Wednesday 21st February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks once again for your usual weekly letter which postman delivered first post Monday. Glad to hear you are all keeping up fairly well – the winter is gradually passing Into Spring and several nice days recently makes us realise the better weather is coming. Had a bit of another blow on Friday evening but not nearly as bad as on the previous Monday. Noticed this morning that about a dozen ridge tiles are missing from Mrs Drewitt’s old house and our new neighbours (Bushells) have lost a couple. Fortunately we had someone in about 18 months ago to reset our ridge tiles onto new cement and this has now paid off. Sorry about your garage roof and it is a good job it was not worse – could easily have lost the whole of the roof in wind like that. Presumably house roof all right or you would have mentioned it. Sheffield had it very badly – must have caught the worst of the gusts.

Note letters are reaching you with envelopes burst open. I thought the paper was weak hence the strengthening with Sellotape but shall have to try and seal over the ends altogether or else get stronger envelopes. It is a tight wad by the time we have got it all in.

Glad no further need of bread and water diet – may have had the desired effect as they are bound to think about it now and again. You can do without scares like that. I see up to time of writing the boy from Hayes is still missing after being taken off by a man. *

Mum says she remembers the incident when you could not get round the corner of the Avenue and had to ask Mogg to help you. I must have been at Bristol as knew nothing of this until you mentioned it in letter.

No further news of your neighbours then regarding their move to Bristol area. The Swiss Valley is not a locality I would like to live in but one must admit it is being opened up now by new houses and by the siting of the school at bottom of Holly Lane. Can see the Portishead Road beyond Holly Lane being built on in the future.

So you have had an ultimatum from your local “surveyor” to get a move on with lawn. It would certainly be nice to see the completed job when we come up at Whitsun or is this just a bit too much to expect? I’m afraid I have no improvements to report outdoors this winter – still want some concrete put down alongside green house and garage but other things must come first. Just at the moment – and for at least another week – and a bit handicapped by having left thumb tied up. This more or less means using right hand for most things including gardening and you can imagine the results. There is no pain in thumb but it has to be kept rigid for sinews to get back to normal.

Your mixture of wine sounds interesting but keep it out of garage or you may certainly lose the roof. My parsnips (stored) keep disappearing into the kitchen so may not have many left for wine making. Note you would like thornless loganberry and we’ll take care of It for you. If it is put into position in your garden this summer you may get an odd berry in 1963 but it should do well the following year and continue so afterwards. It is a good fruit to have in the garden and you can train it like honeysuckle.

Still no further news from Fortifones and it looks now as if they do not intend to write or send their representative.

Yes I saw in paper the 3% had been accepted by rail unions but I think the most significant remark was made by Beeching who said in regard to salaries and wages “the railwaymen were leading from behind”. How true this has been – perhaps things will improve in due course. Looks as if there will be another application for increases in the autumn.

Your details of mileage with LTA 259 very interesting. I certainly used that car far more than the present one for very obvious reasons. Mum and I went to Weston last Thursday the 14th inst at the invitation of Mr and Mrs Richings and had lunch with them. It was his half day so at about 2:30 p.m. we set off in car via Bridgwater and Saltford Cross and over the Mendips getting back to Station House about 5:15 p.m. where we dropped them and came on home. Total mileage covered from this house to back again 93 miles. Quite a nice day for motorway not too hot and a little sun in late afternoon. He told me he has to take over Weston Goods in the near future and will probably move from Special A to Special B for the extra responsibility.

No further news from Geoff since our last letter to you – noted you have seen him recently and not much change – if any – in condition of his face. Query could he have picked up a germ abroad? By the way he told us Stella’s sister and husband who have been stopping with them since returning from Tanganyika are moving to Hull** where the husband has secured an appointment with Reckitts.

Very nice of Pauline to come over and give you an opportunity for an evening out – hope she is keeping well. I expect the girls were delighted to see her.

Thanks for remembrance of Armand. He started coming to the freight train meetings a couple of years before I finished with them. He has certainly made progress if he is now assistant to  C.M.E. Presumably your visit to Swindon had connection with Work Study.

No typewriter yet as you can see but when it does arrive mum hopes to type a few letters on it. Houghton was away last weekend when his son was married to a girl at Harrow-on-the-Hill -announcement in Mercury to you with this letter. I reckon Susan and Carol would just love to have a go at your machine – one of these days you will have to get them an old one to practice on.

Re: train services I see some union members at Bristol have themselves called a meeting to protest against the recent withdrawal of services and urging the public to protest also. About the only thing they are interested in I think is the possibility of redundancy of staff. Yes I am sure one of these days the Clevedon branch service will be a thing of the past – many other branches to will be closed down.

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

Mum and Dad

*The missing boy was 10 year old Billy Holloway who was a wolf cub from Hayes. There were organised searches, many by cubs and scout groups from across the area. He went missing on February 14th but sadly his body was found in the canal in Hayes a month later on March 14. At the inquest an open verdict was recorded and death was due to drowning.

Despite the reports of Billy ‘speaking to a man’ no one was ever traced that could be linked to Billy’s disappearance and an open verdict was recorded.

Information retrieved from British Newspaper Archive by Andy Gardner of the Ruislip Memories Facebook Group on 28 January 2022.

**I was not aware that Stella had a sister, but it turns out that she in fact originally had two – although the younger one had died unmarried in 1958. Stella’s older sister Nora married a man named Ronald Middleton, who seems to have been concerned in the oil business. I haven’t been able to trace whether or not they had any children, but as the letter doesn’t mention any perhaps they didn’t.

Eva to the family on the remaining ⅝ of a sheet of Leonard’s paper:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Thank you for letter. Went to the Guild yesterday and four4 places for the proposed summer outing in June are Torquay, Windsor, Southsea or Isle of Wight. We have to let them know by next meeting. I would rather have one of the last two as shall be going Windsor way a fortnight before so it would be the same country and Torquay is is a washout. We got our money back for the party so I’m 5/- better off.

Mr and Mrs Hewitt are going to Norway for their holiday this year so excited she was holding forth yesterday. I suppose it all right in summer but would rather have somewhere a bit warmer.

Mr Gardiner had a stroke last week and [is] in the Clevedon hospital. Miss Weekes is moving after all these years, going next month to one of the old people’s homes around by Coleridge Estate. Mrs Bushell any day now for the Knoll nursing home.***

I think Michael Richings is going to have a go for a place in the new school as for certain they will want extra staff. It’s a lovely building and contains everything.

Dad progressing with his thumb has to go up next Wednesday by then the doctor won’t recognise the bandage as it’s black. I put a clean one outside when he goes out.

Love from Mum and Dad. 

***At first I wondered if this was an older Mrs Bushell going into a care home, but it seems more likely to be the wife of the young couple next door who is due to give birth imminently.

Sunday 18th February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks again for weekly letter and newspaper. I am sorry to report that last week the envelope containing both had become open at both ends although the contents were intact, and again this week precisely the same thing happened. I suppose it is a bit of a risk if this happens regularly as contents may get a stray. It would seem that the Sellotape you put on the end is insufficient for the job.

Thought you would have a laugh over the bread and water bit. So far nothing further in that line thank goodness.

One thing about Fortifones, they have supplied a number of batteries to keep you going for a while. If you get stuck again do not hesitate to let me know if you want me to phone them. Something seems to have twisted their conscience for them to mark the latest packet no charge? Hope it is not no change.

Note you had some severe weather your way last week. I had a meeting at Southall last Monday, and during the proceedings had a message from Paddington to the effect that June had telephoned to say roof of garage had blown off, and neighbour had helped to fix it temporarily, and could I come home before dark to make sure all was secure. It was a garbled message in the event. When the meeting ended, instead of going to lunch, I caught the bus across to Ruislip, but found that all that had moved was the crown piece at the house end, and the piece next inside it which was secured only by the weight of the first piece. These pieces are about 6 ft long, and had been lifted off by the force of the wind coming in through the open door of the garage. I had taken the car to station, and left a half door wedged open. All should have been in order, but it appears that a short metal bar to which the end piece was originally secured had worked loose and fallen off. At least this bar could not be found, and as it should have dropped inside the garage, can only think it had been missing for some time. I know it was there when we put the garage up. It appears that Eric and June together put the pieces back, and when I got there I found that they there were locked in place with a strong piece of wire tied round the main crossbeams. Poor Eric could only use one arm as the other was in a bad state following the vaccination. Doctor would not let him drive his car for a day or so.

I well remember a similar strong wind occurring when I was going to St. John’s School. I got as far as Mogg’s place but could not get round the corner. Had to dig out Mr Mogg to get me into Tennyson Avenue.

Have not heard the latest in the housing situation – next door. I suppose they will tell us one day what they are going to do, but I suppose it is none of our business. So far they have not said definitely if they are going to have that plot or not. If not, of course, it’s throws the whole thing wide open again.

Nothing further in the lawn Improvements so far, but the “Surveyor” has informed me that the work must be completed by May. I think we shall have to have a go slow for a while to push the wages up.

I should imagine that some of the last year’s parsnips will find their way into wine. As you know the older the potato or parsnip is, the better for wine. Talking on that subject, I forgot to tell you that last week (probably after going to press) I started off some more wine. This lot was based on 2 lbs of old parsnips, to which were added 1 lb of currants, tinned lemon juice (pure) equal to about 10 lemons, one orange complete with peel (very juicy), the peel of a second, and two banana skins. This lot has 2 lbs of sugar in it and the liquid wine yeast (as given to you). As Jungle Juice has already been taken as a name, I think I will call this one Alec’s Anaesthetic and hope for the best.

The mileage when you passed LTA 259 over to me was  46286 so you did rather less than 26000 miles in it. This over a period of six years. The average to you would be about 4300 per year. It is about half as much again as our average, but I would say that the average length of your journey was longer.

I thought there was something the matter with Geoff’s face the last time I saw him, but I did not like to mention it. Saw him again on Friday, and noticed little change. Glad you told me that he had been having trouble with it or I would not have known.

I have no doubt that you will lose the Clevedon train service altogether eventually, unless more people travel by it. There is no likelihood of that however as people’s habits have altered in the last twenty years or so. Nearly all have cars, or access thereto, and the television keeps them in in the evenings anyway.

We can find a corner for the thornless loganberry if you care to bring it up. Thanks very much. I do not know how long it is before they fruit.

Did not hear of the bad business at Lyme Regis.

Things seem to be happening in the housing line in Clevedon now. All the vacant plot are going by the sound of things. Of course what was once an out of the way spot what is now accessible by car. I recall a number of such plots in Edward Road which hung fire for years mainly because it was so far out of the main part of the town.

Sorry to hear about Dad’s thumb. How long has that been giving trouble? Note no bones broken – good job.

Pauline came over yesterday and released us to go to the pictures. We think it is the first time we have been since we possessed the car. Quite something to come home and not have to wait for a bus.

I see the chap at the bottom is digging his garden, and I expect several others are at that game today, it is such a nice day. Quite spring-like weather, and the girls are out in the garden on the swing. Of course they cannot agree for more than two minutes and a squabble begins. I see the prams are also getting an airing.

Had several trips out last week including a trip to Swindon. There I met Mr Armand now assistant to C.M.E. Spent most of the day with him, including lunch, and he asked to be remembered to you. it appears he is also a homemade wine merchant, and says he has even made his own whiskey, but he did not say if he distilled it or not.

No news of our joiner yet, but expect him at any time now.

Well must report that we are all fairly well at this end, and hope that goes for you too. Looking forward to that typewritten stuff. Is Mother going to be allowed to use it? Distaff side is barred this end. *

Well there it is again for another week. Love from us all. 

*’Distaff side’, i.e. his wife, June, but the implication is that she isn’t allowed to use the typewriter because she’s female … and we’ll just allow the stupidity of that to sink in a little, shall we? Younger readers may never have encountered a ‘typing pool’ in real life, but they turn up occasionally in films and TV shows set in the past, and you would have to look a long time before you found anybody male working in a typing pool. Men were usually very good typists, many having learned during their time in the services, but they didn’t type for other people – only for themselves. This is Alec’s attitude to life summed up in a nutshell, really; what’s yours is mine and what’s mine’s my own. He and June were both textbook narcissists, and it’s really no wonder that they had such dreadful rows.

This image was found on https://www.edn.com/how-it-was-life-in-the-typing-pool-ii/, where it is unfortunately not credited.

Wednesday 14th February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for letter received on time yesterday and a couple of drawings – with appropriate words – from the girls. I’m sure they gave you both a scare on Sunday but we had to laugh over the sequel with the bread and water – they are the limit*. You do not want many incidents like that or as you say you might qualify for a mental asylum. 

Note you were out shopping in Eastcote on Saturday – quite a convenient shopping centre if car available. 

So far as Fortifones are concerned a second carton of batteries arrived about the middle of last week but still no letter from the firm or a visit from their local representative. Usually on the outside of the package of batteries that cost is inserted e.g. £1 + 6d carriage but on the one referred to above are only the letters N.C. which I interpret as no charge. However we shall see I suppose in due course – but what a way to run a business. 

On Monday this week a terrific northwest gale blew up and at 2.0 p.m. when we were thinking of going to library I dared not open garage doors or pressure of incoming wind would have lifted roof off. We abandoned the idea for the day but at about 4.0 p.m. I thought I would walk down and see how Mr Palmer was getting on. No difficulty going down but coming home I had to walk backwards to get my breath – have never before experienced anything like it in Clevedon. Another tree was blown down in Salthouse near the telephone kiosk on Old Church Road near junction of Elton Road and and without doubt a lot of damage has been done in the district, for knowledge of which we must wait next Saturday’s Mercury. 

Yes we think the Bush family moved into Tennyson Avenue when the Joneses moved out very many years ago. Mr Bush was a very quiet individual but a good workman and when in health could be seen on his garden during most of his leisure hours. 

Surprised to hear your neighbours were in Clevedon again over the weekend and no doubt you have since heard how they got on. The schools both infant and junior are conveniently situated in All Saints Lane near the church but the snag is (to my way of thinking) having to cross the main Clevedon to Portishead Road to get there. A fairly busy road with poor visibility owing to so many bends. We guessed Venn was the builder in mind. Hawkins is building out that way but not just where your neighbour is looking. 

You will have to buy cups with two handles each June then they will last twice as long. Cups (or mugs) like the old cider mugs used in pubs years ago. Still it is not only the children who have accidents with crockery when washing up. Do you remember some yellow coloured cups you brought home from here one year and before your return to Ruislip I had broken one of them? 

Note work on raising the level of lawns going on satisfactorily – we shall see a big difference again when we come up both inside and out. 

Yes we too are enjoying pickled shallots and find them quite mild. It was only last Friday I put in three rows total 210 shallots to grow this season so you can have some more in due course – i’m a bit out – it was last Friday week and I think I mentioned it last letter. Last Friday I put in parsnip seed and on Monday – before Gail sprang up – dug out the remainder of last year’s sowing of parsnips. Tomato seedlings are just about holding their own but it is still a bit cold for them at night. 

Work Study still getting its ups and downs then at Reading. Seems to me the unions have missed their opportunity by not accepting the 3½% offered by Beeching. I do not think they would get a better offer just now. 

Gordon Cleverly did have a place along the Walton Road in the Swiss Valley but for some time now has I understand been living in Swindon – still working for an insurance company.

Mum must make her own comment on your suggestion re: visit to Smith’s Crisps factory – I do not go on these trips. 

Have been turning up my record of LTA 250 and the mileage recorded when I took car over on September 2nd 1954 was 20341 but for the moment cannot trace the the mileage when you took it over. Glad to hear car still going satisfactorily. Apart from the windows mine has not had a clean since we came up to you in October but the rain washes off the worst of it.

Last Thursday it was such a lovely day that after dinner I walked up to Alexandra Road to get a haircut and coming back along seafront had just reached Hacks Cottage when a car passed and ‘tooted’. It was Richings and wife (his half-day) on way to churchyard. Said they were then going to have a run via coast road to Portishead etc. and would Mum and I like to go. Well we did and had a nice time. After reaching Portishead took the Bristol Road and turned on to Beggar Bush Lane and back over the moors to Clevedon. They came in to tea and I left at 7:20 p.m. to go to choir practice and they left about 8.0 p.m.. This Thursday we are going down to their place for lunch and a run out towards Exmoor in the afternoon and back here by about 7.0 p.m.

No more news of typewriter yet but I think the Houghton family have been away for the son’s wedding at Harrow-on-the-Hill. 

A letter from Geoff this week says he is still having treatment for his face and has to go to two different hospitals this week although has been assured nothing serious. Have you got over your vaccination illness properly? I see some people have been very ill following vaccination. 

By the way referring to Richings again he went off very happy with a bottle of my Blackberry wine. 

There is quite a lot of talk locally about the reduction in the railway passenger service starting on March 5th but what can the public expect if the trains are not used. Saw Hart being questioned on TV about it the other night. 

Whilst tying up the thornless loganberry last night noticed that two of the ends had reached the ground and formed separate roots. Have given one to our new neighbour – Bushell – and wondering if you could find a home for the other. I could put it in a flower pot and keep it alive until we come up up and it would then suffer no check. Quite a useful fruit and being thornless easy to handle. 

Have not taken any chrysanth cuttings yet – they are only just appearing after roots giving the hot water treatment to rid them of eelworm. Lost all but two of our geraniums owing to  frost. Have put the three dahlia clumps you gave me into ground in greenhouse and I’m hoping to get cuttings from them. 

No more now – hope you are all still keeping in good health. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the bread-and-water girls. 

Mum and Dad

*’Locked in your room on bread and water’ was a favourite punishment, although in this instance we don’t know what the punishment was actually *for*. (It was presumably in June’s letter, indicating that she was the one who had imposed it – children being ‘the wife’s business’ of course and nothing to do with the husband.) Nowadays the withholding of food – and forcing children to eat things they don’t like or which make them feel ill – are rightly considered a form of child abuse.

Eva to the family on the remaining ⅝ of a sheet of Leonard’s paper:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Thanks for letter, the bread-and-water business was very funny, expect they were too taken back to start howling. Anyway they had food for thought. 

Benn must be a queer fellow not to tell you about his exploits in Clevedon. 

We did not have any damage done that we can see from the last gale, there are getting too numerous to please me. It was a tall tree in S.H. Fields which should have been cut down years ago. 

That was a bad business at Lyme Regis. The same thing occurred in Clevedon when they were excavating the riverbed in Little Queens Road; one person lost the back of her house.

They are busy clearing a spot for houses opposite the Methodist Church in Linden Road. It is high up and a good  view is to be obtained from the spot. There seems to be acreage for land all of a sudden Council stepping in before the C. Council does I suppose.**

Will remember about the pinch of salt in the crisps, I can do without that however. It isn’t our meeting till the 21st so no news yet. 

The Vicar has to stay in bed another month and then go to hospital. Dad gone to doctor this morning about his thumb which he dislocated at some time or other it pains him doesn’t want rheumatism setting in.

Love from Mum and Dad

P.S. 2 p.m. He has has gone to H. to have it x-rayed then Doctor coming to strap it at 5 o’clock.

P.P.S. No bone broken – badly sprained.

**Presumably the reference here is to the Town Council and the County Council having differing opinions on the matter.