Susan’s visit to eye specialist was typical. You could almost write the words for him in advance. “She’s a genius – come back in six months.” So there we are about that one. So far as ears go, a clean bill of health.

No more ‘hat’ trouble since the beret was cut. Susan came with a story that she knew the person who had done it, but she has a strong imagination and changes her tale too often in regard to details that think it best to forget it.

Have heard nothing further from Peter regards the Police, but they are somewhat long-winded as you know and it may be this time next year before all is settled.

Yes Watford was a good week, and all in all I am quite sure that all who attended have benefited. Butcher is supposed to be going to see the General Manager soon, but presume only to make his number.

Odd about the plum blossom coming out after you had thought it all lost. Not a lot of fruit in this area, but the flowering shrubs have been a picture and still are. As regards the seed you put in there is a sorry tale to tell. About a week ago five of the sunflowers came up, but after two days of rain I looked and found that slugs had eaten all but two. Promptly put jars over these, but one was chewed so badly that it just shrivelled up and now there is one. Have not much hope that I can keep this one from the wild beasts. No other seeds of any kind have appeared, but they may have shown above the ground and been eaten by slugs. I’ve not got round to putting the others in.

I agree about the strike – all futile and senseless. I suppose it will mean three days away from office as I cannot possibly get there by road. It may well be that they will make a great show of having the public good at heart and call off the strike in the interest of alleviating inconvenience. This would be a typical Kruschev move.

Sorry to hear that Mr Newman not too well. Hope you were more fortunate in Miss Sperrings’ visit.

Sounds as though you are really going to town in the garden and have got a lot done. The concrete will be a great improvement. I have cut the front lawn at last and have also given a second cutting to the left hand back lawn. I am allowing the other to grow a bit as the stones are showing through badly, and I am gradually levelling it up with earth and ashes. We brought back a large tin tub full of earth from number 17 where they have a surplus. I hope we can do that trick several times more. They have already got rid of a lorry load of surplus earth. Had I known, it could have come here.

Note the drains still giving trouble. Can it be there is something radically wrong with them – after all they are 35 years old and a lot of water has passed under the bridge etc. etc. Glad your chairs and the fridge now installed. Every mod. con.

What width are you making the concrete outside garage? I suppose that by now you will have finished it.

Hope the jungle sale [sic] went off all right. We passed one in Hanwell the other day. I wonder if there is much call for that sort of thing nowadays. They used to be all the rage if you wanted to make some money for club funds etc. The Boy Scouts round here run one in preference to the bob-a-job week. Their chief is against the principle of boys going around begging for money, and I think he has a point.

Note the cutting about strain of schooling on five-year-olds. Of course this is generality – it all depends on the school and the child, and as all schools and all children are different, you have to settle for the average if you are to get anywhere.

I did not see the Panorama or therefore the Wincanton staff. Should think they are pretty typical.

Most of the Liverpool Street staff have already been to Watford so not much subsequent comment. I believe it comes around about once every two years.

Tell Mom not to put the eggs in the deep freezer as the chickens don’t like it. Talking about chicken we had one yesterday and very nice it was. Today we had a picnic lunch – we went out in the car and passed over the following route: northbound Rickmansworth- Chorleywood-The Chenies-Chesham-Berkhampstead to Whipsnade. We saw some of the animals who were near to the wire fence: kangaroos, goats, bisons etc. From there we went to Dunstable Downs – very high chalk downs where they do a lot of gliding – and then through Dunstable, Tring and Chesham again to Ley Hill Common. Here we stopped until about 3:30 pm and then went on to Chorleywood Common. The girls had a good run around at both places. We flew the kite at Ley Hill but not very successfully. Just after 4 pm we left via Rickmansworth and took the Denham Bypass which passes the film studios and brings one out onto the Western Avenue at the Denham roundabout. We got here about five pm. The early part of the day was poor with some rain but the afternoon was very fine and sunny. Although it was a little cold in the wind outside the car there were thousands out in the afternoon, but we had the place to ourselves in the morning. Of course we had to produce the first outdoor ice cream of the summer.

Well that about brings us up to date again, so we’ll say love from us all once more. 

Wednesday 1st May, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 30th April, 1963]

What a change in the weather this morning – it started to rain during the night and continued until dinnertime since when it has gradually cleared finishing up with sunshine. Mixed up more compost for the tomatoes this morning in greenhouse and started to string up those already planted out. This afternoon decided I could have another mix up of concrete and was able to put in another stretch right in front of garage door. One more good mix will see me to the end of garage and shall I be glad. Must first get another cwt. of cement as have now finished the two bags on hand.

Roy Hewitt came round just as had started mixing so he had to stand to until I could deal with him. Told him of your trip to Watford and Lyneham and he was very interested. Mum and Mrs Hewitt are running a jumble sale on Saturday (I hope mum gets home again all right) so I have to have car out for conveyance purposes. Mrs Clark (in bungalow out bottom of field) has contributed three cracked egg cups – query how much for them.

I see in this morning’s paper an article by a former headmistress of a school that in her opinion the full school hours are too much for five-year-old children just starting. Rather interesting in view of what you suggested about Carol. Wonder how she is getting on this week? Will try and enclose cutting for you to see – probably not in Telegraph.

Did you see the Wincanton station staff on Panorama Monday evening? They were being interviewed regarding the closing of their station under the Beeching plan. None of them were very bright in their answers. The film was taken at Wincanton and of course showed a train at the platform and an engine shunting the yard. Perhaps they will deal with Clevedon next. Understand the council have already approached British Railways about the station and yard premises – they want it for including other things as a parking site.

What did your colleagues at Liverpool Street have to say about the Watford do or have some of them already been there?

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

Tuesday 30th April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the usual budget received first post this morning – more interesting than normally by reason of the fact you have given a lot of details re: the Watford week. A typewritten note from Susan too – must have been a very special favour, perhaps she had been a ‘useful girl’ while daddy was away.

Yes we also have had some very nice days although cold early morning and again in the evening. The cuckoo arrived in this vicinity on the 24th instant has been heard several times since. Mutt and Jeff have been at it again but none of us has heard from the people concerned yet but I feel sure there will be at least one more visit even if only to say proposed deal is off. My opinion is that one of the partners is still indisposed and that they will turn up one day. The money aspect will undoubtedly persuade both of my neighbours to bite.

So you cannot get much out of Carol after one week at school. Is she still as eager to start off in the morning? This might give you a clue. I expect she will settle down soon – always a bit of a novelty to begin with.

Instead of the heater you now require a fan in the attic. The heat must be pretty strong to penetrate the tiles.

Sorry no visit from the Eastcote Timber people so far and hope by this time they have paid you a call.

Yes Don and Joan arrived duly on Sunday but it was a funny sort of day here. The mist hung about the tops of the hills (Church and Wains) all day and the sun did not come through. It was very cold too and Don was glad to get in front of fire where he had his usual nap after dinner. He was most interested about your radio transmitter etc and said if he could have afforded it when he was younger he might have taken it up. He knew someone who – in those days – had a set fitted up.

So you took purse to Watford and watch. Mum noted the point made. Also noted June has been busy in your absence and got on with the painting and papering. Expect she finds time going very quickly and by the time she has had a quick look around it is time to go to the school again for the girls. Was it not a bit strange June the first day or two with both Susan and Carol away? We thought of them several times. In fact we think of you all quite a number of times during the weeks.

You had so much to tell this week Alec that you missed any mention of Susan’s visit to the eye specialist and to the other one for her ears. Hope the report from Susan’s headmistress was satisfactory too. No more hat trouble presumably since Carol has the new beret?

Have you been over to see Mrs Baker lately – if so we hope you put the holiday proposition to her and we shall be very pleased to hear that she can make the journey. Has Peter heard any more from the Police? And what about his car? Hope he has got it going again.

You had a lovely time at Watford etc. by your account. Fancy it being mooted you should do the journey to Lyneham by air at 100 gallons of petrol per minute. I thought you would be going down by train from Paddington to Dauntsey thence by R.A.F. tender to the Air Force station. Your journey by road (somebody else driving) must have been very interesting to you especially the M4 section. You properly had the V.I.P. treatment both at Watford during the week and at Lyneham on the day’s visit. Plenty of brass about both at Watford and at Lyneham and some of these gentry no how to sink a drink or two especially when somebody else is paying for it. The hospitality at Watford was excellent. I remember when I used to stay in London for the compilation of the winter or/and summer train services most of the timebill clerks stopped at the Albert Hotel and it was 2 a.m. before anyone thought of retiring. It was a case of occupying the hotel lounge and drinking and talking all night. Your stay at Watford however was not in the same street as the Albert by the sound of it. You were well cared for there (Watford) as if you had been at the Great Western Hotel. I should think now it is over you are glad to have had the opportunity of experiencing a course there. Good job you took your purse!

Yes I did mention to Don the remote possibility of parting with some of the land here but he did not comment much. Incidentally I told you in a previous letter of the scarcity of plum blossom once again. Now I have to correct this statement. I have never seen so much plum blossom on our trees since they were first planted. It has come out in a matter of days and if only the frost will keep away we should have a bumper crop. Unfortunately there have been slight frosts this week and we are not out of the wood from them for another three weeks.

So the N.U.R. have called a three-day strike for this coming month. How silly and how futile it all is. Now they are at it hammer and tongs in Parliament – best place for any argument but I do not think the government will be deflected from the implementation of the Beeching Report. Looks as if your department will be busy before long then if what Butcher says becomes effective.

The Newmans were to have come down for lunch tomorrow from Bristol but a card received today says Mr Newman is ill in bed again and visit must be postponed. Miss Sperrings (my private secretary at Temple Meads*) however is coming down to tea on Thursday – have not seen her for nearly two years. May get some station news.

Since writing last week I have been making great strides in the garden. Have now finished the plot beyond the hedge and it is practically full of potatoes. Have dug a large piece of the main garden and weeded the ground between the current bushes. Have also put in some beetroot seed. The first row of peas is well through the ground now and a second row should go in soon. The runner beans sown in boxes on the 1st April are now showing through the soil. The grass has been cut twice and on each occasion I have had to raise the rollers because the grass was so long. And more important of all just at the moment I have started to put concrete in the path running along in front of greenhouse and extending to garage. This, as you know, has been in the rough for a couple of years. I’m doing about five to six feet in length per day as it is such hard work. Another two layers will see the completion of the job.

We have had a slight further difficulty with the drains but this was more or less the backwash of the previous clearance – the clay which had got into the pipes had not been completely washed away.

Bushell, next door, has made a sandpit for his little girl and it won’t be long before she is playing about in it.

I have taken all the staging down in greenhouse and started to plant out the tomatoes. The ones I raised from seed are making good growth and ready for putting into their final places.

Our new chairs have arrived from Lewis’s of Bristol and for the time being the old armchairs we had in the dining room are in the shed. The refrigerator is now in service and we are now able to have bread and ice cubes for dinner. Makes a change I suppose.

Had a communication from tax people yesterday to say I had overpaid just under £2 [the equivalent of £50 in 2023] for this year ending 1962 and asking for a rebate form to be filled out. this was done at once and returned before they changed their minds.

*Miss Sperrings was clearly very loyal, as she – together with a couple of male colleagues – was present at Leonard’s funeral in 1986.

[Continues Wednesday 1st May, 1963]

Sunday 28th April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks very much once again for weekly letter. Also for newspapers duly received. Weather this end this week has not been too bad. Watford as you know is not far away from here so for all practical purposes can say we had the same weather. It was a beautiful day on Monday and a real touch of Spring on Tuesday. On Wednesday however, although the forecast was good, it remained cold all day. Back to a warm one on Wednesday and Thursday while Friday and Saturday were really heatwave conditions. Today looks to be starting out for a repetition of Wednesday.

Note your points about the M4 and confirm them as I travelled over it on Thursday in both directions when we went to Lyneham. Note also the cuttings you sent and the details of the Pickwick accident and business at Failand.

Glad you have finished with the drains episode. You do not want to have drain trouble it always kicks up a bit of a stink. Mutt and Jeff in a bit of a dither over their land. That all comes of being a bit secretive about their affairs – always causes suspicion in the end. I am sure that if the price is right they will both find they are in agreement.

Carol had her first week at school this week, but we cannot get much out of her. She is just the same as Susan – either she will not or cannot remember what has happened during the day, and tells us very little. Perhaps after a few more weeks she will have something to say. One result any way is a very noticeable cantankerousness on her part. I do not know if the mental strain is a bit much on the first week, but she cannot get out of trouble at home.

Mr Palmer gave me more than a box of bits as I recall. I think there were at least three three-gang condensers, many fixed, a few coils, and a box of nuts bolts and screws which would come in very valuable if I had them now. Have not been operating this week as you may expect. Went up there just before lunch yesterday and found it like a furnace. Quite a change from a couple of weeks ago.

No luck with the Eastcote Timber Supplies. They said they would send a man around on Monday last, but he did not come, and nothing has been seen or heard of them since. If they do not bother, we shall go somewhere else.

Glad to know that you are having visitors from Lyng today. I hope the weather your end will be up to the mark. I expect Don will have something to say about your prospective business deal, and no doubt will have some helpful hints to pass on.

Yes I took purse to Watford all right – and the watch…..* We were to have flown from Bovington Aerodrome to Lyneham in a Britannia (R.A.F. Transport Command) but the arrangements were stopped by the Air Council who were unable to justify the expense in the end. These aircraft use about 100 gallons of fuel per minute etc.** We traveled by coach leaving Watford at 9:00 a.m. and went via Denham Bypass to Iver Heath and Langley where we joined the M4 thence to Marlborough where some of us had coffee. After that we went via Calne to Lyneham and arrived at 12:30 p.m.. Drinks in the Officers’ Mess and general chat with the R.A.F. work study officers until 1:30 pm when we went into the V.I.P. lounge for lunch. After a good lunch we were taken to the Outward Bound Lounge (where intending passengers await their planes) and had an address by the Station Commander on his station, and their setup. He was followed by the Director of Work Study of the RAF (an Air Marshal who had come down especially to talk to us) and then by a Wing Commander who talked to us about one of his schemes for increasing the availability of aircraft by speeding up the maintenance arrangements. The station has two squadrons of Britannias and one of Comet IVs. After the talks we were taken in turn to see the huge inspection tower (part of the scheme as described) which by means of several platforms one can get to the top of the tail fin. We went from there to the Operations Room where we were shown maps etc which depicted the current position. Rather like an illuminated control diagram. From there we went to the Engine Maintenance Bay. Here they do not attempt to deal with the mechanical parts of the engine, but separate them from the electrical parts, and send them back to Bristol’s. The assembling and electrical arrangements they do themselves. Next move was to the Officers’ Mess for tea, and exchange of mutual congratulations and away again in the coaches. We got back about 8p.m.

With regard to the rest of the week, we were addressed by Lord Netherthorpe (Chairman of National Productivity Year); Sir Steuart Mitchell (Beeching’s assistant); Larkin Deputy General Manager Workshops Division; Philip Butcher Director of Work Study B.R.; Mr A. Dean General Manager North-east Region; F.C. Margetts, Member of B.R.B. and Scott Russell, Member of B.R.B. We also had various others – consultants etc. We were also formed into syndicates of six each and had to prepare a considered report on our findings on a particular policy problem.

During the time we were there we were looked after to a high standard. The sleeping accommodation (one to a room) was up to first class hotel***, and the food even better. The Grove is situated in its own grounds (about one mile to gate) and quite high up. Morning walk before breakfast at 8:30 a.m. the regular practice and most enjoyable. Lectures and meals were complete by 8 p.m., but syndicate work required to be done as necessary thereafter according to the state of work. One free night only was listed and that was Wednesday. There was a well-equipped bar on the premises, large Lounge, Billiard Room (1 table) Table Tennis Hall (2 tables and one dartboard), a putting rink – 9 holes. Also cards to taste. Needless to say the average retirement time for most was about 1 a.m., and the brighter sparks nearer 3. I have no idea why it should be, but everyone felt fit and well there despite all this. No-one overslept, and there were no sore heads to be seen on any day. It must have been the combination of good food, pure air and exercise plus change of beer. I find that the grass has grown a lot since I went to Watford so I shall be able to use some of the energy in cutting it I suppose. We managed to get a pretty clear idea that Butcher (a new man from I.C.I.) intends to get cracking very quickly so there may well be some work around before long.

June has been decorating the bedroom at the back and so far has done very well. Most of the painting is done, and a start made on the wallpaper.

Well now at the bottom of the page so love from us all for now. 

*I have no idea what this refers to unless it was some previous occasion when someone had managed to go away without either their purse or their watch – presumably Eva?

**Looking at the distance involved, the journey would probably have taken about half an hour and cost (by Alec’s reckoning) maybe £3,000 – plus everyone would have had to get from Liverpool Street to Bovington in the first place, roughly a two hour journey in completely the wrong direction. So the coach was undoubtedly cheaper unless there was an operational need to move the aircraft anyway – which is perhaps the reason the idea was considered in the first place. Otherwise it just seems pretty stupid – and, for people supposedly interested in efficiency and cost-saving, a bit of an own goal to say the least!

***Which it now, apparently, is!

Tuesday 23rd April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter duly received this morning usual post. Yes we had a very good holiday with you and the weather although not too fine did not make all that much difference to any of us. Noted Sunday not a bad day with you but here at about 10.15 a.m. a violent thunderstorm broke – lightning and heavy hail. This lasted for a few minutes but afterwards for the remainder of the day it rained frequently and very heavy at that. As with you Saturday was bad again and weekend gardeners had a poor time of it.

We left you last Wednesday at 8:45 am so took 35 minutes to reach the M4 – it was a little easier to negotiate the roundabout at West End Road than at Swakeleys Avenue but at that time of the morning there are hundreds of cars about. Have since heard that the accident at Pickwick was due to a car running into a bus. The latter tried to swerve to avoid a collision but only partly succeeded and the driver of the car had a broken leg and several passengers in the bus had minor injuries necessitating hospital treatment. Am enclosing extract from last night’s evening paper wherein you will read of another accident on the Failand Road at a spot you will recognise. A woman was killed and up to the time of going to press had not been identified.

As stated in the P.S. last week Bushell’s trouble with drains was a broken interceptor pipe and since that has been renewed everything is working satisfactorily.

No further news re: land. One of the two parties concerned did call one morning but only to say his partner was ill in bed and they would both come along as soon as possible. Cornish is still out measuring his piece (gets a different one each measure I think). Heel says that Cornish is likely to be the stumbling block and Cornish says the same of Heel. I wonder what they both say of me?

Sorry to hear June was a bit off-colour on Saturday but hope all right for your proposed visit to West Ealing Sunday. Mum has been rough these last few days and has had to keep near toilet. Her stomach must be upset going back to bread and scrape after the rich living at Ruislip. Expect she will tell you more about it in her letter.

Noted the Sunday School people paid for another hat for Carol and that she was ready for school at 8 a.m. Monday. We thought of you trudging off with the two of them and coming back alone. Was it a bit uncanny?

Yes Alec I was very interested in your attic arrangement and so was Mr Palmer when I told him all about it. He can remember the box of bits he gave you years ago. Getting South Shields was good work and one to be chalked up on the board until you can get one further away.

Have not put glass to any use yet but may try and cut to size for frame lights and so avoid buying. We are both very pleased you have a approached the Eastcote Timber Supplies for an estimate for your porch. It will cost a bit more but you will have a much better job – moreover they may be sufficiently interested to keep you advised. I take it the specifications will include Western red timber in the construction. Please do not think we take as hints the information you give us regarding your plans and desires for the present and for the future. We like to hear about them and are just as interested as if we were so planning. So continue to tell us anything about ideas for the future please.

By the way you did not tell us anything about the radio job until it was well in hand and we could actually see the result of your work. This was a pleasant surprise though and Don is going to be very interested when we tell him on Sunday next when he and Joan come up for dinner. It was last October when they last came up and we have been down there just once since that time.

Note you are at Watford this week – minus pyjamas according to June’s letter. Have you got your purse? Nice trip to Lyneham on Wednesday then. How will you go down? Query by train from Paddington. I guess you call June up on the phone when you can from Watford.

Should just like to have seen Carol in school on Monday. Expect she had a lot to tell Mummy when she got home. Very strange that Mrs Benn should get in touch with you so soon after we had gone when we had been inquiring about them. Expect you had all the news of their troubles, if any, during the winter. Also now they have settled in how they like the surroundings and the town of Weston.

So you had the ‘Any Old Iron’ man around your area the other morning. Mr Gray having a good clear out.

Hope you were able to plant sweet peas on Monday. Mum is going to put in the Viscaria the girls gave me in the little border just outside the back door where we had some last year. Must tell Susan and Carol what is being done with them. Note your pot plants also forging ahead now after having tasted a drop of rain.

June evidently busy with some decorations in Alec’s absence. Hope the dinner party went off all right on Monday June. Christopher not back at school that day? Mum missed a bottle of aspirins after we got home and we had visions of Susan and/or Carol getting hold of them before you found them but they were later found wrapped up carefully with some of our things. Wonder what Miss Dix has to tell you about Susan – if it is to do with her reading then it must be an excellent report. She is really remarkable at this for her age. Are you sure June the biros did not go into the girls satchels?

Yes the breakdown of our local drain service was not appreciated after the journey from Ruislip but all’s well that ends well and we are back to normal. When Don wrote and said they would be up next Sunday he said they were having trouble with their drains and concluded it was due to the bad weather during the winter. He has not heard about ours yet.

Well you can guess we have got back into our stride again and now trying to catch up on the gardening etc. Have now finished digging and planting (potatoes) the plot in the field beyond the main garden and it was a filthy patch owing to being infested with withy vine, nettles and dandelions etc. Every spadeful had to be passed through the hands to ensure every bit of weed being taken out. The first sowing of peas is showing through soil and also the third row of broad beans – the first two recovering from the effects of the winter. In the greenhouse I have put out a dozen tomato plants – bought at the Corn Stores for 8/6d [roughly £10.75 in 2023 money] and hope these will give us the first pickings. Have another 30 odd (grown from seed) about three inches high coming on for planting out later. Sweet Peas in the greenhouse are through the soil but will not be ready for putting out for several weeks. Made the first cutting of the lawns last Friday and had to adjust rollers to fullest extent as grass was – in places – 6 inches thick. Could only make a very rough cutting and shall have to have another go soon.

Bushell had mended the feed pipe of mower and I fitted it on Friday morning. He is making a sand pit for his little girl – it won’t be long now before she will walk. Heels had friends here for the Easter and they went back to the Midlands on Sunday afternoon during a break in the thunderstorms. Took with them some of our Lonicera Nitida hedge cuttings to plant at their home. The Newmans are coming down to lunch next Wednesday first prox. Both of them have been very poorly during the winter and only just beginning to get about again.

I’m going to try and get two Mercurys in this week. You will see the Council are getting a bit bothered about losing the station and doing ‘everything in their power’ to keep the place open. Some power!

In the field one of the plum trees (the one nearest the greenhouse) is full of blossom and if only the frost does not spoil it we should get a good crop. There is a bit of bloom on some of the others but nothing to speak of. Apple buds are forming and there should be a good supply of apples in due course. Mum says some of the damson bushes are also in flower. The recent heavy rains however have made the field a swamp once more and this does not do the roots of the fruit trees any good.

Aston called round with some more beet on Saturday and I thanked him for what we brought up to you. He was also pleased to hear of your radio effort – he of course had to use the single needle in his time on the railway. Bushell was very pleased with the trowel I brought back for him and I saw him today planting potatoes with it – the easy way.

Workman are digging out the foundations for the two houses in the quarry at the bottom of our Avenue so they evidently mean business.

Just gone back on June’s letter. How did you get on with Susan at Mount Vernon the other day? And have you to take her there again? Presumably no trouble when you took her for ear examination? Where was it – ? at the clinic.

Think this must be the lot for another week. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad.

PS: two papers by separate wrapper – same post. 

Sunday 21st April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad ,

Well here we are again typing another weekly letter. Thanks for yours. Glad you had a good break here, we imagined you both having a good sleep to make up for lost rest and expended energy. I do not know about two girls keeping you wide awake, I should think more likely to have tired you out.

Sorry you had such a bad journey home for weather. It was a poor day and make no mistake. We had a bad one too on Thursday, but Friday was lovely. Saturday again was a shocker with the rain and wind coming back today although dull to start with has brightened up a lot, and there is warm sun in the offing.

You did not take long to get onto the M4. I did not look at the clock when you went, but assumed it to be in the region of 9 a.m.. to get onto the M4 by 9:20 a.m. was good going even though you had to backtrack a little. I note throughout distance is now 11 miles and takes 15 minutes. This by simple arithmetic is 44 mph on average. Also it is interesting to note that from Maidenhead Thicket to Marlborough is 80 minutes, and now just under the 2 hours from here.* Odd that all the places were taken at the car park, but was that due to early closing day I wonder, and all people doing their shopping in the morning. Bad luck to run into the accident at Pickwick. Even worse for the participants though. I suppose the rain had something to do with it.

Glad you found everything O.K. at your end. Bad luck to find the sewage arrangements gone out of service. The severe frost we have had this year has broken up a lot of brickwork, and it has just crumbled into powder. I was looking at the surround to our front drain in the sideway, and all the brickwork has turned to dust. I doubt if they were first quality bricks, but nevertheless they were solid enough when I cemented them in a couple of years ago.

Hope you have had some more enlightenment on the proposition of the extension of Tennyson Avenue. Presumably that will be name of road if built.

We have not been over to number 17 since seeing you but hope to go today. Yesterday we were to have gone, but June not feeling too good, and it being such a dirty day we did not venture over there. The church people have given Carol the money for a new beret. They had a meeting on Friday night and it appears that they have had this trouble before. However she is now properly equipped again for tomorrow – the great day.

Glad you were interested in the radio. Same day as you went back, at 12:30 p.m., I had a contact with a chap in South Shields (276 miles) and by coincidence he called me again the following day. Not bad for daylight when the nominal range is from 30 to 60 miles.

Glad your glass travelled o.k. and hope you are able to put it to good use. By the way thank you both very much for the £25 towards the lean-to. I hope that our giving you the details of our plans here did not sound like a hint. We are always planning something or other, and not always for the immediate future, so must be careful what we say. However, we have already been over to Eastcote Timber Supplies and had a chat with their bloke. They are sending someone round on Monday to check on the measurements and drawing we gave them, and they will then quote us a price. It seems their prices are rather higher than other places, but we have seen some of their work and it looks good to me. If their price is not unreasonable we may buy there as at least we have got them on hand and by examining the circumstances they will know exactly what we want. Also their type of workmanship is acceptable. You also left other sums of money for us for which many thanks. We shall have to fix handcuffs on you next time.

Sorry we did not get out and about much but the time went all too quickly even as it was. Thanks for the idea of lunch out on Tuesday, will hold the offer over for another time. I shall be off to Watford first thing on Monday and will let you know how we get on. I have heard that we are to be taken over to Lyneham on Wednesday to see something of how the R.A.F. have improved things as a result of Work Study. Shall have to plant sweet pea seeds today sometime.

Well it has also been quiet here since you went back. There is still some birthday cake left. Carol loves her new doll. She had another present yesterday of a book from the Grays. They had forgotten her birthday. It will not be long now before Susan has hers then it’s all birthdays for a bit.

The grass has grown a bit here, but things still a bit slow to move in the garden generally. Touch wood I have seen no slugs about, but I expect they will arrive when the girls seeds are just peeping through. No sign of them yet.

There was a banging and a bashing on the road yesterday at about 8 a.m. and I saw two men in our sideway taking something out. Watched them and found that they were some council men clearing scrap and things from Doug’s garden next door. Apparently he must have asked for them to come and do it. I was surprised at the amount they found to clear. Old wire and corrugated iron etc. As they do not usually wake up until about 10 a.m. on Saturdays I expect they were well pleased with the early visit.

All our pot plants have benefited from being out in the rain. They are mainly cactus as you know and as now is the growing season they should do well.

Well there it is for this week, hope you are able to catch up with your garden, and don’t overdo it. Love from us all 

*Rome2Rio currently makes it 1 hour 16 minutes from Ruislip to Marlborough and 2 hours 7 minutes from Ruislip to Clevedon under ideal conditions.

Wednesday 17th April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol,

Well here we are again back home after a very nice holiday with you and we both thank you all very much for giving us such a lovely time, including two little girls who kept us wide awake – I wonder. Had a shocking journey for weather – windscreen wipers working throughout the journey without any exception and in the Bath to Clevedon area there were huge puddles of water about suggesting a cloudburst. We got onto the M4 at its commencement at 9:20 a.m. and off it at 9:35 a.m. and the distance was 11 miles*. Called at Marlborough 10:55 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and arrived home at 1:45 p.m. Had about 10 to 15 minutes hold-up at Pickwick** owing to an accident. I was about the sixth to arrive at the scene and ambulance already there but police did not turn up, from Chippenham, until 5 minutes later. A bus was involved but I do not know what other vehicle but there were injuries if nothing worse. By the time the traffic not moving again there was a good queue on either side.

Had a quick look round garden after putting car and garage before coming indoors and everything appears satisfactory. Mum had dinner ready at 3 p.m. and just afterwards Bushell called in with the greenhouse key. Four of the houses above us had had and still have drain trouble and he asked how the inspection chamber was constructed. They had already been in and worked the drain rods from our main inspection chamber but this was clear. I said well have a look at our domestic inspection chamber and you will see. He did and the pit was full to the brim and smelling very well also. I thought to myself this is a good homecoming as it meant changing into old togs and getting down to the job of clearing. Had to bail out the chamber and found obstruction further along in the pipe but try as we did we could not move it. Eventually it came to taking off one’s coat and rolling up the sleeves and feeling for the blockage. This proved most difficult but gradually I pulled out several pieces of chipped bricks which had collected and set up the obstruction. Finally got it clear so then went out to Bushells to see if same trouble. Unfortunately it was not and although we worked on it until about 6:30 p.m. had to give up. The three houses above him are also affected and I think they will have to call in some professional drain cleaners. The blockage in our case had nothing to do with their trouble. After a bath and another change of clothing it was about 7:30 p.m. when we sat down to supper.

Referring to our trip back this morning I took a slightly wrong turning when approaching the Langley connection with the main Slough road and we found ourselves a little nearer Slough but we took London direction for about a mile and then got onto the M4 at its commencement. At Marlborough we managed to park in the only place left vacant in the middle of the road and it rained very heavily whilst there but Mum got some meat etc. and I bought a billhook to replace the one broken several months ago.

Heel came over to see what was going on with the drains and he told me quietly that the men who had recently seen him regarding the surplus land had called again and wanted to see me but were told I was away for the Easter. Understand they will be around sometime tomorrow. I think they want to work up a scheme which they can go to the Council with and say this is what they could do if given authority for an entrance road between Heels’ and Cornishes’.

I have not yet had time to examine the boot of car to see if the glass travelled safely but we had quite a number of heavy bumps en route potholes full of water.

Well our holiday is over and now we must look forward to your visit to us in August. Meanwhile Alec must talk to Mrs Baker re: mum’s proposition for her to come to Clevedon as well. We thought you were all looking very well and certainly Susan and Carol have grown since October when we last saw them. Susan reads excellently putting such good expression into her reading. Carol must benefit by her copying of Susan and should do well at school. Should like to see them next Monday when they start off.

You surprised me with your radio outfit – had no idea you were following up the Morse code to such an extent.

To crown the day at this end I found my income tax questionnaire on the mat when we got indoors. What a day!

I wonder what you have all been doing since we left – not much chance of getting outdoors and planting the sweet pea seeds.

No Mercury left for us last Saturday so may not get it this time.

No more just now – once again many thanks for such a nice time and all love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

P.S. glass in boot of car quite alright. Dad

Bushell’s drain trouble now diagnosed as broken interceptor pipe.

Thursday

A glorious day here today – it would be. Dad. 

*Presumably this would be the new section just opened that year commencing at Slough (Junction 5) and continuing along the Maidenhead bypass to Junction 9, which is given as a total of 10 miles on roads.org.uk, and indicates a modest speed of roughly 40mph.

**Apparently, Pickwick was once considered a separate village but has now been incorporated into Corsham.

Sunday 7th April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thanks once again for weekly letter. The artists are at work again by my side, and no doubt will produce further masterpieces. The smaller paper does take the type better and it is a better paper to put on the machine for its own protection. I’m afraid the roller is already marked with previous typing efforts*. Can let you have some paper for typing on. The girls make great inroads into my supplies and it is only necessary for me to produce the typewriter for the ‘gimmes’ to start. However I have some tucked away out of their reach – or so I hope.

Surprised you are suffering from gardeners’ back, both of you. June and I did a bit of clearing up in the garden last Sunday when I dug over the plot down the bottom ready for your arrival. We also cut down most of the honeysuckle and remove the wire fencing. Needless to say the plot that was dug last week now wants digging again as the children have treated it as a main road – and so ad infinitum. We have a heap of cuttings and things to burn although we have planted several in pots. Have thought I would have had an ache or two as a result of unusual effort, but all that was obtained was a bad cold. Glad to say that is well  on the way out now. We do not want things hanging about at visiting time. Had to cut back the thornless loganberry a bit, and we have to find a fresh site for it unless we can train it along a wire set near to the soil.

Yes I agree a fortnight would seem a long time to the experts to do out a room. We took several days to scrub off paper and repaint the hall and landing and then the paperhanger came and did the lot in three hours. After a twelvemonth the papering is the best part of it.

I am still far from satisfied with the lawns at the back. The one on the right is short of earth for grass to grow although the level is about right. The other is full of hills and valleys and really wants a heavy roller and a supply of ashes. Shall not be doing any heavy work over Easter. Have not got the materials yet and do not expect to do so until a while after Easter. Glad you can come to lunch on the Thursday. Do not worry about being late as June says there will be nothing to spoil. (Do not like the look of that now it is typed. Sounds bad.)

We went over to number 17 yesterday and found Peter in a tizzy. He had trouble with his brakes and put car into local garage for attention and they had put wrong brake fluid in cylinder and as a result the rubber seals had perished and he has had to have the whole of the braking system taken apart and overhauled. He cannot get at the local people as there is no bill or proof of their having done the work. Will cost a pretty penny to sort out.

I cannot say I knew that Geoff and co were going to Hull for the Easter. If you told me then I have forgotten. One less thing to worry about.

Sorry about the Beeching report. I only had it for the weekend as had to return it on the Monday morning. I will try to get it again so that you can see it over the holiday. Can only try. One of the reasons that the powers that be in Clevedon have not shouted their heads off is probably the fact that of the two examples of uneconomic branch lines quoted in the report (figures in full) was the Clevedon to Yatton branch. It seems that it would be necessary for the line to earn a further £18,000 per annum just to break even. Against that who would dare to open their mouth.

Glad to hear that you qualify for a small grant for the pension. As you say better than a kick etc. I do not know about ocean voyage, but you could buy a yacht.

A very good thing this about the potential land sale. If you ever had any ideas about that subject, they could not have been more appropriate than the present time. I’m sure you will find a large amount of land you have rather a handful to cultivate or even keep in reasonable order as time goes on, and I’m sure that Messrs. Heel and Cornflower [sic] are in the same boat. I doubt if they could get more than three houses on your land but depends on how the road runs. Times being what they are, I think the cash will do you more good than the land is likely to do now. As you say, depends on the price. This is a development of the idea current last time I was in Clevedon when someone told me of the idea for a private road to enter between Heels and Cornishes and possibly come out of your drive.

We should benefit by about £25 to £30 [roughly £635-£765 in 2023 currency] per year as a result of the variation of the income tax and the abolition of Schedule A.

We are sorry to hear about Mrs Cornish’s chilblains. Very painful things. I have been fortunate in not having had any since Westbury, but I remember having them there.

Good news of your cuttings and things, and note you have some for us this time, and for later.

Well I do not intend to exhaust all talking points before you arrive. Bad luck about Mum’s pork pie. Bet your mouth was watering all the while Mrs R was talking. Glad she thought your efforts in the front room passed muster. The accolade indeed.

I shall be working on Thursday morning and doubt if I shall be home much before two. I am sure two helpers will be about to hinder progress until then.

Love from us all and hope you have a safe journey. 

*People not closely acquainted with typewriters may not realise that the roller (or ‘platen’) had a rubber surface which would gradually become damaged from the action of the keys striking it. (See https://www.mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/pages/platen-recovery-service.) These could be expensive to replace, and people often struggled on for longer than they should have with damaged platen rollers – which, of course, didn’t matter much except in a formal business setting where presentation was important. A damaged platen could affect the typing action, though, and ultimately put more strain on the wrist.

Wednesday 3rd April, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Once again many thanks for letting and enclosures received this morning – such nice paintings and a letter especially for Grandma I imagine. Thank you Susan and Carol.

Yes change in paper noted and it is much thicker too – would take the type better. I still have a quantity of the longest sheets but it is fast diminishing now since I started typing.

We do hope those anticipated colds did not develop and that you are all keeping well – so far Mum and I are not too bad but we are beginning to suffer from gardening backaches. Surprised you had rain last Saturday – it was dry here but rather cold and dull.

Talking about Susan’s painting we must have seen some lying about at Ruislip but had forgotten them. Anyhow she sent us plenty this time. Yes I expect June was proud to have two little girls bring her Mothering Cards at the service last Sunday week.

Challicoms had not really let us down but it seemed a long wait for an order to be completed when we were waiting for the material to finish off the front room and I thought a little ‘ginger’ would improve matters. I can understand the feeling of not being satisfied with the room after putting so much work into it but it is a case of every man to his own job and if as a novice you can freshen up a room then the time has not been wasted even if the paper for instance is not quite exactly in position. I had as much time as I wanted on the job and it turned out very good but the fortnight would be outrageous for the experts.

Glad the tooth all right again now – my way of thinking is that it is much better to have it out. Never any more trouble after that. Noted it was a bit of Hales’ special that contained the tree and not one of June’s – sorry June.

Yes I would think you are pleased with the way you have built up the lawns in your back garden. We can see the difference on our visits remembering when Susan had difficulty in stepping up from the lower level to the concrete path and liable to fall and hit her head on the corner of the concrete. Both Susan and Carol have grown since those days. Expect latter now looking forward to school days.

A good idea to put up those prefabricated 6-ft sections. Rather costly but very effective and lasting. Will you be doing this over the Easter and require some help or is this a job for later on? You must get the seedbed ready somehow or I can foresee trouble. If your neighbour also put some in alongside his fence adjacent to you this also will look good and tend to make the place more private. Noted wholesale movement of growing shrubs will be necessary but if you have a good ball of earth on each one when moving them they should take alright.

Re: holiday – we shall be delighted to stay until Wednesday morning and so have the day previous with you all, it being Carol’s fifth birthday. You have two big girls now to get ready for school June and no sooner are they gone and they will be back for lunch and you will wonder what has happened to the intermediate time. Yes we will try and reach number 84 in time for lunch on Thursday 11th and if possible arrive between 12 and 1 o’clock but if not there by the latter time please do not wait for us.

Noted you were able to go over to number 17 last Saturday but found things still in the state of uncertainty. Perhaps it is as well not to arrive at any final arrangement immediately but to think things over quietly and weigh up the pros and cons of each and every suggestion. We shall hope to see Mrs Baker sometime over the holiday. By the way we shall not be going over to Headstone Lane this time. I thought you knew they were going to Hull* for the Easter, cannot think how you were not advised and I’m sorry about this.

The A.A. Handbook has already been put in car for you – they contain a lot of very useful information and more is added every year. Wonder if you can hold the Beeching Report until I come up? I should like to have a look at it but not prepared to pay £1 [£25 in 2023 currency] for the privilege. He has done a very good job and now it is up to the Government as to whether it is implemented or not. The T.U.C.C.** will have a lot of groans but it will avail them nothing. I’m surprised the powers-that-be in Clevedon have not shouted their heads off already but perhaps they have not come round yet since the announcement. Something in the paper suggests the lines booked for closure should be maintained in working order in case of bad weather again over the winters when they could be used when road transport is out of the question. Well well.

Our friend Bushell is quite in order in driving a tractor without a qualified driver with him so long as he has the L plates on. It is one of those vehicles which has no room for another driver, like a motorbike. He put the tractor right in no time and then put a coat of grey paint on and it looked almost new. Anyhow it has been disposed of at a good price.

Going back on your letter a moment we are glad to hear the woman involved in Peter’s accident is alright. Noted nothing further heard of any proceedings. This is as I expected – the police take an awful long time to finalise things.

As mentioned earlier we are suffering from some form of back ache owing to gardening. Have really been busy since last writing you. Started putting in the potatoes on Monday but the plot at the bottom of garden (where potatoes going) is in a shocking state again full of withy vine and nettles. This is due to the fact that I could not get at it last autumn. Have so far dealt with about two-thirds of the plot and hope to complete before coming up to Ruislip.

I am advised that I qualify after all for a small rise in railway superannuation is £19 per annum. [Approx. £483 in 2023 currency.] It is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Have not heard the full Budget news yet but so far I understand there is to be some relief to those of low income. That’s us alright.*** Going on like this we may even consider an ocean voyage between Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare.

Cornish came over this afternoon and dropped a clanger****. Asked if I had noticed anybody in next door garden these last couple of days and I said I had. Apparently Heel is in touch with someone for the sale of his field for building purposes. Cornish has been approached and agreed tentatively to do the same and it is understood the people concerned will probably approach us. It is intended – if the project is pursued – for the entrance road to go down between Cornishes and Heels, i.e. right in the middle of Tennyson Avenue then veer round right and left so that houses can be erected in the most economic positions. Well if the money is large enough we shall seriously consider joining in with the others. So far Cornish says the architect thinks five houses could be put up on his plot and four on Heel’s. We await developments.

Just heard the 5:50 p.m. news of the budget and think we shall benefit a little by the tax remissions and it would appear you too will have a look in. We had been hoping however there would be further reductions in the purchase tax but nothing doing. Petrol and other fuel oils also remain the same.

It does not look as though Mrs Cornish will be able to look after greenhouse this time and Astons will also be away over Easter. I do not want to ask either Cornish or Heel to do it so have approached Bushell who says he will willingly step in for me and they will be in residence over the holiday as he is working throughout so I expect I shall eventually ask him to take over for a week. It is the watering of the greenhouse plants and the ventilation of the greenhouse itself which is so important just now.

I started up the lawnmower one day this week and to start with it worked alright then suddenly stopped. I suspected a blockage in the feed pipe from tank and started to unscrew the pipe to clear same when I found the pipe was turning with the spanner and I had fractured the pipe. Told Bushell who said he will get it soldered or have pipe renewed and let me have same as soon as possible. I’m hoping to get it back in time to cut grass before the holiday. Was pleased the mower started up though after being stored in garage for winter without attention.

I find I have a total of 41 geranium plants in pots and will bring along half a dozen for you to help your supply. Last autumn I took cuttings of the Snowberry tree and these are now shooting out. I will keep them here until you have had fence put at the bottom of your garden then you can have one or two. I remembered June said she would like such a tree if we could strike a cutting. I believe I have also managed to get a cutting growing of the carnation we had in plot near pond which June liked. This also we will keep for time being to make sure it is going to grow. I wonder what it is you have making such growth in your front garden? Could be a weed of course – they grow where nothing else will grow.

Talking to Heel this morning (he said nothing about possible sale of ground) we ascertained that Mrs Heel had an accident two months ago when leaving the Tickenham Hut after the Institute party falling head first down the steps and badly injuring her leg. Has not properly recovered yet and leg swells badly after standing about on it for long periods. Mrs Cornish still hobbling about with her chilblains.

Have now put in the angle irons for the last two rows of raspberry canes and tied the latter into position.

No more now. We hope you are all keeping well. All my love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Only a week now to our long looked-for visit. Mum and Dad. 

*I have no idea why they would have been going to Hull, honestly, unless there was some relative of Stella’s – or maybe friends of theirs – living there.

**Not sure why the extra ‘C’ as I’m pretty sure he is referring to the T.U.C., but he may specifically mean their annual conference.

***The absolute gall of this! By no stretch of the imagination could Leonard ever, even as a pensioner, be described as being on ‘low income’. He retired as the second most senior railwayman *in the country*, the stationmaster of Bristol Temple Meads – and the only reason he was never stationmaster at Paddington was that he did not want to move to London: the post was offered to him, but he declined it. They had a house that was fully paid for, they had a car, they had savings, they had both inherited sums of money, and they also had a nice little side business selling garden produce that you can bet was never declared for tax purposes. Even as a joke – and it certainly doesn’t sound like one – this is monstrous, and would have sounded pretty arrogant to someone struggling to find work and living in a single room. How dare he complain about not having enough money, when he was warm and clothed and fed, and had access to medical care when he needed it? What a pompous idiot!

****He means a bombshell!

Sunday 31st March, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard’s letter of 26/27 March, 1963, was misfiled and has been added retrospectively.

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once more for a weekly letter, duly arrived on Friday. You will note change of paper in this one – back to quarto which I think is easier to handle in typewriter.

Not very odd really I suppose for the girls to follow one another with illnesses as they catch them from one another – and usually pass them on to us. Carol came into our room this morning and asked for two handkerchiefs so there are signs of yet another cold on the way. June has a sniff or two and feels she may have one also. Hope we can clear them all up before your visit.

Regarding Susan’s painting, she has been painting something or other ever since she went to school, but I do not think that she has got round to sending you any of them until now. I think the pictures which were hung up in school that we saw a year ago last October were painted – Susan says they were definitely painted.

Your Mothering Sunday service went the same way as ours, or almost. The drill is for the cards to be dished out to the children by classes, and then they go in search of their mothers in the church and hand them over. Of course there is a deal of peering around to find them and a push through the seats to get to mother. As we have two herbs, we had two visits – or June did. The usual practice was followed of fetching a child, with a birthday in the current week, out to blow out the same number of candles. The alternative is to strike a chord on the piano, but most electoral the candles.

Sounds as if Challicoms have been holding you up. What was the matter with them? Glad you like the effect of the room now that it is done. When I have had a go at any of ours I am always left very dissatisfied with the result. The best job we did was the hall and landing, with some slight assistance from the paper hanger.

Re: tooth, I think the drill (sorry about that word) is to hang onto teeth as long as possible, and every effort is made to restore a defective tooth. I must say he did a good job on mine, and I would not have thought it possible with so much gone. When he set eyes on it he said “Oh there is not much difficulty there” so every man to his trade. No that was none of June’s cake, but she says it was a piece of Hales’ bought at Fine Foods. We now issue a hacksaw as well as knives at tea table.

What hopes of getting the ground ready for sowing. We have again had a very wet weekend. It poured all yesterday. Had the car out morning and afternoon and it was windscreen-wipers all the way. I am very pleased with the way the whole of the back garden now drains. There is no trace of water on the surface. This applies to both sides of the path. If you recall – when we came here first we found some chives growing, and I pulled them up. When I got them out of the ground, the hole left promptly filled up with water. The water is still there of course, but is now at a lower level and does not break surface. I am planning to erect fence down the bottom of garden with prefabricated 6-ft sections. I gather this is not too much more expensive than buying the timber and constructing from scratch. It also cuts out the long-winded process of cressetting*. I shall need four such sections and of course five concrete posts and uprights. Doug was saying to me that he thought that he would also fence the section between us and would also consider this method. The rose is very nice but has got badly out of hand. It is so vigorous that it has broken down the chain link fence. Also with the rose it takes up a wide stretch of the garden that could be put to better use. Also as he says a wooden fence is a better windbreak and one can put a deckchair up alongside and catch what sun there is in any time one can find???? He says he will only make it about 4 feet high, where as I intend to have the one at the bottom 5 or 6 ft high. This will mean shifting again the three buddleia, the syringa, the beeches and one small rose. This quite apart from various plants in the square. With a small garden this process is going on all the time and nothing gets a chance to grow.

I thought you would say it was too early to go back on the Tuesday. We shall I expect you to be here at least till Wednesday to make a good week of it. There is no party in line for Carol on the Tuesday.

We went over to number 17 yesterday, but did not hear of any further move regarding the accident. it appears that the woman is alright but have heard nothing about the proceedings. We find out Peter and Margaret** have discontinued association. What happens now is anyone’s guess. There is still considerable indecision about the way ahead for all of them. It is a question of waiting for events to happen and then considering the position that results. It seems that all suggestions so far have snags and insurmountable drawbacks so that no firm decision can be reached.

By the way re: holiday, will you kindly let us know if you can get here for lunch. Also we have so far not had any contact with Geoff, and have neither given or received an invitation to visit. You will probably want to see them when you are up so we’ll leave you to sort that one out.

Good that your watch keeps time. Not much point in having one that did not.

We are not altogether sure that we have saved all the geranium cuttings as one or two have gone brown at the ends and leaves crumpled. However the parent plant is still going strong and we are pretty certain of having about five good cuttings. That will go a long way in our small front garden. Something you brought us up last time is growing like a weed in the front – could it have been a weed?

Yes can always do with A.A. handbook as each year something is added or at least brought up to date.

Bad luck for Mr Stevens. I am sorry to hear that bad news.

Well I suppose you have brought your copy of the Beeching plan price £1. I have a copy here lent to me by Cook who has one issued. It specifically mentioned the Clevedon branch as one of the two examples quoted from the Western Region. There is no doubt about it he has brought out into the open what many people have known for years and have been unable to exploit without risking their jobs. What Divisional Superintendent would have agreed to or even acknowledged a plan by one of his staff to close half of his Division down? The man would have been laughed out of court and put out to graze somewhere.

Fine business this second-hand car racket. Any chances of any snips, or are they a bit beyond it? I am glad Mr Cornish is able to get down to the dispensary now and then. It must be a comfort to him. Glad mother likes the room now it is finished. I suppose praise from the paper-hanger’s assistant – and teaboy? – is welcome.

Old Bushell is taking an awful chance driving tractors and things without a licence. He will catch it one day. Love from us all. 

*The only definition I can find for cressets doesn’t seem to match the description, so I am going to assume that the reference is to some kind of capping – with metal or roofing felt – to protect the uprights.

**This is the first I have heard of Margaret. I remember Brenda – although now I learn that there were in fact two Brendas – and he eventually married a lady named Kay. Margaret does not seem to have made much of an impression on the family at all – which, probably, was all the better for her. In context, it seems likely that she wasn’t prepared to move in to 17 Eccleston Road with Peter and his mother and preferred to let the relationship end instead.