Wednesday 7th November, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter received this morning with all the latest news. Expect weather was cause of late dispatch this week but yesterday (Tuesday) was the limit here. It rained continuously all day and the atmosphere was overpowering. Much better today and I felt able to do a little work in garage.

Yes we both enjoyed our visit to you and if not exactly restful it was certainly a change and of course nice to see you all again. Note you had another visitor almost immediately after our departure and I expect he was glad to see you and bring you up-to-date with the news from Weston. I’m surprised he is still called upon to deal with BBC matters in the London area but perhaps his successor is not yet in full control. I see in last night’s Bristol paper that a Bristol BBC engineer named Hawkes was killed in a car accident in Bristol a couple of nights ago.

Pauline too has visited you again. I’m sure the girls were pleased to have her there for a few hours – perhaps gave mother a bit of a break. Hope she is keeping well.

A really good idea for using the old tank – it will serve in turn as a collector for compost stuff. If I remember rightly the other container was practically worn out. All the tanks here as you may guess are full to capacity after so much rain.

Glad to hear June had an evening out with Delphine and hope they both enjoyed themselves. What did Carol think she was going to get then? Or was she really off colour? Susan too with an upset tummy after twisting herself around too many times. They will do it. So glad to hear how she took to the glasses. It could have been a most difficult time getting her initiated to them. Once taken to however she must realise herself she can see and read much better. It is going to make a tremendous difference to her at school to and I’m sure she will make headway now even more so then hitherto.

Yes June we are sure you must have been busy after our departure especially with the washing. Could you not get any help from Carol? And of course Susan as she was home for the week.

Plenty of bonfires and fireworks down here these last few nights and I understand there was a bit of a to-do along the prom Monday night when the police were involved. Teddy Boys were at the root of the trouble.

Glad the cherry-with-orange wine satisfactory – on your recommendation I tried some today and agree it is quite nice. Hope it does the trick with the catarrh this winter. By the way have you arranged for an anti-flu injection from your local doctor? June and told us on Tuesday before we left that the E.R. do not have their senior staff dealt with as on the W.R. but in your case I should certainly pay the doctor to give you one. Would help you through the winter.

The fire grate we brought back is a perfect fit for the front room but we are now up against a replacement for the fire brick that fits inside the front of the grate. Have tried three places in Clevedon without result and will try again when we go into Weston. If we light fire without the brick I fear the front of the grate will become permanently tarnished. Mum has cleaned it up now and it looks fine so it would be a pity to spoil it. Thank you very much for it, we must report further on our efforts to get firebrick.

I’m enclosing a cutting taken from last night’s Bristol Evening about screens for use in connection with projectors. Thought you would like to see it and maybe note suggestion for future information.

Well since writing last Tuesday week I have not done much about the place. For one thing the weather has been against outside work and it has been too cold to do much in the greenhouse or garage. Last Friday and Saturday I did manage to get in a couple of long rows of broad beans by using boards to stand on. At least half a dozen times I had to break off because of rain but eventually completed the job. Since then have picked most of the runner beans and shelled them for drying for seed. These are now spread out on the staging in greenhouse. All tomatoes have now been cleared out and both sets of staging reinstalled. Firewood to has had to be cut and chopped up. Impossible to cut lawns yet and grass is longer than I like to see it. Am wondering if shall be able to have another go at it this season.

Our next door neighbour (Bushell) is building a porch outside his French Windows. the framework was already there but he has had to fit glazing bars and renew cross pieces of wood and buy and fit glass. it will take some time yet to finish.

Not a lot of local news this week. I see Bill Raine has again secured the premier prize for chrysanthemums in the Clevedon Show. This is the second year running and he is up against experts like Mr Yandle whom I expect you remember at the Clevedon Hall Lodge some years ago. Bill I understand belongs to the Chrysanthemum Society but is only an amateur so far as growing is concerned. I saw the winning bloom last Sunday morning and it was a real beauty. Only grows one flower to a plant.

Mr Heel came round one morning when I was in garage (most unusual for him) and had a chat. Said he was feeling a lot better but still chesty following his recent illness. Have not seen Cornish (except at a distance) since we came back. Mrs Bush seems to be back in circulation again, none the worse for her drug taking incident. Had one morning in the field picking up fallers which are now spread out on floor of garage to dry off. A lot more down by now I expect.

Had to get TV people to look at set on Monday – the horizontal black line was creeping further up the picture and another had started to come down from the top. Required another valve. Now he has left the picture a little out of focus – elongated – and this can only be got up from the inside so I suppose he will have to come again.*

Good news today on the TV, Beeching has now offered 6% rise which has been accepted by the unions to date from Monday the 5th inst. No doubt it will come to the ‘Out of Categories’ later on. A letter from Geoff this morning says the reorganisation of timetables on W.R. expected to come into force for the winter of 1963.

Hope Susan and Carol enjoyed their fireworks on Monday night. We thought of them. Not bad weather here in the evening but heavy rain during morning and early afternoon.

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

Mum and Dad.

*For younger readers – this was even before the transistor revolution when both radios and TVs had glass valves inside. If you needed any evidence of exactly how much daily life has changed over the past sixty years, this should do the trick!

Eva to the family on the remaining half sheet of Leonard’s paper:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letters. Glad you had no trouble with Susan I think left to themselves they take anything in their stride. The grate fits perfectly and needs no filling up with cement. We are going into Weston on Monday to see if we can get the fire bricks. I think it makes the room look better and certainly won’t take as much coal to keep warm as our Devon grate.

I have just made a funny mistake in the tomato chutney I’m making put in a whole lot of Pudding Spice instead of the other and later looked to see if I had all the ingredients and it said tie the spice up (I ask you) so as it was put on top of sliced apple. I managed to get most of it out.

We enjoyed the trip to Walls factory only another in the country at Acton where they do not have visitors. It was a scream we had to leave all our possessions in the coach and when we got inside had to put on a white coat and fancy silk scarf which latter we kept. Then around the building, it’s really all automation. They employ coloured men. They gave us a good tea cheese and ham sandwiches, fancy cakes and a special gateau the chef made for us then all sorts of ice cream. On leaving they presented each with a square box which rattled. On opening it at home it was another cold pack with 1/6 ice cream in it so Dad had his ice cream after all. It simply poured all the time.

Glad June had a change lots of love Mum and Dad 

Sunday 4th November, 1962

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for a weekly letter. Soon back to routine again. Glad you enjoyed your holiday and had a good journey home. I gathered you had some hail etc your end. Nice to know you have some Long Life beer in the house. I have not heard the story of the bag of apples etc. I suppose the girls thought you would like something to eat on the journey. Hope you will be able to find suitable uses for the stuff you were able to take back. We certainly appreciated the stuff you brought this way. I have not tried your cherry and lemon wine yet, but will take a drop before ending this letter if remember to do so.

The tank presents quite a problem now as I tackled the Rag-and-Bone man yesterday and he did not want it as it is galvanised. I have since discovered that in the week June got the local lads to clear away the logs and old gate from the back of the garage also the old dustbin full of tree cuttings. As the dustbin itself is now on the field it can stay there, and I will put the tank in its place. It will be just as good for an incinerator.

Susan still has catarrh but it is very loose. On Thursday night June had an evening out with Delphine and Carol told me she was feeling sick. We had to go through all the motions of getting ready for the event, but I think it was only a stunt to get a bit of attention while Mummy was away*. She was alright and fit as a fiddle in the morning.

Susan had a silly turn one day in the week. She turned herself round and round in the middle of the room until she was very giddy. this after a good feed did the necessary. On the brighter side, her glasses arrived on Friday. June did not make any bones about it but just put them available for her and walked out of the room. Later she walked in (with a toy as excuse) and found Susan with them on, reading away at her comics in fine style. Since then we have hardly seen her without them. She even had them on in bed last night and I had to come to an arrangement with her to leave them on the side for the morning. First thing in the morning she is out of bed, the light goes on, so do the glasses and the comic gets read.

We have had Eric Benn living with us since Wednesday night. He has been in charge of the boxing match (England v Russia) and today he is covering the church service 10:30 a.m.. I think he may be going back later today although he has not said. it is possible that he may stay until tomorrow of course but that is o.k. with us.

Well we have not done an awful lot since you went back. We have drunk all the beer so you are one up on us (four up did you say?). I must do something about the parsley later today as it is still on the coal bunker although it has been well watered.

Well I have had a taste of your cherry wine and I find it even better than previous lots. It is probably among the best you have made. I think it will have a satisfactory effect on catarrh.

Our fire is proving a good buy. Even with it on half-full we are occasionally obliged to turn it off as the room is hot enough. I am sure that when the really cold weather sets in that we shall have enough heat there.

The bonfire builders are at work in the field so I suppose we shall have another good display here again this year. We have bought a lot of fireworks for the girls so they are stocked up and ready.

Well it must be a short letter from this end this week as I seem to have exhausted the available news. Hope you both have shaken off the effect of your colds.

Love from us all till next week.

*This kid is four years old, remember. That one would need ‘a stunt to get attention’ at that age seems to indicate a failure of parenting rather than Machiavellian behaviour by a manipulative child…

Tuesday 30th October, 1962

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Well here we are again back safely at Clevedon after a very nice weekend at number 84. Thank you all very much for giving us at such an enjoyable time. Had a good run down this morning arriving Marlborough about 11 a.m. departing thence about 11:35 a.m. and reaching home 1:35 p.m.. A lovely sunny journey until we ran into a heavy storm at Box – some hailstones – and a lesser storm at Marksbury. Water had risen in the pond indicating plenty of rain at some time here since our departure last Friday. 

Mum made several purchases at Marlborough and I bought four cans of Long Life to bring home. To our surprise when unloading car we found – on top of one of our paper carriers – one of Stowells’ paper bags containing four carrots, a couple of apples an orange and a tomato evidently put there by one of the girls to ensure we did not starve on the way home. We had a good laugh over that. 

It is now 4:15 p.m. and we have had a good hot dinner and now taking easy for rest of day. So far as can be seen at the moment everything is all right this end except the grass on lawn is very long and will need early attention. Thank you very much for what we have brought back, sweet jars, wine, fireplace etc. Sorry about the tank but I really thought when we measured up on Sunday it would fit inside on back seat. I’m afraid you will have to dispose of it locally now. The fireplace is still in boot of car and will be dealt with tomorrow after we have been to Hill Road for one or two things. Nice to see you looking so well and hope Susan will soon shake off the touch of cold she had on her today. Mum and I feel much better for a visit and hope to improve now we can resume normal routine which I at least have not been able to do for several weeks. 

It has started to rain and it is so dark I think we are in for a bad spell of weather tonight. Shall picture you having a warm up by the new gas fire later. Quite a good speculation and a real room warmer.  A big improvement to the one you formally had in that room. 

Now we must hibernate for the winter and look forward to our next meeting. In the meantime I expect June will be anxious to see her father and mother settled in at number 17 Eccleston Road and the dust shaken off number 155 for good.  When we left you this morning I forgot to ask you to remember us to them, June, so will you please do this – thanks. 

Looking over the fence just now I could see Bushell putting the bricks up for the base of the glass porch he is building outside their french windows. I think he has a carpenter coming in this weekend to put up the framework so that he can put in the glass. 

Don’t think I have missed anything but it must be a short letter this week but it lets you know we got back alright and gives us the chance to send on the Mercury. 

Once again many thanks for all your kindness to us these last few days. all our love to you both and lots of kisses for our two dear little girls.

Mum and Dad

Eva to the family on the remaining one-quarter of Leonard’s paper.

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Just to say got back alright and thank you very much for a nice holiday and rest.  Now back to work, have just done the washing so far. Got some food shopping at Marlborough they have a self-service International, never seen one before. Couldn’t get home before the rain but we were right to start early. I never spotted that bag with the vegetables in it as Dad had already carried it to the car.  Good business they will be sending the bill in later. 

Thanks once again love from Mum and Dad and kisses to the girls. 

Thursday 18th October, 1962

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Am feeling a bit better tonight but more news about that later. Very sorry to upset your arrangements but I certainly do not feel able to make the journey this week hence my brief memo last night. If alright with you would try and come up next Friday but must wait for your reply before doing anything definite this end. Now for your letter. 

So sorry to hear June’s father and mother have the trouble all over again regarding the disposal of their property – what a worry for them. I wonder if it is the length of lease remaining which disturbs prospective purchasers? Noted how things are progressing at number 17 and apart from the lighting expect other work has now been put in hand. 

Re: glasses, the reason I was able to leave them off for a period was due to the fact I did not do so much clerical work in the army and the eyes had a rest.  You have had to use your eyes continuously since leaving school therefore have had to keep to glasses. It may be that Susan later on when not perhaps using her eyes so regularly can leave them off even if only for short periods*. We sincerely hope so. 

Did not drive up to Bristol because did not exactly  know where to go and got bus conductor to drop me down near the Church. In any case should have run into a busy time on the roads and was not that keen to get in too much traffic. 

I’m not surprised you cannot remember Wilkins – he had been in Control since 1938. 

Noted you are surprised I still have some apricot wine left. This is so good I want to keep it as long as possible but bottle is half empty now. Only comes out on special occasions.

Will come back to your letter again presently. Must now tell you of our experiences since we started out last Friday for Tiverton. We left here about 9:30 a.m. in a dry but dull morning and went direct to Dunster where we had a look round and had some lunch. Then into Minehead for a little shopping and a walk along the front. Left there about 2:30 p.m. and made for Tiverton arriving without incident about 4:45 p.m.. Before going to Somerholme went over to the cemetery with some flowers and then got into house before uncle Joe and Aunt Lydia arrived. (Key under the mat). It was about 1 a.m. when we went to bed. (What a natter).

Saturday morning after they had both gone to work Mum and I went down the town to look around. A lot of alterations since our last visit. At about 2:30 p.m. we started for Exmouth calling at Aunt Lydia’s shop to pick her up. Called at Heavitree churchyard enroute and arrived Exmouth about 4 p.m. in time for Aunt Lydia to do some weekend shopping. Found bungalow in good order and after tea had a walk along the front and sat down in one of the shelters for a while. Another late night for bed. 

Sunday morning saw Mum and I on our own for another walk on the front and in the afternoon we all went out cockling. Out about two  hours and came back with a bucket full of cockles. Most of these we brought home. Left Exmouth about 6:10 p.m. and arrived at Somerholme at 7 p.m.. Another late night. Got away about 10 a.m. Monday and called at Taunton (shopping) and Lyng and home just after 1.00 p.m. When I was putting car in garage noticed a couple of bulges about size of large eggs on rear offside tyre (tubeless) and as Bushell was next door called him over to examine. Said tyre was liable to burst owing to fault so there and then changed over to spare wheel and took a defect to garage. Here they were not all that surprised as others have been brought in pretty often. Said I could probably claim on tyre firm as tyre was faulty. Had a remould fitted and now have to change wheel back. Good job it did not give out on the journey. 

Re: cockles – mum boiled them up Monday night and after shelling they filled just over three 1lb jars and are now pickled in vinegar. Shall be bringing up one bottle for you to taste. 

On the Friday evening during conversation with Uncle Joe we heard that Uncle George (senior member of W. H. Fewings*) died last May and the business has since been in the hands of his son and daughter but it is not going very well for the simple reason they are not business people. They thought they had sold it – one of the conditions of sale was that new owner should continue to employ Arthur but somebody must have told prospective purchaser of Arthur’s character and the sale was off. Uncle Joe apparently is waiting his time. The business may be put up for sale again and if it can be got at his price without conditions he may have a shot at it the point being that he would not then have to do the donkey work but only supervise and meet prospective customers.*** 

Incidentally uncle Joe had a nasty cold on him all the weekend and it is possible I got my packet from him although I must not forget for the past three weeks I have had a nasty throat and could not get rid of it. This cold however seems to be shifting it and I hope to be all right in a day or two. In any case I’m not going outside the premises this weekend. Thought mum was going to be following but so far she is all right. We told them you wish to be remembered to them all and they were glad to hear of your latest move. 

We only saw John this time – on the Friday night when he was on his way home from operatic practice. On our way home on Monday we also called to see the stationmaster at Durston. [i.e. Don.] He was the only person on the station. Just had a few words with him before calling at Laburnum House for coffee etc. 

After returning from the garage on Monday with tyre I noticed a lot of movement outside Mrs Bush’s house and as Bushell (next door) was in front garden asked if he knew what was going on. Said doctor was attending Mrs Bush and with the same the ambulance drew up outside and Bushell asked them (his old mates) what was the matter. They told him “overdose of drugs”. The ambulance stopped outside a long time then drove away empty. Apparently Dr had got Mrs Bush round and no need to go to hospital. Have since heard he took 25 tablets out of her and she has hinted she will do it again. We do not know what the trouble is. As you know Valerie the youngest daughter was married a month ago and has gone to Winscombe to live. 

Back to your letter again. So your job at Paddington is posted at last. Query any difference in the rate? Peter with you again last Sunday and June and yourself at the kitchen with the paintpot. I’m afraid we have been hurrying you unnecessarily. 

Incidentally what about the fog? It has been pretty bad for Clevedon and when we get it here it is usually very bad elsewhere. Shall have to travel in middle of day to avoid it. Perhaps it will not be so bad when we come up. 

Noted your tomatoes now over. Not surprised as outdoor grown soon tail off in October.

Hope to have a few in good condition to bring up.

Well I think this is all for another week. Hope this reaches you Saturday morning. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls – hope they too were not disappointed we failed to turn up. Mum and Dad

P.S. Hope cream arrived in good condition.

*Translation:  ‘A woman doesn’t need glasses to do housework’.

**The family stonemasons’ business.

***To the best of my knowledge Joe never did take charge of the family business.  It could be that his health began to deteriorate before the matter was resolved.

Eva to the family on the remaining one-third of Leonard’s paper:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for a letter and drawings. I have caught dad’s cold a bit so will not use typewriter this week. I was disappointed we could not come this weekend and now especially as the fog has lifted. We hope to see you soon. We did not want to spread the cold about. As we caught this one off of Joe. 

What do you make of Mrs Bush. We do not see the car about now, perhaps that is the bother. 

Mrs Hoyle has a six weeks’ premature baby Caroline Joyce at Southmead. 

It was lovely at Exmouth and nice and warm during the day. Not many people staying there now. The sand was ankle deep in some places on the promenade. 

Dad has just looked out and says the fog has come up again. 

Hope Susan will soon have her glasses. 

We have a nice lot of chrysanths in the greenhouse now. 

[N.B. After this there is a gap where they clearly visited over the following long weekend.]

Bushell takes his test again tomorrow I think he will pass this time. 

Lots of love for now Dad and Mum. 

Sunday 14th October, 1962

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thank you for your letters received as usual on Friday. I must say the weather is good for your visit to Exmouth. It started today by being very cold, but it is clear and the sun is trying to get through.

I agree that the catamaran trip was a bit much, but I must say that they ask for all they get. Fancy going out in those conditions.

We have no further news of course re: Susan and her glasses. We have let her read a bit as it is a pity to spoil her interest. Interesting about your experience with the glasses. I believe mother had the same experience as she seldom used glasses when we first went to Clevedon although she had them at the time. I was not so lucky though and have never been able to leave them off.

Nothing further about number 17, we have not been over there this week. We do have to report however that the deal regarding number 155 High Street is off again. Mr Baker now has to look out for another purchaser. What went wrong we do not know, but although they get on the hook these people do not seem to want to be landed.

Fluorescent lighting is certainly cheaper to run. For equivalent amounts of power drawn from the supply, the light from the fluorescent lamp is brighter. I have no idea about the cost of installation, much doubt if it is all that much more. I think you can get a fluorescent strip for about fifty shillings [about £60 in 2022 money] whereas the bulb and lampshade for the conventional type would cost almost that*.

I am not surprised Don finds hard work heavy going these days. I think he tires particularly easily these days. It is a symptom of his complaint** coupled with advancing years. I wonder what he will be doing when the next strike takes place. There is a limit to the number of days required for apple picking. Next excuse will be nut picking no doubt.

I had an idea that George McLeod had died several years ago, but it seems I was wrong. Yes it was Houghton’s son who had polio, thank you for reminding me. I do not think that I had heard of his death though. Perhaps I have just forgotten. I do not think I can remember Sid Wilkins, although the name is familiar. As you say it was a gathering of the clans. A lot of people I have not seen in many years. Why did you go up by bus? Did you not feel up to driving up to Bristol, or is car having the servicing prior to your visits to Exmouth and Ruislip?

I see according to this week’s vacancy list that my job is on the slate. I am pretty sure who will get it. I have not yet got the October issue of the E.R. mag, but will be getting one when is due.

It is surprising you did not see anyone when you made your trip around the wall to collect blackberries. In the thirties a fine day would find many having a stroll around the wall especially as the tide was in.

I am afraid our tomatoes have just about reached the end of it by now. I took a look at them yesterday and they all looked a bit passé.

Certainly a carve-up for the Western Division. I think it will be several years before things settle down.

Peter is here again today. He is trying to finish the Snowcem job he started a few weeks ago. June and I have had a go at the kitchen this weekend, but we have now run out of paint so will have to finish the rest during the week.

I am amazed to hear you still have some of the Apricot left. Perhaps you do not like it so well. Have none left here. I’m now in the middle of a bottle of Apple October ’61. It is very good although only one year old. I am not surprised that Don did not want his cider back.

Sorry to hear you have a long dose of catarrh. It is difficult to shake off and sometimes persists for many months. I should think that the sea air (for a change) should do good. However it is the change of air that does it.

I’m now sampling the Apple and have given a drop to Peter. He is still up the ladder, so wait for the bang.

I agree that the strike was stupid, but not much point in individual N.U.R. members working. They could do no good in the long run, and only bring trouble on themselves for their pains.

Glad do you have fixed with Geoff for transport. I would have picked them up as you know, but only one car necessary.

You will have to remember to take something in a bottle to the next harvest supper.

Well I will cut it short this time as we shall be seeing you in the week***. Cheerio for now and love from us all. 

*An equivalent fitting on Amazon today would cost about £30 and it’s reasonable to think that if you had to pay someone to fit it the total could be roughly £60 altogether. Buying an ordinary pendant fitting plus bulb and shade would come to about £20 in total (again, using Amazon as the source), so even factoring in the same cost for labour it would still be a little bit cheaper in terms of installation.

**Don’s lungs were always weak and he was known to be ‘chesty’, not helped by having been seriously ill during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. In fact he was not expected to survive the latter and Leonard was given compassionate leave to return home from the Army on account of it – resulting in his being mistakenly arrested as a deserter and carted off to the glasshouse at Shepton Mallet before the true position could be established.

***The best-laid plans…

Wednesday 10th October, 1962

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Leonard to the family [continued from Tuesday 9th October]

Continued from yesterday – Have been in Garden most of day, dull and cold early but nice and sunny after midday. Started to clear out more of the tomato plants and then weeded and hoed the plot on which the broad beans had been grown.

I’m enclosing a pamphlet Don brought up on Sunday about Continuous Progress Control at Cardiff. Expect you have heard something about it long ago. Hope it does not work out as badly as one Bill Williams suggested will happen in the future i.e. that Bristol control will have to call up Plymouth control for permission to work a special train of coal from Radstock to Frome. Also understand all arrangements made for transfer of Westbury Control Section to transfer to Bristol and tables being prepared – now will all be superseded by the latest idea to open a Plymouth Division. Griffith also said that Woodward was finishing in February or March next.

How is the driving going June? Alec did not mention it in letter but I expect you have one or two outings with him. Our neighbour, Bushell, takes another test later this month.

I see the pond level of water is still dropping and the raised edge round the deep part is now high and dry. I’m going to let it fall as far as it will and then try and locate the trouble. May not be very much but I do not like to leave it as it is although I am pretty certain the flow from garage roof would keep level up to requirements most of the year.

Have you had any more trips out on the er since the first one to Retford?

Hope those two little girls have got rid of their colds etc. by now.

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

Mum and Dad

Wednesday 10th October 1962

Eva to the family – a very rare example of a typed letter from her, on a half sheet of foolscap:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Thank you for the nice long letter. We are having lovely weather now and I hope it will last till we come to see you.

About watering the plants I cannot think it would be a cactus which had drooped. More like a succulent. The book says that conditions in homes are not the same, what would suit your plants would not necessarily be right for ours. You have to judge for yourself. I would try one of the drooping plants with a good drink and see what happens. Dad brought me a plant last week which I put in the bay window, but yesterday I found it all drooping and thought it had been frosted, but not to worry it only needed watering the comma it is a pilea, a Rochford plant and variegated.

Chrysanths are coming out fast now and should make a good show.

Did you have to get June to help you carry your salary last week?

Hope we shall not have too much fog on Friday for our trip to Tiverton. 

Have made plenty of mistakes this week, no more now, lots of love Mum and Dad.

Tuesday 9th October, 1962

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the budget of news and drawing from Carol duly received this morning by first post. Am again starting to reply on the same day to make sure letter will be finished in time for posting on Thursday. Getting a bit hectic down here at the moment as will appreciate as you read on. First your letter.

Expect you saw a report of adventure with the catamaran in the local paper (sorry it is this week’s copy to you). They must have had a pretty rough passage and a bit hair-raising. Lucky to get away with it.

Note the visit to specialist at Mount Vernon was a somewhat phoney one but no doubt a proper inspection will be made next time. Can understand your pessimism that it may be possible to dispense with glasses later on but I think it may be so. Actually although I wore glasses at school when I went into army in 1916 I left them off and it was at least two or three years after I returned to railway work that I found it necessary to take to them again. Anyhow one can only hope for the best and we sincerely hope the early use of glasses by Susan will improve the vision to such an extent that she may be able to do without them later. Moreover let’s hope Carol will escape the use of them.

So you were able to have a look round number 17 when in Ealing and found things progressing fairly satisfactorily. Fluorescent lighting is in fashion now and I believe it is costlier to install but cheaper to use than ordinary types of electricity. Is any date fixed for Mr and Mrs Baker to move out of 155?

Yes Don and Joan arrived about 11 a.m. Sunday and departed about 3:45 p.m. having made sure of the usual after-dinner nap. Both appeared to be keeping very well but Don said he had a job to get going mornings and he says he does not do very much hard work. Finds it too much nowadays. He had three days (including 3rd October) leave for apple-picking. Wonder how he will get on if another strike is called?

You were a bit out in the identity of the doctors. It is Dr George McLeod who died last week and was buried yesterday. He was 78 and you and I saw him together many years ago following a bout of flu. Alistair, his son, is now our doctor and quite a good one too. To my knowledge he never had polio. Are you thinking of Houghtons’ son – he had polio and eventually died from the complaint.

What a pity we are not with you this weekend with all that money in the bank. So your old job not advertised yet. It will be interesting to hear exactly what they do i.e. if it is eventually posted or if it is filled by a redundant unit.

As you may guess the church was practically full for the funeral service of Dr McLeod. Today I have been to Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, for the funeral services for Sydney Wilkins, one of my old colleagues in the control office. I do not think you would remember him. He was formerly Yardmaster’s Clerk at East Depot. Apparently he did his early turn of duty last Thursday but late that night collapsed and died of thrombosis. Was 55 years of age. Of course it was a gathering of the clans and quite a lot asked after you and wished to be remembered to you you including Griffith, Bill Williams, Vic Cox, Underwood, Doswell, Stairmand etc. I gather they are all fed up and in a state of “don’t care”, waiting for something to turn up. I did not go to the station – travelled up by bus and returned by the same means after Griffiths had taken me to the bus station.

Your E.R. magazine is now with Don who seemed very interested in same. Like you I wonder where it will go now. If you get an October issue keep it by you till we come up – save postage and in any case we shall be seeing you all in a few days time.

Yes Mr Aston and I had a morning on the sea wall last Wednesday picking blackberries. It was grand and the tide full in. Did not see a soul all the time we were out. managed to get about 10lbs of blackberries some of which I used for a brew of wine and Mum made jam and tarts with the rest. The elderberry brandy through is coming along nicely but will not be ready to bring up. it is still under fermentation lock and next week shall have to similarly treat the Blackberry. Later on must have a go at some apple. Plenty of this kind of fruit this season.

The trip out on the Old Coach Road the other day was only to make a change from Tennyson Avenue for an hour or do. The weather however has been very good recently and we have had some lovely afternoons although cold and dull in the mornings. Heavy dews and frosts have made the garden and grass very wet and no grass cutting has been done for a fortnight or more. Glad your tomatoes continue to form – they will turn red if you keep them warm. Mum must comment on the cacti.

Understand the new division at Plymouth is necessary to utilise up the new offices which were built over the new station. The Division will take the present Exeter and Plymouth District but will also include the line right up to and including Lavington*. The London division is to come to to Lavington so the Bristol division is shut right out of this section of line. Bristol division is so far as I can ascertain to take over the Gloucester and Worcester Districts which the break-up of the Birmingham division leaves stranded. The Chester area and Birmingham area apparently goes over to the L.M.R. What a carve-up.

Note Peter was with you again on Sunday – hope he survived the grape wine. I still have some of your apricot here. Too good to drink all at once. I offered Don his bottle of three-year-old cider when he was here but he was not very keen to take it away so it remains in the cupboard for the time when I have nothing else.

Sorry the girls have had such bad colds and coughs again. I seem to  have a a prolonged dose of catarrh on me – just cannot understand it. Perhaps a change of air at Tiverton and Exmouth may help matters. We shall go down to Tiverton Friday and on to Exmouth Saturday. Home again either on Monday or Tuesday. Will remember you all to them as we go the rounds. Note you are thinking of Exmouth as a holiday resort again. It is a nice place but not if it is cold as you experienced last year.

Where did Susan get her bread and cheese from? Did she help herself? You will have to tie a rope on her.**

Have written to Geoff and told him we will go over and fetch them on the Sunday and take them back again in the evening. Hope this arrangement is alright with you.

Marples put up a very poor show on TV but all the same the strike was crazy. At about 3:30 that day a knock on the door found Mr and Mrs Stacey outside. Told him I thought he would have been busy in office rearranging the coach working for the next day. Was very surprised to hear him say he was out and that all the Chief Inspectors were out and Charlie Rust on leave and not returning. I told you I did not think  much about that lot. I think it was a disgraceful show.

Heels are still away – a month tomorrow. Cornish has cut down the trees that formed the fence between his ground and Heels near the gates. Heel has been after this for years but Cornish would not do it. Now he has cut them down. How contrary can one get? Bushells went to Burnham-on-Sea (to friends) last Sunday and stopping until Thursday. His long weekend and a couple of extra days.

Yes the harvest supper was not a bad affair but something strong in a bottle would have gone down better although the coffee was excellent.

Roy and Mrs Hewitt are off to South Wales tomorrow for a week or so query their autumn holiday.

Incidentally how do you go about getting new spectacles nowadays? Have you to get a form from doctor before you are entitled to them on the National Health? Or what is the practice? I’m afraid I shall have to pay another visit to Pictons of Bristol as it is several years since I last had eyes tested and I know they want attention.

How do you like your salary paid into the bank direct? I thought it most convenient. What bank did you favour?

[Letter continues on Wednesday 10th October, 1962.]

*Assume the reference is to Market Lavington near Devizes.

**Yes, far easier than either watching or – heaven forbid! – interacting with an intelligent and resourceful child.

Sunday 7th October, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for the weekly budget. Can’t say why the letter missed your usual post especially if postmarked the usual time from here.Time now 10:20 a.m. and weather pretty good. It is a bit cold, but no rain actually falling. It must have been pretty bad weather your end last week for you to have to go to church in the car. We could have done with that one a few years ago. Unlucky with the frames then to have five panes of glass go at once. No such problems this end.

I heard about the catamaran being lost in the Bristol Channel, but the news bulletin did not say where it had come from. Interesting to know that it set out from Clevedon and that the crew seem to be safe.

We took Susan to the specialist on Friday. I sat in car with Carol while June went inside. All he did was to have a quick look at her eyes and make a further appointment for a more detailed inspection in three weeks’ time. What a waste of time. I had the afternoon off to get that job done too*. It seems she has definitely something wrong but the specialist said that after wearing glasses for a year or two they should get better. I have heard that one before, and do not believe it.

So you have a lot of apples down. Good chance to make some apple wine. Could almost make cider with that lot.

We have not noticed Carol looking too closely at books although she does like to look at the pictures. It is a bit early yet as she has not learned to read. She does not know her alphabet yet either. She is well behind Susan in that respect.**

We went over to Ealing yesterday to hand in the form for my new pair of specs, and while over there we had a look in at number 17. The wiring for the electric light is well advanced although not all of the bulbs have been fitted. There is a fluorescent light in the kitchen-cum-parlour and certainly brightens things up a lot. A light in the scullery also improved things. There are power points in the three lower bedrooms but not one in the topmost room. The old gas piping has been ripped out insofar as gas lighting is concerned. Nothing else has been done, but I understand there is some talk of applying for a grant after all. The quotation for the building work has not been accepted – yet.

I see that Don and Joan are coming up to your place today to lunch. I hope it goes off o.k. and the usual undisturbed sleep follows after the meal. Sorry I do not seem to be able to type today – am getting all the words jumbled up. I remember that Don was a member of the N.U.R. If the T.S.S.A. are no good, I hesitate to describe the N.U.R. He wants the penny and the bun.

All your sick friends seem to be on the mend if somewhat slowly in some cases. I expect Mr Palmer was a bit exhausted after the anthem practice. I hope you are getting them all into a bit of shape now.

I missed the Marples v Green bout on TV as the programme was on the other channel. Some do to all accounts. It seems the strike was a bit of a flop. Green says it was satisfactory, and I suppose it was if it was to demonstrate unity among the Union, but it had little effect outside. It does not make much difference to me as suspicion or not, my work does not take me into much contact with the outside staff now. My work as told to you previously is mainly of a clerical nature and in the office all the time. They pay well so why should I grumble.

Had the first pay cheque into the bank on Friday. I had not expected any for about six weeks due to changing regions in the middle of the month. I was lucky as I was paid the difference in rate between the two jobs for two weeks, a full two weeks at the new rate, and back pay of 3% retrospective to July for the recent wage award. The total some came to approaching what I would have had for a full month so it was a welcome surprise. I gather that they have not advertised my job yet. Some rumor has it that they will not do so as there are so many redundant persons about.

I have not had the October mag. yet but will try to get it this week. I do not know which day it comes out. I wonder where the magazine will go from Don.

Sounds as if you have a lot on the go in the wine stakes. I think we should be visiting you rather than the other way round. Should think that Don could fiddle you a cheap barrel. If I recall he did actually let you have a small one many years ago which stayed out on the lawn getting rotten.

Peter arrived a few minutes ago to carry on with the Snowcem job. June at had a go at the surround to the front porch yesterday and has made a good job of it. There have been a few good days lately and your day to Weston was another such obviously. Makes up for the bad day you had at Burnham. Good idea to take the Coach Road*** as a new venue for your reading. Makes a change as you say. there are a number of nice spots one can visit for that purpose, and as you do not need to leave the car, a little cold weather does not make any difference.

Had a quick lick round the back garden yesterday and mowed a couple of lawns. The tomato stakes are still producing and the green ones do not seem to be getting any less. I have taken a number of the yellow ones and put them in the dark in the airing cupboard where there is a little heat – occasionally. By the way I am giving my cacti about two spoonsful of water a week now. Is this enough? Most of them seem to have suffered by bringing them indoors. The tall one with branches like a tree but speckled has flopped at the top while the other similar one with pairs of privet size leaves at alternate right angles has wilted somewhat and does not seem to pick up. They were all right when they were out of doors.

Have just given Peter a glass of the grape wine you brought up some time ago. it was about the last tot in the bottle but he seemed to like it.

Hope your weekend to Exmouth and Tiverton goes off well. If you see any of the family please give them my regards. June is interested in having another holiday at Exmouth so it is possible we may be seeing something of the Tiverton people next year.

I do not know about mushrooms, but we have had some evil looking black fungi come up in the garden – probably due to rotting wood. All the lawns have produced a lot of puffballs which come up from time to time.

I do not get much news about happenings on the W.R. and shall have to rely on you to tell me. There is some talk about a new Division at Plymouth, but how that comes about I do not know. What is to happen to the old Bristol division?

I agree with mother that we could write a book about Susan and her exploits. A bestseller too.

Glad the Parish supper went well. The food seems to be varied enough but the entertainment not so good then.

Dr McLeod is presumably the son of old Dr McLeod who attended me from time to time. I believe the old man died some years ago and this must be Alastair McLeod of who you write. I seem to remember that he had polio a few years ago.

I see from the letter to the girls that the blackberries have picked them. Another lot of wine to go with the elderberry brandy. That sounds real potent stuff.

Not much other news to report this week. The children have had awful coughs and catarrh again. We had a session or two at night during the week. Did not try the cherry wine this time as the jollop provided by the doctor did the trick.

Yesterday Susan decided she would go off for a picnic and packed her bag with bread and cheese and goodness knows what else. She put all this in her satchel and was about to go out so I stopped her. Later I found she had gone and as I was going down to Whitby Road to get some things there she was as large as life in the recreation ground with satchel still on her back going up and down the slide. I hied her out of that and found she had a bottle of milk as well. I should think it was nearly butter after that treatment.

Well I must close now as have run short of news. Hope you are both keeping well. Love from us all.

*How dare I have poor eyesight at him like that? What an imposition!

**At this point he promised me two shillings to teach her to read, only to renege on it later.

***In the absence of any definitive identification of the ‘Old Coach Road’ we believe it to have been Tickenham Road which runs out past Clevedon Court to pass Tyntesfield and, eventually, Ashton Court. The reason for suggesting this is that there is an ‘Old Coach House’ on Highdale Road in Clevedon, which meets the bottom of Tickenham Road at East Clevedon Triangle, and forms the basis of a coherent route from the middle of Clevedon to Bedminster which, in the pre-industrial age, would have been the easiest available place to cross the river Avon into the city.

Tuesday 2nd October, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for another long and interesting letter to hand this morning, second post, although the usual Ruislip postmark (6:45 p.m.) was on envelope. You started off with the weather so I will follow suit because it has been pretty awful. On Sunday morning I went over to the church for ringing just before 7:30 a.m. and had to take car due to the rain and wind being so heavy. We had had a very bad night too. Gale force wind and terrific rain. Some of my chrysanths in the frames were blown over carrying the top of the frames with them and one of the latter had five panes of glass broken. Many people complaining of damage to flowers, trees and property. Could pick up apples almost by the hundred. 

Did you see in paper of a catamaran being missing from Clevedon on the Saturday night? Apparently two men and two boys (latter about 11 years of age)  with others went out in catamarans and this particular one could not get back. Was missing all night and airplanes out searching early in the morning. Meanwhile the vessel had been blown across channel and on the Monmouthshire coast. Both men at different times had been blown overboard and almost at once washed back again. Understand all four are now all right again but what an experience. Yesterday and today it has been very oppressive but generally sunny periods with showers. 

Note the position re: glasses for Susan. It is a great pity she must have them but I’m sure she will understand later on it is for her good. Can quite understand her objection to them but it will wear off in time. Have not noticed that Carol looks at things closely but no doubt you have both been watching her. Also noted her escapade with the Italian paper money. Her brain must work like mad to think of all the possibilities and Carol being her sister is a willing victim*. 

Presumably no further information re: June’s leg as you did not mention this time. 

Yes it seems a lot of money for alterations at number 17 but not knowing the house cannot really judge. However if it is going to make the place more habitable for Mr and Mrs Baker then it will be worthwhile. Glad to hear your cup of tea was not too bad in spite of the dust flying about. These are dirty jobs and the dust and dirt seems to penetrate into the skin. 

You are fortunate then in regards to Saturday work at Liverpool Street. More or less it means every Saturday off – very nice. Had a letter from Don since I last wrote to you and he says ‘very pleased to hear of Alec’s promotion – he is certainly doing very well for himself with plenty of time to go yet further’. They are both coming up on Sunday next 7th inst for lunch. He is artful because he is having three days leave this week ostensibly for apple-picking**. He belongs to the N.U.R. says the T.S.S.A. no good at all. 

Yes Alec I suppose Watchet or Blue Anchor would be the next seaside places to Burnham but both are pretty poor.***

Sick visiting did you say – yes have done a bit of that recently but Bissix came home last Saturday and is now on a diet and has to take things easy for a while. Have heard indirectly that the hospital people did not locate the leak in the ulcer so what will be the outcome remains to be seen. I’m going over to his bungalow this evening to see him for a few minutes. Heels are still away (three weeks tomorrow – Wednesday) but Mr Palmer is in circulation again although by no means on top of the world. He told me after choir practice last Thursday that he was completely exhausted. We had a hard practice because of the harvest festival items for the Sunday. The choir is not what it was, the top line much too weak. Wants about sixteen boys to liven things up. Still no news of Richings and no doubt he has his hands full at the moment with the strike in the offing. 

Did you see Marples and Greene on TV last night? Marples did not come out of it very well. There is something lacking somewhere but certainly no justification for a strike. Note you will have an office at home for tomorrow (Wednesday). I’m very glad I am not mixed up with it this time. Have had to deal with several as you know including the general strike of 1926. It is bound to make things difficult for you afterwards in regards to Work Study. A lot of people will continue to be suspicious. 

Glad to hear you are getting on alright with your new colleagues and that most of them are helpful. I really think it is a wonderful opportunity of gaining experience of another organisation and its geography. A letter from Geoff to this week says you have done the right thing because the opportunity would not have arisen on W.R. where there are too many trainees waiting to be ‘slotted’.

Am going to pass on E.R. mag for Don to have a look at –  it is quite a good publication and Roy Hewitt has already favourably commented on it. 

What a run around your immediate senior has given you. 

So you have had no more driving yet June? Hope you soon will to keep your eye in as it were. 

Talking about cars I see in one paper a police sergeant and his wife resident in South Ruislip were both killed in a collision with another car last weekend at Eastcote. It must have been a terrific impact for such a tragedy to occur. Now I see Marples is proposing to penalise drivers who drive too slow. What next?  Perhaps those who don’t drive at all. The man’s mad and without doubt is the [n word] in the woodpile with the railway position. 

Noted you will not require any green tomatoes and we’ll cross them off the list. Some of the other items will have to remain in abeyance such as the Snowberry cuttings as to shift them now would be fatal. If they come on alright can have them next time when they should be well rooted. Still no blackberry-picking – weather too bad but I’ve now bottled up the cherry and the beetroot and today put the elderberry brandy under fermentation lock. If smell is anything to go by then it is some very strong stuff. Glad Peter liked the Blackberry. Sorry to hear though he is out of a job but hope this is only temporary. In the meantime it is nice for him to be able to do an odd job or two for you and presumably a little at number 17. A barrel did you say for wine? Such things are in the luxury class for Devonia****. Might treat myself to a saucepan from Woolworths one day. 

That enclosure I sent you was given me by Ern Cole (choir) wondering if I had seen it so I passed it onto you. 

Mum and I popped into Weston again last Thursday and it happened to be a lovely day. Had a look around the shops then sat in the car parked along the front for about an hour and a quarter then home. Last Saturday in the afternoon we went along the Old Coach Road and took our library books to read. Made a change from the garden. 

Apart from cleaning up the garden gradually have carried out no major operations since you were here. Stan James is going to look me out some suitable piping for running the water from garage roof to pond and this should keep the water level up in spite of a very small leak which I suspect. At the moment all tanks are full of water. 

Thanks for confirmation of date for our visit. It will definitely be the Friday as I shall be taking choir practises for a few weeks yet. Next weekend as you know we shall be going to Tiverton and Exmouth (i.e. Friday the 12th inst) so hope the weather is kind and no flooding as we experienced two years ago. We saw on TV the other night that Exton church (near Exmouth) (which collapsed under the floods two years ago) is now in course of being re-erected. This time of course with a proper roof and not a thatched one.

Mr Aston has just called and suggested a blackberrying trip tomorrow morning – weather forecast good. Have lent him E.R. Mag and asked for it again by Saturday. He said he went out mushrooming this morning and got about a pound.

Have started to take the tomato plants out of greenhouse they are practically over and and doubtful if shall have any to bring up but will do best. My records show that this year we have only picked about 80lbs of runner beans as against just over 2cwt last such is the season. Ironically now the waterworks people say we can now use hose pipes – presumably to drain the water away. 

You already know Mum and I are going to the Harvest Home at the New Hall tomorrow evening – feed starts at 7:45 p.m.. This is a new venture for the parish so anything may happen. 

Had a bit of a sensation last Sunday morning in church. One of the choir girls practically passed out immediately after the anthem in a faint but after fetching a glass of water for her she recovered gradually and remained for rest of service. Cannot remember when anything like this ever happened before. Mum has now completed her month’s flower decorations and someone else takes over for October. 

Speaking to a member of the account section at Bristol T.M. over the weekend (he retires on 1st December) he said that the original figure of about 120 redundant people in Divisional and District officers was now reduced to about 30 owing to retirements and vacancies not filled. This should make Norman Allen’s position a little easier. What about the proposed new Divisional Office at Plymouth? Must make use of the new station offices somehow. 

This is just about the lot for another week. Glad to hear the colds are getting better. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

Mum and Dad. 

*The word he’s looking for here is ‘accomplice’.

**A good way of avoiding having to take sides over the proposed strike action.

***I have absolutely no idea why Alec could not just look this up on a map.

****The name of Leonard and Eva’s house.

Sunday 30th September 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your latest letter. As I write this one it is pouring with rain after a very blowy and blustery night. Water is lying about on the grass and it is still teeming down. The temperature is a lot warmer now than a week or so ago. Time now 9:30 a.m..

No further news of the glasses for Susan except that we obtained a confirmation of the position from Dr Lambert on the Monday. He is our local doctor and has given us the phone number of specialist at Mount Vernon Hospital to whom Susan will have to go on Friday 5th October. It is a midday appointment and as it is an awkward trip I shall have to have the afternoon off from work to run them up in the car. At school she is not allowed to read as the other girls but is given odd jobs to do by the headmistress and others*. Susan is not taking very kindly to the idea and occasionally we get tearful bursts from her to the effect that there is nothing wrong with her eyes, it is just that the letters were too small and too far away for her to read. She has promised to take her glasses off and stamp on them etc etc. I have no doubt that it will turn out to be astigmatism and it is a question of one down and one to go.

We did not go to number 17 this week but Peter who we saw said he had been on the Friday. He did not say if much more have been done, but I should imagine that the electricians had just about finished by now. The builder wants £350 to carry out alterations and renovations. This I think to be a high figure in relation to the price of houses. It will probably be accepted though as no other estimates have been sought, and time is short. The tea by the way tasted quite normal apart from a mouthful of dust from the work in progress.

So far as Saturdays off is [sic] concerned on the E.R. we are supposed to work one in four, but I am told by the powers that be that they do not do so but it is understood that if there is any work uncompleted on a Friday one should come in on the Saturday and finish it. As like the proverbial woman our work is never finished, it does not seem as if we shall do many Saturdays.

I know that you would have had to go beyond Bridgwater had you gone further along the coast on your afternoon trip out, but where is the next point on the coast? Is it Blue Anchor?

You seem to qualify for a lot of of sick visiting lately what with Palmer, Heel and now Bissix. Good to know he is a bit better. Perhaps by now they have discovered what is wrong with him. Pity Richings did not make it, I wonder what happened to them.

Your visit is definitely on so far as we are concerned. You can make it a firm date. We shall expect you some time on the Friday. If for any reason you are released from the Thursday choir practice you can come on that day. I have not confirmed with Geoff but must do so when I think of it.

Re: your wine making activities, for a few coppers you could invest in a good sized saucepan and keep it for your wine. I am fortunate that I have an old one that holds about half a gallon. This is quite sufficient as it can be boiled twice, or even used in conjunction with a kettle which holds three pints. You certainly have more room for that activity (or any other for that matter) at your end, I wonder you have not gone in for a small barrel.

If you have been getting this weather your end then your pond must be back to the full height. Hope as you say that there is no leak. If there is, it looks to be a very small one though.

Yes I am getting on very well on the E.R. As I said previously the natives mostly are pretty friendly and seem a cut above the average to be found at Paddington. Generally speaking they seem to be better spoken, dressed, educated. It may just be coincidence of course. My immediate chief (one grade up) has taken the trouble to take me round the locality at lunch times, and in these jaunts (apart from the pubs – for lunch purposes of course) I have seen 1. The Bank 2. St. Paul’s 3. The Royal Exchange 4. Spitalfields Market 5. Petticoat Lane Market (Middlesex Street). Apart from these of course there have been a number of new streets and shops et cetera to be seen.

I have no idea what the mileage is on the W.R, and E.R. I think I have a book of statistics in the other room so will have a look. No luck with the book, it seems I have mislaid it or lost it. I should think the mileage is about the same. I thought the mag quite good (what I saw of it) and glad it is going the rounds.

I do not think there is much in this business of changing regions these days. After all you get in the train in the morning at the same time (almost) to get to the office the same time and leave at the same time. What goes on in between is the same for any region. I must say I find the change interesting from the point of view of new surroundings etc. Quite a change to wander around Liverpool Street Station instead of Paddington which I knew inside out.

No more driving yet for June. We thought about going out this morning early but after an interrupted night with the wind and rain we did not get up till about 8 a.m.. Maybe we will go out when the girls are at Sunday School.

If you can take the tank, it will give you another 40 gal (when mended) but if you cannot take it, we can give it to the junk man. If the boot remains open for only a couple of inches that should not matter much as the gap could be bridged by a piece of thick cord.

Interesting about your guttering arrangements. No doubt by now they have been rigorously tested. Note you will wait for the penny to drop (pennies from heaven?).

I agree that the Blackberry is a lovely wine. I tried some on Peter a few weeks ago, and he approved.

The colds are on the way out, and touch wood yours truly missed this lot. The girls still have a snivel [sic] or two but the worst is behind.

Regarding the strike, it is as I said we shall take some work home on the Tuesday and get it sorted out during the Wednesday. Of course the whole thing is a waste of time and energy. It is a useless protest so far as obtaining sympathy is concerned or even for improving their position in regards to the B.T.C. The only advantage the N.U.R. leaders will get out of it is a personal one. It cannot be said about them that they sat back and did nothing about the situation. This will count in their favour when looking for votes to retain their offices later on.

I had a go at the lawns at the back yesterday and good job to as could not have got on them today. The tomatoes are ripening very slowly and we have a lot of green ones which I doubt if will turn. Please do not bring any of the latter as we have enough thanks. I am not surprised that you have only half the proceeds of last year’s crop. The seasons have been bad. You did not get the rain when wanted. Thanks for the snowberry cuttings and the promise of the carnations.

Old Webber has feathered his nest, and so in a different context has Robens of the Coal Board.

Note your enclosure which I had already seen a time or two in the Press. Larkin the present holder of the post has become Assistant Director of B.R. workshops and it is confidently expected that this job will go to one of the imports from Shell Mex or I.C.I. (Shall be looking for a job with one of the other myself later on???)

We had a lot more trouble with Susan in the week on account of misbehaviour. She really is the limit. One example I returned from Austria in 1950 with some spare Italian lire. They were in notes, about 20 of them and all added up to about 3½d in value. During the week she carted Carol off to the shops, walked into the toy shop and they both selected the toy they wanted then tried to pay for them with these lire that they had got hold of. There was further trouble one day when she refused to go back to school, and nearly broke down the front door and the glass. Eventually she elected to go to school rather than to bed, but she was certainly het up to all accounts**.

Peter came over yesterday to Snowcem our top bricks. He is out of a regular job at the moment, and this dos us both a bit of good. He repointed some of the brickwork around the side and Snowcemmed the front with two coats. It will need another coat at least around the front to get that deep whiteness you expect. Of course it must be put on when the bricks are dry so that means the end of activity on that front for the time being. I expect we shall see him in the week if the weather relents.

Well that is about for this week. Hope your colds have receded and you are now fit again.

Love from us all. 

*NOT ALLOWED TO READ!!!!!

**Hmmm, be bullied at school or be bullied at home? Tough choice. Plus you may wonder where June was when her six- and four-year olds were off shopping on their own with worthless Italian banknotes? The answer is that housework was always, *always* more important to her than her children. In later life, when in the grip of Alzheimer’s, all June could think about was cleaning, She was, not to put too fine a point on it, a housework Nazi; she had nothing else in her life except bullying other people to do housework her way, and that deficiency didn’t seem to concern her in the slightest.