Tuesday 15th September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

The usual budget of news duly arrived this morning for which many thanks. I see the girls have been doing some sticking-on pictures for us this week – thank you Susan and Carol.

Yes I thought you would be most interested to read the article about Scott’s career in the radio world but I would not have said the man we saw on Church Hill was much like the photograph in the Mercury – could have been of course and I do not expect there are many if any others who would be so interested in Clevedon to erect a mobile set locally.

Your remarks read the Eddystone type of set noted.

So your neighbours have been to Spain and presumably back again now. Query if any specimens brought back from the bull rings. The milk would not have been much use to anyone after many hours in the sun. I see the newsboy is still delivering papers to Heels who have gone away for another week’s rest. This time to Derby to stay with friends – of course. They went off last Saturday morning and expected back this coming Saturday.

Noted you have plumber booked for the toilet job. What has given rise to this alteration? Is the present arrangement unsatisfactory or has there been some damage? Pity about the serving hatch. Can you not get this underway just yet? What about the decorations? June mentioned these not long ago and said you were about to start operations. Perhaps the continued fine whether has kept you both outdoors as much as possible. The indoor jobs can wait until bad weather prevents work outside.

Yes June mum did get her stainless steel tea set from Eric Wrights of Sheffield.

Had a letter from Don late last week wearing he said he and Joan would be coming up here for lunch tomorrow (Wednesday 16th inst.) if all right with us. He was feeling much better and particularly mentioned his breathing which had improved a lot. He has to go to Taunton today to see Doctor again and unless we get a telephone message (through Mrs Marshall) tonight they will be up as arranged. This seems very good news as on several recent occasions when a visit here has been mooted he has said no very plainly and commented that he was far from well and could not make such a journey. Will try and include a post script with this letter as to what we think of him since his last visit to hospital.

Apart from the height of the R208 which is about three or four inches more the set I have in garage is same as the measurements you give for the one you have got for me. Suggestion for taking it out of case noted and must make up my mind on this when I see it. Glad to hear you have had some success with it to date. Also noted your idea of having a small shed in garden for your set as attic a bit cold in winter. I think a shed would be just as cold and in addition you have to go outside – in all weathers – to get to it. No Alec I shall not be buying any valves down here or anything else for that matter without having a previous word with you. Am studying the contents of the book we got at Sealeys and there are many bits and pieces I cannot fathom so it would not be much good for me to go into a shop and ask for anything.

So you have now ordered the concrete posts and fencing for your gardens. This will make a wonderful improvement – perhaps you have completed the work by now – it was not a bad day here on Saturday. I was rather surprised that Bushell did so well on his journey to Birmingham as the sketch he had from his friend was – in my opinion – very very rough. I think his friend would like to get down this way out of Birmingham if only he could find suitable work near Clevedon.

Yes you say that will be the day when Susan starts work! Well it will not be all that far ahead. Time seems to pass very quickly and Susan already is nearly eight and a half years old.

Proposed visit to Tiverton is offer at least for the time being. We suggested Thursdays because that day is early closing there and Lydia would be home for the afternoon but Joe has to go to Exeter on these days for radiotherapy treatment. Now suggested that as Lydia is giving up the shop at the end of the month – the business is being sold – perhaps they would like to come up here for a little holiday and that we would run down and bring them back. Now awaiting reply.

Next Monday Mrs Baker will be coming down as you know and we shall go to Weston to meet the coach. Hope weather not broken up yet and that we can have some fine days but these last couple of days have seen some very heavy storms and they are on one before you realise it. Still rain is badly needed and the ground is crying out form moisture. Gave Bushell’s roof on garage a good testing but everything all right. He has put guttering up on our side of fence but this needs a little attention as I see water escaping through a few holes.

Expect Saunders was pleased to meet your old colleague Lay – a common interest in the radio.

Yes I had seen and noted that Brown’s brother had been nominated for one of the London constituencies and remembered you saying he was connected with Work Study. Perhaps this will be the means of his getting away from the railway altogether – a subtle move.

How did you get on at Woburn Abbey last Saturday? Hope June and the girls enjoyed the outing. What was the journey on the M1 like?

Sounds as if we shall see quite a lot of alterations when we come up. You would be surprised to see the difference down here too since you were here in August. Surprising also the number of inquiries for the houses and the number walking around inspecting the buildings and obviously interested from a buying point of view.

Mum must deal with you regarding the cacti Alec but you will be pleased to hear June seven of the laburnum seeds are through and looking well at the moment.

Have had a pretty hectic week again here. Ordered half-inch chippings and cement from Crane and paving slabs and galvanised nails from Counsells (Yatton). The chippings (1 ton 7 cwt) [1370 kg] and cement arrived on Friday morning– the overlap fencing arrived the same afternoon and the paving and wrong size nails on the Saturday morning. The nails were refused and returned with lorry driver who was told I was waiting for them. However it was Monday before the replacements arrived. On Saturday managed to get up two panels of the overlap fencing with Bushell’s help and would have had a third in position but for a sudden burst of rain about 4:00 p.m.. Got two more up yesterday and again would have had another up but for a proper down pour which lasted for a long time and finished work outside for the day. In between storms today have managed to get another one with Mum’s help (Bushell gone to work). This completes the five alongside Bushell’s fence between our garden and our greenhouse. Looks quite nice. Did not concrete them in but put a length of half-sleeper with each post about two feet in ground and the same outside to strengthen the post provided by the fencing people. The galvanised nails were used to fasten the panels of fencing to the posts. I do not know when shall get round to putting up the fencing alongside the bottom chain link fence across garden. At the moment it is laying on the lawn adjacent to the old shed and the chippings close to the front doors of garage.

By the way what use did you make of the battery you took back? Or perhaps you have not got round to it yet.

I went out to Norman Baker’s farm yesterday to pick up the tool he uses for making holes for posts. I’ve not tried it yet but I think it will take a lot of the hard work out of post-hole digging and I have 20 to dig for the fence at bottom of garden.

Cornish conspicuous by his absence lately although he is still about on the building site vetting each new arrival and more or less now becoming the receiver-in-chief for the many visitors who wish for information etc etc. He even received the lorry bringing Coates fencing here until he saw me looking at him over the gate. The other day I caught him measuring the width of our gates but he did not see me. I guess he wanted to know the width because the builders here have to supply him and Heel with new gates for the entrances to their respective gardens when the new wall is built. Will break off now and continue after Don and Joan have been up tomorrow.

[Continues Wednesday 16th September, 1964]

Sunday 13th September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for weekly letters and the paper. Very interesting cutting from the paper (article rather) about Scott. I have an idea that was the man we saw on top of Old Church Hill when we were with you. He was obviously talking to someone on the Welsh side and could well have been the chap on Flatholm. Odd that the article should have appeared just now, I wonder what started that going.

Our neighbours on the downhill side are in Spain we hear. Rhey did not tell us they were  even going on holiday. We gather they are back today or tomorrow. The relief milkman left four bottles of milk on the doorstep yesterday, which can’t have done it much good. Normal milkman on today has whipped them away again. Hope we did not get any.

We have got the plumber lined up for putting in the new toilet unit. Latter has been delivered and now in the hall. No comment.

Glad the various methods of treatment are having some effect on Don. If he has a lot of phlegm in him it is no wonder he could not breathe very well. Must get rid of it somehow. June asks did mum get her tea set (stainless steel)* from Eric Wright Ltd of Sheffield? I think you may have sown some seed there.

Your radio set in its complete form is rather too large for the house, being 23 in long x 12½ in deep (back) and 17½ in high. [58x32x44.5 cm] – this represents the steel outside case (a dirty grey) in which the set rests. There is also a shelf in this case which has a drawer in which are supposed to be kept spares, valves, flex etc. For indoor use it is best to take set out of case when its height is considerably reduced as is also weight. Out of the case of course all the components are visible but you could easily fit plywood or hardboard top and sides as the framework is there for them to be fitted on. I have the case and the tray in the greenhouse and have taken the rest up into the loft. There are two carrying handles on the front of the works part that makes it easy. I had a listen on all bands on a short piece of wire last week and so far as 20 meters are concerned it is better than mine. Have had many Yanks on it. On 10 meters it is slightly less good than mine which I have souped up for that band. Not a lot doing on 15 meters but I have heard some stations. You can actually get a television sound on it too. As a short-term effort I should be inclined to either keep it in garage, or take the works out as suggested and screw on a light wooden covering. The weight with case is 80 lbs [36 kg] but almost halved out of the case. I have seen some more HROs advertised at around the price we considered, but you never can tell what the condition is and you do not want to be involved in repairs before you can get them to work. By the way don’t ever buy valves your end. I can always get them much cheaper in Tottenham Court Road, or for nothing if I am lucky. Regarding the Eddystone receiver they of course are the Rolls-Royce of receivers, but there are many types from simple to more complex, and of course the prices are high. If they have an 888A for offer less than £80 [equivalent of £2000 in 2024 money] it might be a good buy and something like £40 [£1000] for an 840, but there are a great variety of types and price.

Note your work in garden preparing for the fencing. We ordered some concrete posts for end of garden, and also the fencing. Hope to get them delivered in the week, and perhaps some have to put up fence on Saturday. Measurements have to be very accurate for this job don’t they?

We had our photos back in the week, and although some trouble with one or two, largely they were good. One of Bushell and family was very good. Some journey to Birmingham for Bushell. Thought he knew the route as he had a good diagram to work to. I am not surprised he was glad to get home from Brum as the air is worse there than here.

Interesting to learn that Rebecca now at work. Seems no time at all she was a toddler. That will be the day when Susan starts. She will probably get the sack first day for cheek**.

Hope you get your visit to Tiverton. We did not do the trip this time we were at Exmouth. Never gave it a thought. In any case traffic a lot worse this year than the last time we were down.

I had heard of the moves re: Phillips and thought I has told you. So far as John Saunders is concerned, I heard from Ken Lay Paddington that he was in on Monday last and knowing from me that Saunders was in the fraternity dropped in on him when going for his train. Apparently they had a good natter, and John saw him off on his train.

I suppose you have noticed the Press in the press that Ron Brown our senior instructor of Work Study School (is George Brown’s brother) stood for nomination for the Labour Party candidate for Shoreditch and Finsbury constituency. He got onto shortlist, and eventually won the final ballot by a good margin. As this is a fairly safely seat this means he will be leaving us to become an MP in the new Parliament unless something goes radically wrong. He is not very popular with top management at the moment.

It is a fine day here and we hope to go to Woburn Abbey this afternoon for the last of the mobile radio rallies of the year. I understand it is a good one and there are amusements for children etc. The place is at Belford which is a short trip on the M1.

The girls have been fairly well although a bit naughty lately. I think I have said that before.

None of my cacti have rotted with over-watering. I have taken a lot of cuttings of them and I’m bringing them on in little trays. The seeds I put in are doing quite well.

I am seriously thinking of buying a small shed to go in garden for radio activities. I am sure it is not all that too healthy to stop long in loft without daylight and in the dust. Cst of putting loft right would be as much as getting a shed which has many advantages. I should have electric light put in garage and extended to shed just beyond. A small self-contained building would be easier to keep warm in winter than a large loft, and certainly get more fresh air in summer.

The buildings are proceeding quite well. two houses are complete, a third well up and a fourth started. The look of the road has changed as if overnight, and I can now see a different each night when coming home. They will not have finished by the time you get here I don’t suppose, but the picture will be clear.

School was resumed without much trouble this year. So far touch wood we have had no trouble and no sickness. Sorry Old Moore*** has said we shall get some bad weather. I suppose we cannot grumble with what we have been getting this year. We have had no rain since I last reported. Have not done any more watering as the morning dew now seems to supply all needs. Ground is still cracked though.

Sorry Mum has been giving cacti too much water. You really must watch it****.

Some fair well for the ‘Posset Flyer’***** then. Sound sense about all these people who complain there will be no trains, but we do nothing about it. In present circumstances railways are a luxury, and local inhabitants are living in a fool’s paradise.

We still have our piano, the people from the church have not yet come for it. There will be a squeal from the children when it is taken. Don’t know what we shall do with the room, but at least we shall not bang ourselves on it coming through the door any more. We still have not fixed up for anyone to do the serving hatch and may have to leave that one out of the plans this time. It would have been nice to have it though.******

Well getting a bit short on news at the moment, so will close once more wishing you all the best. Love from us all. 

*A hopeless mid-century fad.

**Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.

***English edition does not seem to be in business any longer, but the Irish version has a website.

****Sigh...

*****’Posset Flyer’ seems to be a nickname for the Portishead (Posset) commuter train from Temple Meads, and has no connection – as far as I can tell – with ‘The Posset Flyers‘ who appears to be a bunch of charitably-inclined car nuts. (From Portishead, no doubt!)

******Well, yes, because taking three or four steps from one room to another takes such a bug chunk out of your day and it’s always better to have a hatch and pretend your wife is a servant instead.

Tuesday 8th September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks once again for your letters and enclosures from the girls received usual post this morning and glad to hear both the girls are well and presumably back at school as from yesterday. Another holiday over and now lessons for them for a few months. Quite understand telephone conversations should not interfere with the TV programmes but no doubt you avoid clashing as far as possible.

Sorry my comment re: bigger house not understood. Understood June to say she would like another piano one day and thought this meant when you have more room. Agree a bungalow is the ideal nowadays but price must come into the reckoning. You have however property which can be traded for another if and when desired and in the meantime the value of the present house increases yearly.

Noted during that Peter finds the going hard work – no wonder putting in 18 hours per day especially in the weather we have been having lately.

Yes Carol told us of the visit to the dentist. Seems strange though for Susan to have to have a plate to get tooth back into proper position. In the old days the answer would have been to have the offending tooth out but I suppose it would leave a permanent gap which is undesirable. Also noted your neighbours now back from Westgate. This is the second time this year they have been there as they were there whilst we were with you at Whitsun.

Busy time ahead at number 84 then with plumber at work and possibly a carpenter (for hatch) to be followed by decorations.

As stated in post script last letter we visited Don on Wednesday the 2nd inst. found him improving although still very cantankerous with everything and everybody. A letter from Joan yesterday (Monday) says he was expected home again either yesterday or today and that he is much better. Let’s hope this is so. He has been on tablets again and also had a physiotherapist working on him forcing up phlegm he never thought was in him. All to the good no doubt and it will be up to himself now to maintain what the doctors have done. Understand Geoff went down to see him in hospital on Saturday – a letter was waiting at number 169 from Joan when they got back from Austria last Wednesday. Have sent Don and Joan a repeat invitation to come up here to lunch as soon as Don feelss able to travel any distance.

Wed had quite a good day when going to Taunton as we had a picnic lunch just the other side of Shapwick and picked up Joan and her mother’s cousin (who was staying at Lyng) and onto hospital for 2:30 p.m. admission. Back to Lyng 4 o’clock and home again by 6.50 p.m.

Noted Alec you have picked up the short wave set for me and shall be pleased to have the measurements of length width and depth so that I can try and visualise position here. Reading between the lines I think Mum wants it out on the lawn. Good going to tune in Sierra Leone on 10 meters at that short notice. We shall not dispose of either of our sets here but you can have the smaller one whenever you want it after we get the transistor. Position regarding the other set you mentioned previously noted and will leave matter in your hands for development. Incidentally you will be very interested in the ‘Mercury’ sent you yesterday. There is a nice write-up of Scotts set up in Edward Road West and strange to say the first advertisement I have ever seen in the local paper of an Eddystone receiver set for sale by somebody in Ash Grove. This address is on Strawberry Hill close to where the Benns were looking when first house hunting in the area. You will probably remember the locality.*

Mum will comment on the watering of the cacti etc. Yes the peat is some good stuff and I think it may be superior to that which can be bought for 4/- and 4/6d [£5 – £5.50 in 2024 money] per bag. We did not stop to pick up any more last Wednesday but shall certainly have another lot later on. No sign of laburnum seeds coming up yet and may be next spring before signs of life show up.

The hedge (between Bushells and us) is pretty thick and it must be at least three feet otherwise I should not have had so much ground to deal with. Am now out of paving stones, cement and gravel so have had to concentrate on other jobs such as gardening etc. Nothing yet done to pond by the builders and I have now made a template to hold cement in the large depth of pond which will be required to hold one of the posts for the Overlap. This cement will also help to seal up the new end of pond in due course.

Weather still keeps very warm although one or two storms have threatened. Bushells came back from the holiday in Birmingham on Sunday having had fine weather throughout the week. Had petrol trouble going up and only discovered after arrival at Birmingham that a pipe connection was loose causing loss of petrol. Also went several miles out of course – it was their first visit – but eventually completed journey in about four and a half hours.** They were glad to get back out of the smoky atmosphere of the Birmingham area – never felt clean all the time up there. They were surprised to see I had taken down the hedge and cleaned up the ground ready for the wooden fencing. Today Bushell has been finishing off the garage on our side – a good opportunity with hedge gone and the new fence not up. He has also put up some guttering which will keep water from dropping on new fence.

Glad you have news of Doug Matthews again. He has seems to have been properly caught out over the Ibbotson/Feinnes moves. From what you say it would appear he is thinking of finishing at 60. He is older than I thought. Also noted you met Hamblin and Flaxman in corridor of B.R.B.. I did not know latter although have attended meetings at which he has been present.

Yes having regard to previous remark you will have gathered Geoff and family are home once more. Ee understand Rebecca has started work at the Eagle Insurance Co.’s office not having been successful with her Kodak applications. She is however going to try and get into Kodak when another vacancy occurs.

I’ve written to Tiverton suggesting we run down there on Thursday this week or next (early closing at Tiverton) to arrive at about 2 p.m. and leave about 4 p.m. in order to get home by dark. No reply so far and it may be that they are at the bungalow at Exmouth for a long weekend.

The Portishead line closed for passenger traffic after the last train last Saturday and transport will now be by bus.

I see Raymond has got himself a little advertisement in this morning’s paper by having his Jaguar car loaded up at Paddington Station. Okay so ‘don’t do as I do but as I tell you’. Bob Hill had to give some explanation to the press on the matter. Is it not about time he retired?

Am surprised to hear the short wave set weighs about ¾ cwt. Shall have to fit it up in house somewhere as cannot do much in garage in winter evenings.

Building continues apace here but at the moment delay is occurring because of shortage of scaffolding. I think I mentioned before good material and good workmanship is being put into the houses and my impression is that Robinson’s must be a very good firm for work. Like yourselves Mrs Baker will see a lot of alterations around us when she comes on the 21st inst. Hope the weather keeps up but cannot expect it to continue much longer.

The Overlap [fencing] from Bridgwater is coming by rail apparently, which I think means loading to Taunton for latter to load to Bristol for delivery events. Should be here any day now.

A letter from Jeff says that G.A.V. Phillips is going into BRB for another post and that Patterson from Plymouth goes to London. Donovan from Bristol to Plymouth and Pallette to Bristol vice Donovan. Strange moves altogether. I see John Saunders had a good write-up in Railway News with special mention of his ‘world-wide radio activities’. He is going to live at Henleaze Gardens*** where he has bought a house. No doubt he will be on the air from that address in due course. May be able to pick him up later on.

Mr and Mrs Heel have been away again for a few days. This time to Somewhere in West Wales returning to Hereford to finish up. Now they are off again soon.

Cornish brought ladder back last week and I could not get rid of him for over an hour. The usual ‘hymn of hate‘ regarding certain neighbours all over again. Yesterday about 3:30 p.m. I happened to look out the front and saw him with a tape measure measuring the width of our gates. Watched him for several minutes but he did not look up and I did not make my presence known. He walked off after a while back to his own dump. Assume he was after actual width of gates to enable him to decide what the builders must put up for him as this is to be their responsibility. Lorries are much in evidence with various materials for the new houses and bricks seemed very plentiful whereas other builders in the district say they cannot get any.

Mum has had a big bonfire with the hedge I cut down last week. These fires must now be nearer the house and one has to be a bit careful when lighting up. Mrss Marshall is back from her Norfolk Broads Holiday looking very fit. Still no news from the Richings at Weston but I expect Michael and his family have been there for part of the school holiday and we may hear or see something of them later this month.

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

*Also the general area of the dreaded ‘swimming pool’ bungalow as mentioned on 6th September!

**Rome2Rio suggests this would take well under two hours these days, with faster cars and better roads.

***Nothing under £1M there these days, which would have been £40,000 back then…

Sunday 6th September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for weekly letters and paper duly received this end. Glad you liked the contributions from Susan. Carol now back with us of course, and as large as life. School tomorrow and not many regrets from any side. She had a nice time with Grandma, and does not now mind as much being away from us. We ring them up each night on the telephone, and look out if we ring up when they are watching a favourite program on TV. We do not then get much of a chat. Susan continues to have these proper moods fractious, defiant etc etc and some times it is difficult or impossible to communicate. However like all things they come to an end.

As you say it does now seem a long time since we were with you but the weeks are drawing on towards your trip to us. Have not worked out how many weeks to go. Oh I see you say four weeks from 3rd September (ominous date*).

Note your remarks about Peter and the jumps. I agree, not the thing I would volunteer for any way. Can’t say I think much of plane travel, it is still too precarious. They cannot guarantee the lives of even the most famous or highly placed when they travel by air**, and money cannot buy safety. Until they have perfected some automatic rescue apparatus the whole thing will still be risky.

Your remarks about bigger house not understood in reference to finding room for another piano later on. June wants a smaller one, not a bigger one, as they have less room for the dust etc. to settle. I think we will aim for a bungalow next time, if there is a next time***. Prices going up by leaps and bounds here and seem to rise weekly. I gather that round Langley way ordinary semi-detached houses are fetching over £6,000 [£150,000 in 2024 money – the price range for an ‘ordinary semi-detached’ in that area now would be about five times as much, depending on condition.] A patch of land two and a half acres large over there fetched £20,000 [£500,000 in 2024 money: cost now would be approximately £6.5 million or thirteen times as much.] What price we should have to pay for a bungalow goodness knows. It depends on where it is of course. That can make a tremendous difference.

Note your trip to Bristol and visit to Mogg’s place. I expect you will look in again some time when you are next up there. We heard from Grandma that you had written and told her that Don was back in hospital, but assume no panic or you would have let us know. Now we find from your letter that he is in for a checkup. Don’t know how long that will last of course, but I like his cheek thinking he should have the treatment at home. I should have thought his own common sense would have told him that he was in best place to sort out what is actually the matter and put right if possible. As you say it was obvious he was not right when we saw him, but the impression I get was that the affliction was not as much physical, but maybe we did not see him at his worst. He was considerably worried it was plain, and it is to be hoped that this time he can be sent home in a better state. Winter is not so far away, and it is vital he should be getting the proper care now.

Thank you for the cheque. I picked up the set for you yesterday, and it is in very good condition electrically. It is good value for the money, but I am afraid you will have to abandon any idea of having it in the living room as it is far too large. I should say it weighs about ¾cwt [38 kg], and in its case occupies several feet in length, width and height. These army jobs were designed to stop a bullet, and this one will do that all right. however it is a start, and it does its job. it is fairly easy to operate despite many fitments knobs etc on the front. I tried it out last night at the vendors house and despite the fact that aerial was wrong for the job heard 9L1HT, a station in Sierra Leone on 10 meters.****

The prospect of the sale of the HRO are not immediate, and we may have to forget that one at least for the time being. In regard to the offer of one of the sets which you still have surplus, if I were to have one I would prefer the small one, but I have immediate need for one, and they will not be a lot of use as spares. If involved plans which I have ever come to anything, I may have need for a small set to cover 160 meters, but we may be able to do the same for [missing word?] anyway. If you have to get rid of one, dump the big one.

We have not moved our cacti to winter quarters as here they are the same as summer ones. We are easing off the water to cacti now and tell Mum not to give too much water now???*****

Glad the peat is good stuff. Maybe the difference in price means a difference in quality too.

Not to worry about the sails of the yacht. They were no use anyway, and only made the ship turn over if used.

No sign of gorse seeds so far and agree with you we may have to wait some time for them to come up.

Note the work you have been doing in the garden and the effect of removing the hedge. It certainly gives you a bit more room, and the Superlap will improve the look of the place. I am surprised to hear you have five feet between greenhouse and the fence. I could just get by between greenhouse and the hedge, so the hedge must have been very thick.

Cannot see an awful lot of progress here now in the building line. The houses are coming on but it seems quite slow really.

I see according to your footnote in biro that you found Don improved when you went down on Wednesday. A good sign, and especially as the improvement is so soon after going into hospital. I wonder if this means that they have found what is wrong.

Saw Doug Matthews in the week and had a chat in corridor. He tells me he has only five years to go. Also says bad luck is dogging him on E.R. just as on W.R.. He wished to be remembered to you and hope you were well. He says he was offered Woodward’s job when he retired, and they had several goes at him to come back and take over, but he said that while Ibbotson was there he had no intention of putting himself under him again. Well they filled the job with someone else, and then Ibbotson probably left Paddington, and Feinnes from the E.R. went there. Apparently Matthews got on well with Feinnes and so there was much anguish. I was surprised to learn he was 55, and would say he still looks a lot younger. Says he has got too old for gardening which is a favourite hobby.

We had the first rain since returning from Clevedon, during the night. When sitting in front room at about 9:30 p.m. I could heare faint sound of drops hitting the window. It was more solid during the night, but no thunder or anything like that. I have had to water garden at least twice a week as earth had cracked badly. The grass still looks quite green although now beginning to show signs of all the sun.

Sorry you had a busy road to Lyng and back for your visit. I am afraid at this time of year you can’t expect anything else. Was over at the B.R.B. on Friday and saw Hamblin and Flaxman in the corridor. Passed time of day, but did not stop.

Well I propose to get your set into the loft somehow, and run a few tests with it in comparison with mine. Could do with a block and pulley.

I suppose Geoff and Stella and family must now be back from foreign parts and we may one day see some film. Well hope you are both well, and not working too hard still. Love from us all once more. 

*I can only imagine this was a date of personal or family significance, but the details never seem to have reached me.

**The most recent death of a famous individual in a plane crash at the time was that of the musician Jim Reeves, about five weeks earlier.

***Of all the reasons for wanting a smaller house, this is the oddest. I mean, smaller house=less cleaning makes a certain amount of sense, but one can always *do* less cleaning anyway! They *did* get a bungalow, some years afterwards, but it was not a happy experience: it was so damp it was generally known as ‘the swimming pool’, and they were glad to move out of it into a regular house again later.

****It’s been virtually impossible to track down this reference, *but* I found an intriguing link to 9L1T which was a proposed (but cancelled) DX-pedition – an amateur radio jolly where a group of hams join together to set up a ‘station’ in a place where conditions for communication should be advantageous – in 2018. Two things spring to mind as a result: 1) that 9L was the prefix for Sierre Leone, and 9L1 probably for the coastal area; 2) that, the site for the proposed expedition being an island, there may have been concern that the hams would be able to (or intended to) observe naval manoeuvres of some sort. If I had to guess, I’d say 9L1HT was probably based in Freetown, the capital city.

*****If this is still intended as a joke it’s getting a bit tedious.

Tuesday 1st September, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for both your letters and the enclosures from Susan duly received this morning. Noted Carol at Grandma Baker’s at time of writing and hope she will keep free of illness there. Pity she was so poorly after so many sweets. June says Susan is in a proper mood. Holidays are very nice but even children get tired of them and generally are glad to return to school. Some comment on TV last night on this very subject with interviews with school children.

It seems a long time now since you were with us but in actual fact it is only just over a week since you returned home. However it is something to look back upon and the opportunity to look forward to our next visit to you which should be four weeks from this coming Thursday (3rd September).

Fancy Peter having the nerve to do parachute jumps! I have no wish to even go up in a plane*.

Noted you are getting rid of piano but have it in mind one day to get another. Perhaps when you have a bigger house you may find room for one. Alec used to like ‘having a bash’ but suppose otherwise occupied nowadays.

We went to Bristol on Wednesday afternoon but having regard to the weather wished we could have stopped here. It was a scorcher and we were glad to get away about 8 p.m.. BertStacey lives near Coldharbour Road and picks up his evening paper at Ray Mogg’s place and he (Stacey) had told Ray we were going up so latter said he would like to see me. It was a Wednesday and early closing at Bristol but apparently Ray’s shop opens between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the evening paper trade so I went round with Stacey but only Ray’s wife was there. Ray had gone out delivering papers owing to being a boy short. There is no doubt he has a fine business there and the shop is quite a big one and well situated. He should do all right.

Tomorrow Wednesday 2nd inst. we go to Taunton again to see Don who is back in the Portman Ward of the local hospital. The doctor dealing with his case has been abroad on holiday and Don had to see him last week at the hospital for a check-up and Dr said he was “a poor advert to him” and he should come in again for about 10 days. Don asked if he could have the the treatment at home but Dr was not having that one and so Don went in last Friday the 28th ulto. Perhaps this time they will put him as right as possible before letting him out again. It was obvious when we last saw him – when you were there – that he was not right and that further treatment was required.

Will include cheque for £7 10s [equivalent of £187 in 2024 money] Alec as suggested and your further remarks read the HRO noted with pleasure. Should like this one of course if you can get it and perhaps as you say the R208 may be disposed of elsewhere. Will leave this in your hands for the time being but if balance of payment required let me know. Have had one or two goes on set in garage most mornings but not much doing then.

This brings me to the question of sets on hand here. As you know we are going to get a transistor soon and if I have a SW set we shall have two ordinary sets spare. Now which one would you like us to bring up for your use (possibly as spares) in the loft – the one you let me have earlier and which is now in garage or the one mum had from Tiverton and which we use at present in the living room? I think you may prefer to have the one you let me have some time ago but you can have your choice.

Yes I expect you saw a difference in your garden in the fortnight you were away but apparently you soon had it under control again. Yes mum is keeping the cacti watered etc. etc. Most of them have been moved to their winter quarters in the small porch outside living room. The peat we brought back is really good stuff and I have already used some online for potting up.

Noted it will be all right to bring up the odds and ends overlooked when you were packing up here. Actually the pinny was found on the lawn near the water butt. Still no trace of one of the sails of the two ships that were in the bath. I think we shall have to wait a long time for both the laburnum and gorse seeds to come up. I believe they are both slow starters.

Started work in earnest this week and have put down more paving stones to form a path from greenhouse to garage. Have completed about halfway and now run out of paving stones for the time being. No they are not cemented in but only laid flat so to their depth of 2 inches in the ground. I may later cement the joints. Having run out of a job in that direction I started to grub out the hedge between garage and greenhouse (Bushell on holiday in Birmingham). This was a dirty and very hard job. Jack Light many years ago had thrown down a lot of glass behind his shed and this was now in thousands of pieces which had to be picked up. Took two days to complete this work and then I had to dig it over to level off and make ready for the lapboard fence to go up. Surprising how much ground can be recovered when a hedge is out. In this case I have a distance of five feet between the edge of greenhouse and fence with Bushell. Managed to get out the sleepers which were forming an edge of a path and they were in good condition in spite of the number of years they have been down. Wrote Bridgwater yesterday and asked Coates to send on the fencing now as soon as possible.

The builders are very busy at bottom of our land. The detached house just beyond the pond is of course of erection and I must say there is some really good work going into the building of these houses. Both the materials and workmanship are first class. Sounds as if your people on the plot nearby have also been busy. Shall be interested to see how things going when we come up.

Bert Stacey tells me that vacancies have been advertised for three Assistant Station Masters at Temple Meads at Special A. These are to replace the three Chief Inspectors all three of whom have been disposed of. Two have retired and the third has got Stacey’s job at same grade viz Class One.

Have not heard of the Richings since their holiday in Finland but no doubt they will look in unexpectedly one Thursday evening (his half day).

Sorry you have such a lot of the new records but this was inevitable until the novelty had worn down a bit. Anyhow it will be back to school next week. What did June say ‘thank goodness’?

Shall have to try your Cold Ashton route from Keynsham as have not been over this road right through to Chippenham. Yes you must keep to the left-hand side of road after passing the Bath Road Loco Dept and a ‘filter green light’ will take you on to the Brislington Road even when the red is on for Knowle. You were lucky to be able to set back as most of the day there is far too much traffic about to allow this.

Well I think this is the lot for another week but will try and include a brief report on Don’s condition as we find him tomorrow. By the way Jeff and family started their homeward trek today from Austria.

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

Mum and Dad

*Peter continued jumping out of planes for the next 20+ years and in fact ended up as an instructor. Unfortunately he eventually made one jump too many, suffered a bad landing, and discharged himself from hospital before he was properly well again. Mental problems, anger issues and dementia were not far behind.

(Continues Wednesday 2nd September, 1964)

Sunday 30th August, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Well as you remark, back to typewriter bashing. Thanks for the paper and letters duly received. Must say again how we enjoyed the holiday with you, and like you we found it went over too quickly. Our run back really was fantastic, and much better than I had expected. No doubt the early start is the thing. I had not formed any idea of going through Bristol until I set out. I had half a mind to go to Cambridge Batch and turn off in the direction of Winford as I have done before, but approaching Tickenham, I thought we might as well save all the narrow road work, and see what the main road was like. I was amazed to find how easy it is now to go through Bristol. I failed to take the left hand turning for Bath at Knowle, but spotted it as I passed so it was easy to set back and wait for the lights. After that we followed the A4 to Keynsham then turned left for Bitton and Warmley, went through Cold Ashton and direct into Chippenham. After that of course it was simple matter to follow the A4. We were quite tired on the Saturday afternoon, but it was a fine day, and we had no commitments so were able to recover.

I am afraid work did not go well for the first part of the week. It is always difficult to catch up on what has happened especially as some of the staff were away.

Glad your ground had a good soaking, it could do with it, and hope Mum remember to water the cacti too. The grass had grown a bit here and June had a go at the front lawn on Friday and the front hedge, and I completed the two back lawns yesterday.

You mentioned the paving stones having been fixed in front of the greenhouse. Do I gather that these have only been laid or have you cemented them in?

You can make the cheque out to me for the radio set, and I will give the man cash. We are committed to get this set, but the seller has since told me that he will be having another one for sale later on. This latter is identical to mine, and is the same as the one we phoned for from Clevedon. The price is the same too, and it comes with some spare valves as well. The vendor is going to buy a more modern and more expensive receiver (approximately £90 [£2,250 in 2024 money]) and is selling some of his old stuff to pay for it. His transmitter only operates on 160, 80 and 40 meters so if he sells the other receiver first he will not be able to go on the air as the R208 only covers 20, 15 and 10. I have asked for and got the first option on the HRO receiver for £15 [£375 in 2024 money] but I don’t know when that will be available. it should not be difficult to dispose of the R208 for the price paid as it is under the price being currently asked in the mag. We can sort this one out before you come up I should think.

No further trouble with Carol after she got home, but later in the week after a visit to Eccleston Road where at she had plenty of sweets, she complained of a headache, and cried with it. Later it followed the inevitable path, and ‘blue tea cup’ [a plastic potty] was in evidence. She had about an hour or so of this and went to sleep. Fortunately she slept the night through and was fine again in the morning. Thanks for finding the bits and pieces. Okay to wait until you come up. I am not surprised you found something, they usually leave something half-hidden.

We shall be interested to hear how the laburnum seeds progress. I have sown some gorse seeds, but no sign yet.

We found the first house here well advanced, and the second in like state. The drive-ins for the garages have also been concreted and looked like a row of aprons. The people on the site are taking electricity from Les’s meter. (By arrangement). They have run a big cable across the field on top of poles.

The girls have played their records ad nauseam. They put the two new ones on the turntable, and keep on playing them. Had to put a brake on it and get a bit more variety into the subject.

Susan has spent a week with Grandma at Ealing, and we fetched her yesterday, and left Carol in her place. We gather she had a fine time. Peter has had a week at camp with the Territorials. He should return today.

Not much other news I am afraid. Glad your party went well, and hope not too tiddly. So will close until next week with love from us all. 

Tuesday 25th August, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Here we are back again on the old typewriter and replying to the card from June and letter from Alec duly received on Monday and Tuesday respectively. You had a remarkably good run back to Ruislip on Saturday and after you had left here I wondered if – as you had started so early – whether you might risk going via Bristol. It is certainly a good idea to get on the road as early as possible if going any distance. Anyhow there it is and you are back safe and sound once more.

We thoroughly enjoyed your visit and the week simply flew – no sooner had you arrived from Exmouth than it was time to return home. Expect you all felt tired on Saturday afternoon as we did here. Quite understand Alec that work did not go down well on Monday – neither did it here but we have been getting on with it although not much done yesterday as it rained most of the day. The ground had a good soaking and the cabbage seeds which were loathe to come up have now shot up thickly and are looking well. Spent most of Monday in garage clearing up bench etc. and in the afternoon went to library in the only dry spell of the day. Rain must have stopped during the night for it was a lovely morning and the sun has been out strong and hot. Consequently I have started to put paving stones along front of greenhouse and so far have embedded four and have another to place to complete the end.

Thank you very much Alec for being so quick in getting hold of a shortwave set. Shall I send you a cheque for payment to yourself or leave pay column blank for you to fill in please? It is noted the set only covers part of the shortwave bands and you will be on the lookout for a set to cover the remainder. (Now 5:45 p.m. and Mrs Hewitt has just arrived bracket.) Have heard a couple of those on the set in garage and on Monday got hold of somebody who said he was GOTH…A but fading spoilt complete word. He had spelled out words to identify the initials and I missed two or three of them. Otherwise it was very clear. I remember he said Ontario for the ‘O’ and Texas for the ‘T’. Hamburg was the ‘H’ and America the ‘A’.

Sorry Carol was sick on homeward journey but hope it was only slight and that she soon recovered. we found a plastic ‘penny’ after you had gone (a white one) and a doll’s bed also white. These will be brought up on our next visit to you. The Laburnum seeds were sown on Saturday June and we must report progress in due time.

No further news from Lyng but expecting a letter soon. Tomorrow (Wednesday) we are going to Bristol in the afternoon to visit the Staceys. This is an outstanding visit but could not fix it up earlier. In this case we go over the Suspension Bridge and down Coldharbour Road where Ray Mogg has his shop.

The builders have been busy again although operations somewhat curtailed yesterday by rainf. Loads of bricks still arriving and the bricklayers started on the house behind Heels Saturday morning. Trenches for the foundations for the remainder of the houses behind our plot have also been dug out and piles of bricks laid alongside. Whilst in library yesterday I look for books on radio and found a copy of the one bought last Friday at Sealeys. Also another one by the same author which I took out but it is a little more advanced than the other and not quite suitable for me.

Instead of Lollipop I suppose you now get Dolly repeatedly – hope both girls were pleased with their choices of records.

Not a lot more to say this time but we do miss you all after such a lovely week. Mrs Marshall said she was sorry she had not seen any of you this time. She has gone by coach to the Norfolk Broads this week.

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

Mum and Dad. 

Monday 3rd August, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

At last the post seems to be getting better. Your letter arrived Friday afternoon. Gather you have had two from us this time, and we have had two from you of course.

We have had mainly dry weather since last writing, but on Saturday night we had heavy cloud followed by rain. I had watered the lawns and flower beds so that more or less ensured that we would have rain.

The bomb scare was not much and first manifested itself by terrific traffic jam. When I went to lunch the vehicles were held up in Liverpool Street and were still being held up at the time we returned. Of course when we read Evening Standard we could see what the cause was. I suppose there must be quite a few of that type of bomb laying around unexploded waiting for someone to dig up.

I gather the weekend motoring was not so bad in the West Country this week. I hope it remains like that for our visit. Incidentally this is the last letter from here before we set out.

Thanks for the information that Don has been taken to hospital for a checkup. As you say it looks as if they are going to give him the complete works. Not clear what is the matter with his throat and sounds not too good that he has lost weight. However it seems he is only in there for a week, so by now you may know some more details.

Surprised you say you may not have enough earth down for the greenhouse. I thought you said that they had put over quite a lot with the bulldozer some time ago. Some game building the old garage up around Bushell’s old one. Gather you have finished most of the walls and will have the roof to do. Perhaps this is also finished by now. He will have lots of room to play with for car maintenance etc. now. Should think that he would get in a couple of cars despite the reduced size. Regarding your pond, I would not be surprised if they are waiting for you to make the first move. If you have a go at the pond and break it, they cannot be accused of doing it. I cannot think they will leave it like that although I suppose it is possible they will leave it for the householder to sort out.

Whatever has Ernest Caple given up the exchange work for? Has he trouble healthwise and has to get fresh air?* Should have thought that telephone work was quite a good job for him. Don’t think much of the idea of going as a postman. What would old Mrs Caple have said?

Sorry to learn of the death of Mrs Buxton. Have not seen her for many years.

Bad luck on old Titball learning the job, and then being pushed out. As you say he will get it one day, if he wants it of course. Glad Norman Allen is feeling more settled. He worried rather a lot at one time, and I am sorry we were unable to straighten things out for him, but there was something working against him at the time that I am convinced. I do not recall Chief Inspector Woolway. The name does not ring a bell. When was he in his heyday?

No more prizes to report for the girls. They are on holiday now and getting in mother’s way at home of course**.

The concrete job in the front garden does not look too bad. I have taken down the shuttering and the concrete behind the wood is fairly good. No more in that line to report this time. I suppose I picked the wrong time to do the job, but at least it is done now.

You mentioned wine in reference to Aston and Hewitt. I got out some wine for our dinner a few days ago and it was some of your 1962 blackcurrant. It was delicious. Grandma and Auntie Pauline came over yesterday and they enjoyed it as also did June who rarely has any.

Not a lot of activity on the building site but the house at the bottom of the hill is growing fast now. They have built up beyond the lower windows. They seem to be starting on the house next to Les.

The little garden Susan put into the competition is getting a little overgrown now with the Mind Your Own Business etc., but it gives her an interest and very successful too***. The ‘standing in front of the cement’ lark did not last for long but fortunately it was not necessary as the cement was drying fairly quickly anyway. The girls and June were very good as they stopped in front of it while I went for more cement in the washing-up bowl. Now we have the barrow back, but we have not had a use for it – typical.

Note your garage approach has been improved, by Hawkins people. Now that you have got all building materials stacked away the place must be looking quite neat again. Wwe are looking forward very much to having a look at what you have been able to do. Also I expect we shall be very surprised at the changes which have taken place since we were last down there.

The work which I have been endeavouring to forget while on holiday has been going on quite well. We have been commissioned to make bricks without straw, but as usual it seems as though we shall be able to do it. Of course when things start to go wrong people are inclined to overlook the restrictions imposed on the persons preparing the scheme and complain just as much. However I made it a point of letting Butcher know just what the restrictions were, so he can be under no misapprehension.

Peter and Kaye have gone to South Wales for the A.B.H. having travelled by car during the early hours of Saturday. They had a call by Mrs Baker at about 4 a.m. and had a quick breakfast and were off****. They reckoned they would be about five hours or so on the journey. We hope to start quite early next Saturday and travel as far as practical or desirable before having a halt for a while. I should think we could make quite good progress before the streets get crowded. I have not given much thought to the route, but shall have to consult the book you gave me and plan something out. By the way I am asked to let you know that Mrs Baker would like to come during the week commencing the 19th September if that is convenient. Also to say that please do not make up the beds for the children before we arrive as June would like to use up the bedclothes she has to take to Exmouth before using yours.

I shall have to get a lot of the things out of greenhouse before we leave it or some of the plants will be dry or dead before we get back. I have already put out a number of things, but the tall zinnias are almost touching the top glass now. These are all flowering with many different colours and are quite nice although a bit spindly due to the lack of top ventilation. I think I shall have to cut them for the vase and put the plants in the border. The cacti should be all right for a fortnight.

The girls have been in the loft with me this morning operating their imaginary radio station. One of our local chaps went down to Bath yesterday for a run in car, and I heard him operating from one of the Bath local stations so gave him a call and had a short chat. Nothing very special about, but did contact a station in Czechoslovakia and another in Kaliningrad this morning. Well will close now as getting a bit short of room. Shall have to get a new ribbon as this red does not go down too well after a couple of sheets of it.

So wish you all the best and love to you both for a short while. Will drop you a card etc. from Exmouth.

*Or is his supervisor an a**hole?

**Always the same thing: ‘children are a chore, an imposition, they get in the way of the housework’. WHY HAVE THEM, THEN? IT’S NOT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT!!!

***Sixty years later I’m still waiting to get a *real* garden – life and circumstances have solidly got in the way of it for the past six decades, but I think we’re getting quite close to having one now.

****This is interesting as it seems to suggest *one* call between the two of them – and they weren’t actually married until the following year, so I’m struggling to imagine my grandmother letting them share a room – but who knows?

Wednesday 29th July, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 28th July, 1964]

Yes letter to hand this morning together with another budget from the girls. Congratulations Susan in getting into the prize-winning list and we must find some extra spending money when you come here as a little encouragement to have another go at any and every competition there is including the exams etc. Good show.

We had our first rain for some time today. It started about 7 a.m. and continued for most of the morning becoming dull during afternoon. Very welcome rain on the gardens. Can understand how you feel in the heart of London during the sultry days. I was always glad to get away even when I was only there for short periods in the summer.

Glad to hear the concreting in front of house now finished but apparently you had a hot time doing it. Noted Peter arrived in time to finish off whilst you relaxed. Neither Aston or Roy are fit to do any hard work nowadays, neither will they taste the homemade wine. Roy in particular is having difficulty lately in getting about and is only too glad to sit down as often as possible.

You have a point about the polythene sheeting but Heels relations at Churchill actually put this into operation with some success but it is a doubtful proposition over a number of years for the reason you give. With a smaller garden to look after I could give more attention to the watering of the greenhouse. Today I have fixed another shelf in the garage and another in the greenhouse the latter above the staging halfway up the back end of the greenhouse. Could not do anything outdoors for once.

No further news of Don but a letter from Geoff this morning says he called Don up on the evening of the 27th to offer him best wishes for his birthday etc. but Mrs Dobbs answered phone and said Don gone into hospital and Joan not yet home.

Bushell settled for a Ford Prefect as a temporary measure as no garage with other models would accept his motorcycle in part exchange. He will change the Ford before long and gradually work up by this means to what he wants. Glad you have had your car put right in time for the holidays as you do not want any mechanical difficulties on the road – bad enough getting along.

Yes it sounds as if your building people were taking a big risk in leaving such a big trench open for children to fall into. Assume all in order again. Nice to go over to the school and see the children’s work etc. – gives them a great deal of encouragement. Yes we remember the little garden Susan had in the lean-to and she must have looked after it well.

I liked the idea of the girls standing in front of concrete to keep the sun off it. How long did it last? Not five minutes I’m sure. I too was a little afraid of the heat in the greenhouse when putting down the path but it has hardened quite well. I sprinkled water over it two or three times some hours after it was laid.

Geoff says Rebecca is now looking for a job and had two in mind when he wrote. One was with an insurance company and the other with the Kodak people – both firms in the Harrow area which will avoid the journey to and from the City.

Nice to hear you have some good zinnias in the lean-to. It proves you can bring them on indoors whereas outdoors they are almost a failure. I have had the same experience – zinnias are most difficult to bring to perfection. It is however a very shy flower and worthwhile attempting to grow. Our roses in the rectangular plot on lawn have been a picture and in due course when the ground can be got ready we may have some more. At the moment that part of the former drive lying between new greenhouse and new garage looks like a builder’s yard. Timber, rockery stone, concrete pieces and blocks, hardcore and rubble are all mixed up and will have to be sorted out and moved. The far side of greenhouse much about the same but area not so big. Plenty to see when you come down even if total area very much smaller than heretofore.

How are you getting on with your remit from Butcher and Co.?

Hawkins’ people have made up the drive to the entrance of new garage with tarmac and the result gives a gentle slope into garage. The whole of the front needs a covering of tarmac but that will have to wait a while. When Bushell has finished putting up his new garage I shall have to take out the hedge running parallel with it and replace with five sections of Superlap fencing. Will look nice and clean up an odd piece of ground. I think he is off duty tomorrow (Thursday) and if so I shall probably give him a hand to get doors up and perhaps some of the roof struts cut out to new dimensions viz. 12½ ft wide.

Now I think this is the lot for another week – soon be seeing you all and we are looking forward to that. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.