Sunday 16th July, 1961

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you both for your weekly letter, duly received.

All almost healthy except Carol who has been keeping us awake at nights with a cough. Not much seemed to stop it and we had run out of cough mixture so as a thought I gave her a half a glass of your 1959 cherry wine. I have found it very good for catarrh as other wines, and in this case it seemed to do the trick for we had only one cough after the dose.

Note you mentioned the weather, and that the rain had just missed you. We had it very bad yesterday and again to-day. The only difference in the days was the thunder yesterday. As you may have heard a house was struck in Ruislip although we do not know where yet, I was out in the car when a particularly heavy clap occurred and soon after we heard the sound of the fire engine bell. The water was running down the Western Avenue like a river.

I still have not looked at Rebecca’s puzzle, I have had too many of my own to worry about I am afraid, but I will have a go at it as soon as possible. I remember that we had similar puzzles and the golden rule was that puzzles with a long description or with great detail were usually much easier to solve than those which contained the question all in one line.

Have had no more snakes in the peas although there were some to be dealt with again this week-end. I guessed you would have a chuckle over that one.

You would not have had to bother much with the pond had it been this end. All the rain that fell would have kept it it filled to overflowing. Perhaps you had some rain yourselves anyway.

So Payne spotted the car did he? Pity he is not nearer as on Saturday when returning from Battersea we caught up with a car in front going along Warwick Rd Kensington. A further car next in front again had apparently stopped suddenly causing similar reactions to the car in front of me and as a result the offside headlamp and wing are crumpled. Susan says the car is all right really only the front is a little bit creased. Of course we exchanged insurance details, but I suppose bang goes my no claim reduction. Not much chance to take avoiding action, it was all over in a flash. Paul[ine], June and the girls were in the car, but they were not shaken up at all. I have to get an estimate for repairs to send to the insurance people and then get the wing repaired. I am told that they will deal with the other firm.

The serious shortage of staff exists in most depots and stations these days, but it is really more serious than it would seem at first sight. Most of the work is being done by only a few of the total number on the strength, the balance being made up of Teddy boys etc., some of whom cannot even write their names. New post applied for is a training post involving about six subjects including Freight Working. It seems that training is to be given in each subject. They are all so dis-similar that I doubt if many have outstanding qualifications. McDonald recommended me for the job on the usual slip and said he did not want to lose me but etc etc.

Back to the subject of the car, it was odd you mentioned that so many hundred of miles had been covered without trouble from the car as Tony Bowden one of my A’s bought a new Anglia in April and had trouble going down to Cornwall and again on the way back, A blocked jet stopped him on the way down but he had to have something replaced in the petrol pump on the return journey.

Nice to know that Bill Aston has nothing serious to worry about. It is often a relief and a surprise to find that one has not got anything serious the matter after weeks of doubt.

Note your wine doing well. I did not get round to making the greengage wine. We heard that the fruit was 1/6 per Ib, which we thought was dear so left it a bit. I expect there will be some other fruit available later on. Have made five gallons already this year and it is all stacked away ready for bottling. I shall probably not disturb it for some time yet.

So we have to get our family news from America. Nice to know that somebody is getting told. I used to like Tom Chilton and Aunt Lily but had not seen the former for very many years. We shall have to leave the question of our visit open for a while until some of the uncertainty has been sorted out. What had you in mind for your visit to us? September or October? It is O.K. by us for either so please yourselves.

Some price they asked for the Stacys’ holiday. Should think they saw him coming.

We had an invitation together with all parents to visit the school last Tuesday for a concert given by the chil­dren and an exhibition of work. June went to the concert, but I went to the school on the Thursday night to see the work. There were three of Susan’s painting ( approx 4′ X 2’6″ ) hung on the wall. One was ‘My House’ the second ‘Daddy’s Car’ and the third ‘A Lady’. We all thought they were extremely good (inc. her teacher). The drawing books that the children use were all lined up round the window ledge and we were able to look through them all. Susan took me over and explained in a low voice that the pathway is ‘a quiet place’ and so is the ‘corry-door’? ? ? It seems as if something is getting through at last. June says she looked as though butter would not melt when they sang their songs at the school, I am afraid that did not last as when she returned she broke Junes umbrella.

Back to work. Had a consultation meeting with Paddington Station L.D.C last Monday and have the same for the supervisors this Monday. We are going to start Work Study of the Station forthwith. I would say that it is probably the plum job on W.E. G.A.T. P. is said to be highly delighted, We are giving an appreciation course to the Paddington L.D.C. this week and more are anxious to get on the band wagon. Our staff situation is getting serious and McD. has started to switch people from place to place due to pressure with the result that even the minimum is not getting done now. It is like a train of slip coaches, you drop one off every now and then, but the train never seems to arrive. In the middle of it all Slade (the Research Section Leader) has taken himself off to Newcastle to see a Carriage Washing Machine – shades of Murphy.

Dahlias seem to have appreciated the rain, they have all made a lot of growth and some have been flowering. The larger varieties have not yet produced any blooms. Grass seed laid last week is through and looking green. Of course it is a bit thin, but conditions are ideal. Lost one of the buddleia, but the other is thriving well. I do not suppose we shall have any bloom this year as I see a number of them in flower locally and there is no sign of a flower forming on ours. The rain has beaten down a number of chrysants which were not staked but other than that the place does not look too bad for once. Flood water came under the gate at the back like a torrent yesterday and washed a lot of earth out of the rockery. Quite a groove was worn through it. Hail lay on the lawn as thick as snow for a while.

Well there it is again for another week, hope you will have got rid of your cold etc by now. Love from us all.

Wednesday 12th July, 1961

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Another week gone – how they slip by. Thank you once more for your newsy letter duly received. Sorry to hear June and the children have been under the weather but hope all right again now. The continuous dry atmosphere must be blamed for a lot of nose and throat troubles at the moment – a great pity that fine weather does any harm. Thought we were in for a downpour yesterday afternoon. The sky was covered with dark and angry looking rain clouds but we had less than five minutes and the paths were not even damped so it was back to the hosepipe again. Note you have not looked at Rebecca’s puzzle yet should very much like to know the proper way of working that one out but it shows the kind of problem set for the children nowadays or did you have anything similar? Nothing wrong with Susan’s ‘thinking box’ in suggesting it was a snake in the pea. I think she worked that one out very well not actually knowing the name of the pest. We both had a little chuckle over it though.

Surprised you did not visit cafe on the beach while you were here but on reflection you did not have many opportunities of getting that far. Bad luck with your fence posts but presumably they will be alright for the job required. Creosote is good stuff for woodwork but oh what a mess one can get into using it and it takes a long time to get off hands, arms and even faces but I don’t think it comes out of clothes. Some of my old gardening shirts and trousers have carried the stain until the articles have finally been discarded.

Yes it is a bit disconcerting to find the pond still has a fairly large leak but yesterday when in the ‘Do-It-Yourself’ shop in Alexandra Road I bought a tin of bitumastic paint and in the near future will try and fill up all known cracks across pond with it. Incidentally I had to go into that shop to get a piece of glass for the end frame 14½ by 41¼ in the original having been accidentally broken last Sunday. I don’t know how livestock getting on in deep portion have only seen the one eel but it was lively enough.

Oh yes Don does drink other than cider but not a lot – usually a glass of Burgundy which he often has, I understand, before dinner says it keeps him going. These last few weeks with weather so sultry I’ve enjoyed a drink of cider about midday and again for supper.

So Beeching is on the warpath than regarding stations – he should see what kind of staff is available to keep them clean. The new rates of pay do not appear to have lured many of the better type of individual to the railway service and I believe some places are still seriously short of men*. Note you have applied for another post – the best of luck. Can you give more details? It will in any case let McDonald know you are not on your present job indefinitely. Expect by this time he has mentioned it to you.

I saw Payne (Binding and Payne) on Monday when calling for petrol and he asked how you were getting on with your car. Said he saw it in Old Church Road a few weeks ago and guessed you were down on holiday. He has changed his car now (one identical to mine) for a second hand model of the later type. He said he was quite happy about having a second hand car. it certainly looks a nice job as he had it with him whilst we were talking so examined it thoroughly. I told him you had covered many hundreds of miles when on holiday and had had no difficulty with the car.

Bill Aston gone to Bristol today for results of X-Ray and I may know results before posting this letter. (Nothing serious will tell you next letter.)

I put blackcurrant and rhubarb wine brew under fermentation lock on Monday but it is only just working. it is however clearing rapidly so maybe worked out. Note you may try some greengage. Not surprised you don’t care for the elderflower – neither do I. A great pity really but trouble no doubt due to too much flower when brewing. Your garden like mine very dry and as hard as concrete. Shall be picking first runner beans this weekend after which they will be plentiful.

Mr and Mrs Baker then up to their eyes in redecorating work hope they are both keeping well this hot weekend – not much shade for them to take advantage of at 155.

Had a letter from Arthur in America this week and we learn from him that Tom Chilton, (Lily’s husband – Dawlish) died a few weeks ago. Lily you remember came to Heavitree Church to funeral service for Grandma. It is obvious Uncle Joe had not heard as we had a letter from him last week but no mention of Dawlish. We do not know at the moment what to suggest about August. Arthur is coming over by Jet Plane early in August and we have not heard how he is spending his time or for how long he will be in the country. As mum has already mentioned Uncle Joe and Aunt Lydia will be here on Thursday 10th August for the weekend. Arthur has been invited to call on us and spend a few days but we are waiting to hear when that will be.  Must keep in touch with you about this but I’m sure in any case you would not want to travel at the peak holiday period so towards the end of the month may be best.

The Spencers moved out last Saturday and the Rees Barretts in on Monday. No local news again unless mum can give you some. Has Susan returned to school?

No more now. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for two little pea shellers.

Mum and Dad.

Eva to the family on the remaining three quarters of a sheet of Leonard’s writing paper.

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol,

Many thanks for letter what a change to the weather. I have a sniffy cold now and do nothing but sneeze. I think it must be hay fever. The wind has been terrific and blown down lots of stuff.  We have today been staking the gladioli etc. The roses snapped through the wind and no sap in the stems. We are still picking raspberries, come to hate the sight of them.

We hope the weather will clear for you later on when you come again.  I wish we knew the various dates Arthur and you were coming don’t want it to clash. He leaves on 6th or 7th August and only takes 10 hours and he said he would be going to Taunton first but now Uncle Tom has died and he has been been invited to Dawlish he may change his plans, at present he is in Canada for 3 weeks then going back to California for one week before coming here.

Some more furniture gone in the newlyweds’ so I reckon they have completed their house now. Gibsons have not moved in yet their paint is a black and white affair far more professional looking than the others who have done theirs. 

Well I think this has to be the lot just now so will close with love from

Mum and Dad

Staceys stayed at Butlins hotel in Hove £13.10 each and at a Brighton hotel B&B 37/6d each and they couldn’t sleep for noise. 

*You would think this might have been taken as an indication that the jobs could be opened up to women, but nobody seems to have thought of that.

Sunday 9th July, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you for weekly letter, glad to say we were up when it arrived this time. Have not looked at the conundrum enclosed. I shall probably have to work it out by dead reckoning the same as Dad did. Will return same in due course. Hope Rebecca had no trouble with it.

After we returned from our holiday I reflected that we had not visited the ice cream shop (cafe) on the front this time. The ices will taste all the better for waiting for. From time to time it has been quite hot here this week-end, but there has been a lot of cloud and the atmosphere has been very heavy. I would not have been surprised to have seen lots of rain, but apart from a shower or two during the day, and rather more at night there has been none. The soil is still hard as iron and wide cracks are everywhere.

Thought you would like the story about Susan and the oil can. This week she and Carol were set the job of shelling peas. When June looked to see how they were getting on Susan said I did not do that one as it had a snake in it.

I am afraid the posts still look a bit askew. One of them is fairly good as the 4X2 was straight but the other could not be put right as the wood itself when erected revealed a distinct warp in the middle. Some time later perhaps the piece can be replaced. I agree about the creosote getting on the hands, I have only just got mine cleansed from last week.

Sorry to learn about the defect in the pond. It seems to have got much worse fairly quickly, There must be a substanti­al leak for so much water to go overnight. Hope you can save the livestock as it would be interesting to see how they progressed. Sounds as if one of the eels is making good progress if you could see an increase in size. Do I gather that the deep portion is holding?

No I have not heard from Geoff. In any case he has long since ceased to regard the 28th. Must remember to drop Don a card or so for the 60th. I would not have known his age, thanks for the tip. Do not get the celebration with the cold water. Does he not take anything other than cider then? I remember that he refrains from your wine, but could perhaps be encouraged to take some scotch. Did not remember the registration number of the first Exeter. I see it is a 22XX class, no wonder it never arrived.

Old Beeching has been stirring things up and saying nasty things about stations etc, so a few edicts have been issued in the last day or so. Nice to know somebody cares. Have applied for a new job. No comment from McDonald as yet. Doubt if I shall get a look in.

Dahlias are making good progress. Some odd tubers that I put in a heap thinking they would not throw up any stems have started moving so I have put a couple in the front garden. They may flower this year. The watering question looms large these days in the absence of rain, It takes a lot of journeys to bottom of garden and back with can. We had a go at the front garden on Saturday but it will take a lot of work to make anything of it.

Your wine brewing going apace. Have it in mind to make some greengage wine, there are some for sale in this area now. Still have not tried the Elder-flower, but will now do so. Have now tried half a glass, firstly let me say that I personally do not like the syruppy type of wines like Cointreau etc. Even the best I cannot drink due to the high syrup content My preference is for dry, or dryish wines. I am afraid that your Elder-flower does not suit me. I could not take several glasses like I could with your cherry, plum, orange etc. due only to the rich tasting sugar content. The taste is novel – I have not tasted a similar wine, and find it interesting, I propose to try it on people who like a very sweet wine.

Note you think Bill Aston’s trouble is only an ulcer, should think that was had enough. Hope his visits to Bristol worked out for the best. Note also your price for lettuces bought by Elford, and the price he is charging. They are I/- each up this end. Pity you have no private helicopter service.

Mothers trip to Bristol with Mrs Marshall seems to have been a bit of a scorcher. It has been pretty bad in town, best thing I know is to keep out. Tiverton crowd certainly getting around this time. Have always wanted to go to Derbyshire for a trip. Not very clever to tip over coffee – still the bureau still bears evidence of the last one I tipped over.

We took the girls over to Yiewsley after Sunday School to-day. The place is in the hands of the decorators at the moment. They have finished the house, and are now doing the shop. Looks a lot brighter.

Have consultation meeting to start Work Study Investigation of Paddington Station on Tuesday next. We shall probably start operations on 1st August. By the way, what date do we have to steer clear of in August should we be able to come down for the week-end? I seem to remember that Uncle Arthur is supposed to be coming during that month.

Gave the car a shampoo yesterday, and a polish over to-day. It gleams quite nicely now. The first proper clean it has had since the holidays. There has been such a lot of other things to attend to that it got left.

Well I am afraid we have little local news for you this week. The children and June have not been too well. All have had sore throats add dry cough. It seems there is something going about now. Susan has been away from school since Monday. She is a lot better but has a very catarrhal cough. Carol had the dryness last night and woke with the usual breathing difficulty. During the day they seem little distressed though.

Will close now wishing you all the best till next week. Love from us all.

Tuesday 4th July, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for another long and newsy letter. Glad to hear birthday letters arrived safely and that you will find a good use for cash. 

Mum and I have just been up to Hill Road for a few odds and ends and recalled in at the new cafe on the front for an ice cream – hope your mouths won’t water. 

It is so hot here again today but Saturday night we had thunder and lightning and rain from about midnight until 3 a.m. – the rain continuing until about 11:30 a.m. since when until today it has been much cooler. It was a lovely drop of rain though and has done a lot of good. You apparently had the rain Sunday morning. Incidentally I expect you guessed it was Mum who got hold of birthday card for you but we both thought it was good.

Note your efforts with concrete posts for fence etc and Susan’s valiant struggle with the ‘oil can’ – she was only helping. Yes it is a messy and tedious job putting creosote on strips of wood – I suppose you got more on your hands and clothes than on the wood. Assume you eventually got posts upright with the 4×2 and cross pieces.

Have been having more trouble with pond. I noticed one morning last week the water level had gone down about 2 inches in shallow portion since the night before and the weed in places was high and dry. I put hose on and raised level so that all weed was floating again but next morning it was well down again. Then decided to take weed out and see how far water level would drop. The shallow part is now dry but deep portion full and holding. Looks as if the pressure of water has forced out loose filling somewhere and we have to start all over again to find leak. Noticed one live eel only and he has got much bigger assume he is now in deep portion. When weather properly settled again may have another try at sealing shallow apart. I imagine that when we feel cash when you were here dash and accumulation of dust dirt and leaves had got into the crevices and temporarily sealed same.

Have had one or two trips down to river but have never seen any more fish other than eels. nor more logs requiring rescuing.

Just been looking at Susan’s painting thank you very much Susan but don’t start using daddy’s creosote as paint or you will soon be in hot water.

The Drewett episode was given us practically verbatim by Roy and Mrs Hewitt who of course live about three doors from Iris.

Surprised you have not since heard from Geoff – query not even for the 28th ulto? Note you had a card from Lyng. Don is 60 on the 27th inst and we have asked them to come up to lunch either the Sunday before or the one after to celebrate – can always have a glass of cold water.

Yes it was bad luck to find coal dumped in yard but everything is in order now and we should – with what we had left over from last  winter – have enough coal to see us through the coming winter.

You are quite right about the Exeter to Clevedon trip in the first car they ever had dash query OD2280 – a hot dinner here waiting for four of them and they were stranded at Wellington. Well we had a lot to eat as a result for a couple of days but should like to have seen their faces when they realised Wellington was as far as they were going to get that day. The Dawlish episode though I think was scandalous. An engine will fail but to turn out another dud at Westbury which could only get to Patney & C* is terrible and I expect someone heard all about it.

Note your back garden now looking up and that at least one of the rose cuttings still survives. it has been a most difficult time for all garden plants. I’ve had to use hose nightly for about two hours to keep things going. the runner beans are beginning to form and it won’t be long now before can pick. Mum has been busy morning and again late afternoon picking raspberries – these two have had daily attention with hose. The cherries are turning quickly now and this morning I picked 6lbs for a brew. According to Bravery this quantity requires 4lbs of sugar which I’ve just covered with hot water into which I also put a bunch of lemon balm. The other mixture, blackcurrant and rhubarb, still working quietly and next week will go under fermentation lock. Note you have not yet tried the Elder Flower – awaiting your report on this before dishing it out here to my friends or enemies.

So your films generally speaking are pretty good – bound to have one or two not quite up to expectations. I like the sound of the one you took of group in front of greenhouse truly rural.

Mr Aston gone to a Bristol hospital today for X-ray and has to go in again next week to hear result, seems to be getting a lot of pain after meals. I still think it is only an ulcer but he will soon know for himself.

Not much local news this week – the place is fairly full of visitors and charabancs bring in the daily ones regularly. Too wet to go for our usual jaunt round the Hill on Sunday so had a rest instead.

I’m selling lettuces to Elford now at 4d each to sell again at 6d and have plenty in garden for him if he wants them – something like 130 and more seed in.

Heels visitors went home last Thursday having had a wonderful fortnight for weather. Our neighbours and next again (Mrs Drewetts) are still busy painting outside of houses and we hear Spencers are moving out shortly and Mrs Rees Barrett comes in on the 12th. New people have taken over the Triangle Post Office.**

No more now – all our love to you both and lots of kisses for Susan and Carol.  Hope you are all keeping well.  Mum and Dad

*After some head-scratching and consulting the invaluable British Railways Pre-Grouping Atlas and Gazeteer Fourth Edition, published by Ian Allan, price 25/-, we were able to read this place name as Patney and Chirton. This suggests that the first engine on the train – which was presumably heading to Paddington – managed roughly 90 miles before being removed and replaced at Westbury, whereas the replacement keeled over after only 12. That being the case, it’s almost a miracle that the replacement engine had the strength to be shunted onto the consist in the first place!

**Clearly Mrs Rees Barrett was held personally responsible for (if not actually guilty of) the theft from the Triangle Post Office earlier in the year. See https://wordpress.com/post/onthetrack.home.blog/1647 . Whether the door was left open accidentally or deliberately, and whether the money was stolen then or on another occasion, must be a matter for conjecture.

Eva to the family on the remaining three quarters of a sheet of Leonard’s writing paper

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter and drawing of red girl, quite coming on with portrait painting. 

Well here we are nearly roasted again. I went into Bristol yesterday (Wednesday) with Mrs Marshall who had to see a brother-in-law in St. Mary’s. You could hardly breathe In the city there was not a breath of air going.

Had a letter from Joe and Lydia yesterday as well.  They are going on a 6 day coach tour beginning August 5th to Blackpool (2 days) Buxton (2 days) the Peak District and back to Weston on the 10th when they would like to come here for weekend; they never make up their minds until the last minute.

John starts his holiday on Sat. they are going to Looe; I believe they did last year.  They go with his friend wife and baby. I believe Spensers are moving on Saturday.  I see Ian is home running about.

Mrs Clarke has gone to Weston again for a few days – doesn’t seem to be able to settle for long.

Have been busy washing curtains and blankets, ought to have done it before, and to make a bit more work last night I tipped over a cup of coffee in my lap so dress etc. had to be done.

Well I think this is all news just now so will close with best love from us all. 

Mum and Dad 

The letter from Eva is adorned with pen drawings of the sun, some gibbous moons, and a couple of smiling crescent moons (or possibly bananas?).

Sunday 2nd July, 1961

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Dear Mum and Dad,

Firstly let me thank you very much for the Birthday presents, card, and good wishes. Can always find a use for the £.s.d. I thought the card was a good one – hand picked it would seem. Had a card from Don and Joan, to mark the occasion. It certainly does not seem like 19 years since coming to London. Like all other places it has its advantages and disadvantages. I would not like to stay here for good. The whole place is far too crowded whether in terms of houses, shops, or people.

Re your weekly letter, although we had difficulty in waking on the Saturday morning of the previous week, it was not due to late nights. Tiredness, yes, but have not had any festivities to keep us up lately. As you say the weather this end has been very oppressive, it broke at last thank goodness to-day, while I was in the middle of erecting the fence.

Have had quite a few trips out of Paddington but have none scheduled this week. I expect I shall go to Kensington, Acton and Maidenhead.

Note you have seen no sign of life in the pond lately. This was the case years ago when we had the fish. Initially the water was clear but after it clouded over the livestock could no longer be seen. If the eels are still there, and growing, I expect they will eat the other things in the course of time. Is the weed growing?

We bought the concrete posts yesterday, also the 4×2 and the 2×2. I gouged out the concrete path to a depth of 10 inches to admit the posts and then made a strong cement mix of cement and ashes, and dropped the post in. Both the posts have moved slightly from the upright, but this morning I attached the 4×2 to each, and then the cross-pieces of 2×2. Some cutting in was necessary due to the proximity of the coalbunker , but the weather board has now been attached along the full lenght of the fence. All that remains to be done now is to buy the 2×1 for the door/gate framework, and fit the weatherboard and the hinges to it. At the moment there is a door of sorts fitted, – this was the old fencing cut back, and hinged to the uprights. It will do to keep Carol in for the rest of the week, or until I can get the proper door made. I must acknowledge considerable help from the distaff side during the fitting of the framework. June was acting as fitters mate apart from cooking the dinner, etc,etc, and the girls had their hands and feet in everywhere. I asked Susan to bring out the oilcan so she struggled out with the gallon can of creosote. By the way that was a tedious job, annointing some 50 pieces of weather­board (both sides) with creosote apart from the uprights and cross-pieces. I think I have a permanent crick in the back now.

I am sure Susan and Carol would like to help with the birdscaring. Why not put Mothers chair on the path for her, and let her sit there, it is as good as any place to sit and doze off, and it is sure to scare the birds. It seems to be general that birds are great deal more of a nuisance this year than recently. They will soon have to put some of them on the derestricted list.

Note your latest wine, sounds good. Am inclined to think that, with the combination of fruit that you have picked, it could be helped by a couple of lemons. So far we have not tried the Elderflower, but I will do so soon and let you know what I think of it. At the moment I have two or three on the go and do not want to nave too many bottles in the part-consumed stage. I know the best way out of that one is to consume them all etc etc.

Forgot all about the Exmouth Guide book. It will not hurt to stay in the drawer until the next visit, I do not suppose we shall want it until another trip down there.

Unlucky for you to go out to the library only to find coal man had been. Might just as well get them to put it in the right place first time as to have to pick it up yourself.

Some goings on between the two families of Drewetts. Can only say that what Iris has already is plenty enough for her to get on with without Mrs D. as well. Not very pleasant though. How did you get to hear of it?

We have not seen or heard of Geoff since we took the ring back some time ago so did not hear about the Dawlish trip. Of course it could go either way – car trips have been known to finish earlier than expected to wit their first from Exeter to Clevedon that ended up in some park at Wellington.

Our back garden is now beginning to look a little bit more respectable. The alteration to the coal bunker, plus the fence and the resuscitated rock garden all help to give some tidiness that was not there before. The dahlias are growing fast, and some are in flower – mostly the small varieties. The one remaining rose cutting is growing well and seems to have established itself now. Some of the spireas are looking withered due to the lack of rain, I have even had to water them or they would have died long ago. Even such things as golden rod are dying from the heat and drought. The lawn is quite green, and to-days heavy rain will have done it good. It certainly has not been the best of weather for the kids to do much drawing indoors, but I gather there is something this week.

Nice to hear you are looking at fridges, expect you will have one. My advice for what it is worth is to get the biggest you can afford, because anything less than a three cubic foot fridge will not take all the food that you would like to store.

Had the second roll of films back this week but they are not quite up to the standard of the first. Most of them are all right but on the dark side, but there are a couple of failures. Have an excellent one of group in front of the green house which shows the whole of the building, and all the plants etc. that were growing in front at the time.

My rhubarb wine has stopped fermenting now but I have not racked it off. No time for any other yet.

Well there it is for the present, look forward to your next. Love from us all.

Thursday 29th June, 1961

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Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Thank you very much for another long and newsy letter to hand on Tuesday. You must be having some late nights to be so late rising on Saturdays. So far as we are concerned we are only too glad to get out – it is so hot nowadays. even a storm or two of rain is not sufficient to cool the atmosphere and surely it must be worse in your area. What about Susan and Carol aren’t they awake?

Note you have been getting out of Paddington quite a lot and more journeys in the offing. You will certainly have to watch John Snow – somewhat similar to John Saunders both out for number 1.

Yes pond still leaking and these last couple of days a big drop in level has been observed in spite of the fact fresh water has been put in with hose. A bit of a problem still. I’m told by building experts here the stuff Don gave me will be of no use until any cracks in the surface are filled in. There is no sign of any life in the pond at the moment but it could be that the minnows etc are out of sight under the weed or at the bottom of deep portion which the eye cannot penetrate now.

Your neighbour has evidently set you a standard to maintain in fixing their fence and gate. It will be worth it in the long run. Sorry to hear about the projector I had no idea what was involved and from particulars given should think they are somewhat expensive.

Yes the Clarkes were some of our customers Mrs Clarke was the lady who saw Susan and Carol in the field when Carol lost her tongue but wanted her biscuit from Susan when we got back into garden. We think Mrs Clarke will be stopping in bungalow at any rate for time being.

The Hewitts and Richings were not actually here together, we had about three hours to recover from the first visit before the second lot arrived. Richings’ car is a light blue, he wanted maroon but none available in that colour. Starts his holiday this coming weekend and going motoring.

Rita Garland was last home when she was wired for because her mother was seriously ill that was over Christmas 1959. Prior to that however both Mrs and Sheila had been over to America to see her – no free passes either.

Could give Susan and Carol a good job if they were here now bird scaring. Just up and down the path would do the trick. I went down to bottom of garden last night to potato patch and threw a lump of earth into nearest cherry tree and upwards of eighteen birds flew out and others just moved to another branch. They have been a bigger nuisance this season than any I can remember. Incidentally I picked remainder of blackcurrants Monday but as it was only one-and-a-half pounds I pulled the same weight of rhubarb and put the lot down for a wine brew – working quite satisfactorily at the moment. Have finished off your apple and plum wines and have about three parts of the carrot left. Have you tried the elderflower you took back? Should like your comments on same.

Sorry to hear June was under the weather again but glad to know she was alright for her visitors last Sunday. Carol too we hope all right again now. Noted sand still in evidence but not all in the washbowl.

We found your Exmouth Guidebook in sideboard drawer and will put it aside for you.  Expect you wondered what had happened to it. Sorry to know all the “Ivys” died off I will certainly try and get a few going for you here – perhaps it was too dry a time to take such cuttings during early part of June. The cacti then are managing to survive. A flowering bud thrown up by the lily in porch outside back door has reached the glass of the roof and is not open yet. Looks as if we shall have to stand it on the floor and support shoot with a bamboo cane. 

We understand the Ford – whose in-laws are said to have bought house at bottom of field – lives in Stroud Road. I remember a watch and clock repairer in Old Church Road but it was not Ford.

Your dahlias doing very nicely then we have not had any of this year.

Baynton Hughes gets B.E.M. well well what next?

We went up to library on Tuesday – only gone an hour – returning found a ton of coal dumped just outside shed so had to pick it all up and store in shed.  The men would have tipped in direct had we been there to ask them – just our luck.

Understand Mrs Drewett is back in Clevedon. The Swindon side of family (Margaret) brought her down on Sunday without notice to Iris’s home but her husband refused to have her there again so Margaret had to find lodgings for her mother in the vicinity. There was a pretty good row between Margaret’s and Iris’s husbands by all accounts. It is obvious Iris can do no more she has three children of her own – all very young.

Did Jeff tell you about the trip to Dawlish on Sunday the 18th? When owing to two engine failures on return journey they got home on Monday morning about 12:30 a.m. Who says it’s quicker by rail?

So you all had a good time with your visitors last Sunday and nice sunny weather – a day for the lawn. It was too hot to move here but front room cool.

Nothing much else to report from garden.  Pulled all shallots up last Friday and they are now nicely dried off. By well watering ground beforehand have managed to get out more cabbage and lettuce plants and of course I’m continuing to dig potatoes. Mother had the sprinkler going last Saturday morning on flower borders. The maidenhair fern June will do alright if you keep it in a shady place it does not like the sun or too much heat.

Well this must be the lot for this week. Once again all our love to you both and lots of kisses for Susan and Carol.

  • Hope your birthday letters arrived safely.

Mum and Dad

Eva to the family,.on the remaining half-sheet of Leonard’s writing paper.

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for both letters. Hope June is feeling more fit it’s this heat. They have just said thunderstorms tomorrow and I don’t mind if it pours. 

We had Mr and Mrs Newman yesterday to teai in the evening. She brought me a dozen Ruby carnations they were lovely. Mr Newman is not too good with his leg.

I have been chasing the loganberries today not a bad lot the birds leave them alone as they are too sour.  We only picked one pound of raspberries where we should have had pounds.

Next door have had some more bedroom furniture so their house will soon be fully furnished.

Enquired when I paid my electricity bill yesterday about Electrolux fridges so bought home some literature they are £49 or £59 electric or gas quite good value for money.

I expect the girls are too busy to draw.  How do they like the heat. 

I’ve got a cough too in the mornings. They say it’s the warm weather and the dust causing dryness of throat. No more now lots of love from Mum and Dad.

Sunday 25th June, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thanks once again for the weekly post. This together with newspaper arrived before we were up on Saturday, so you see we are getting later and later.

Journeys out of Paddington were the feature of last week and will also be of this week and succeeding weeks if I have anything to do with it. Apart from L.S.D. side of it, it seems to be the best way of getting any work done. To stay in the office is asking for trouble. Last week I managed to get to Acton, Kensington, Reading and Maidenhead, and I am committed to going to the last three again this week so business is brisk. Saw Snow at Reading but he is playing a bit of a game with us and so far he has had it all his own way. Shall have to spend a bit more time on him.

So the pond leak continues. Your daily hosing will do the trick for a bit. Pity no one told the fish about the date I agree. If your stock of fish has died off, there should be some evidence of it so expect they are all under the weed. You will have to drop some feed in for them and let them know that they are P.O.Ws.

Have done nothing more to the fence from garage to house yet. Have got the timber for the panelling but require to get the concrete posts ( two ) and the cross rails. It looks as though I shall have to get some decent wood for the gate and also some creosote for the whole lot. Doug and Ronnie put theirs up this week-end and it looks quite a good job.

Sorry you will not be shown this projector when you come up as it would be a waste of time. I am told that ordinary pearl bulbs are most unsuitable for reproducing the correct colours, also they are not equipped with reflecting mirrors as the proper ones are, and to purchase all the correct fittings and gadgets to build a workable machine would cost almost as much as a new projector itself, so I am planning to buy one in due course.

Susan does not tell us much about her school activities but occasionally something gets dropped out. I agree with you that she must have told the tale well enough after her holiday. Have just had to go upstairs to Susan who should have been in bed but was stomping across the floor. She was out attending to some dolls and bears she had tucked up in a large box. I ticked her off and told her I was writing to you and did she want me to pass a message. She said tell them I brought my dollies to bed. I said shall I tell them that you were a naughty girl and got out of bed to them? She said no, they do not want to know that.

Bad news about Mr Clarke. Was he one of the people to whom you sold your veg. etc.? Proper mecca for railwaymen now at Devonia. Fancy having the Hewitts and the Richings both together. Glad I am in London.

I am told the Anglia is very nice to drive, but I hate the design. I’ll bet they got a bright yellow one.

So Sheila Garland is married now. What is the latest news on Rita, does she ever get home to see Mum.

The birds are one up (or two up) on you with the currants this time. Can see you need Susan and Carol down there to put salt on their tails. Have to invent an electrical gadget to scare them off. Nice collection from Elford. A satisfactory mutual aid society.

We had our meeting at Transom House, The first time X had been there. It is very similar to Marland House at Cardiff. Very good by Railway standards. No hope of any new office for us yet.

It has been a glorious day to-day as was yesterday for that matter. As you wished for us, our friends had good weather. I picked them up at Wembley Central Station at 11-30am and took them back about 6-30pm.

Michael next door has whooping cough but as a result of injec­tions has only the cough without the whoop. Carol is coughing away up there now but we believe it to be due only to the dry weather. They have both had colds. June feeling very much off colour yesterday with bad headache. Managed to throw it off by evening, but was anything but 100%. All right to-day fortunately with guests to attend to.

The box of sand that came back soon found its way into the garage as did also the pebbles, They have been hiked out of there and now reside in what was once the washing up bowl. The sand surprisingly enough still half fills the bowl, but from the evidence on the lawn it will not last much longer. The ball was left intentionally. They have umpteen this end including one almost identical in size and colour. It will be there for next time.

We did not see Stella so assume she appreciated the return of the ring.

Re Mothers comments about Richings departure, should think he would need to give audible warning of approach. Would suggest he should have a man in front with a red flag. ( Lawrence.)

Note the one wedding on the Saturday had no remuneration for the ringers, but should not think they would mind that in view of Les Garlands connection. Do I gather that they are going to live with Mrs Garland. Did not know Ford the watchmender unless it was that place a couple of doors away from Cheesewrights place and Ewings. Opposite those houses at the fool of Hangstone Hill and between Goldings place and Strode Rd.

Dahlias continues to make progress. Have one in bloom and have had a few more given to me by a neighbour. One of the new plants is supposed to grow very tall. So far have managed to keep the children out of the square at the bottom and keep it in good shape. During the week we moved the flag stone leading onto the lawn and put them alongside the removed coal bunker. We now have a continuous path from the house to the foot of the garden. What was formerly a patch of hardened ash has now been hoed over and loosened. As yet there is nothing planted but have had some plants offered me and will find a home for some there. Front garden still in a mess. Had a mind to put out some dahlias there but had no dynamite.

Baynton Hughes got the B.E.M. on Birthday Honours list.* For services to the Air Cadet Corps in which he is Squadron Leader. Well there it is for the time being, hope it has not been too hot for you and that you are both keeping fit. Love from us all.

*This is incorrect. Acting Sq. L. Thomas Charles Baynton Hughes (148418) RAFVR (Training Branch) actually received the M.B.E. in the 1961 Birthday Honours. The B.E.M. is the British Empire Medal, for which he would not have been eligible; the M.B.E. is Member of the British Empire and is a far more routine decoration – the kind of gong that ‘came up with the rations’ in wartime!

Tuesday 20th June, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for your letter to hand this morning with sketches each from Susan and Carol – back to normal again. Thank you Susan and Carol for your nice drawings.

Yes it will be interesting to see what kind of a journey the AA plot out via Radstock etc. will write them later on. Note you are already making a few journeys out of Paddington i.e. Maidenhead Reading etc. Better remember me to John Snow if you yet have to visit his station. The Kensington job presumably is in connection with the parcels traffic.

The pond still leaks a little but I’ve been putting hose into it nightly after watering garden to keep level of water to a reasonable height. No wonder the fish would not bite they must have known date coarse fishing started. Although I’ve been down to river once or twice recently have not seen anything moving except eels and these continue to move upstream. no sign of anything living in the pond but the weed is thickening at bottom of the deep portion and giving good coverage for any livestock there.

Note cacti doing well on landing window very good place for them. June has been busy then with the paint pot and a good fence between garage and house will make another fine improvement to the property. Glad the films were success – something to look at perhaps when winter evenings are with us again. Shall be interested in your ‘projector’ when we next visit Ruislip. 

How did Susan get on at school after her holiday did she settle down all right? I expect she told a lot of her pals and perhaps teacher of the most outstanding events of her fortnight away. 

The old gentleman who lived in bungalow at bottom of field died suddenly after dinner last Friday and was cremated at Arnos Vale today. We took the widow (Mrs Clarke) to Bristol picking up vicar at the Vicarage. Left here 11 a.m. and were home again at 12:50 p.m. He had two daughters by his first marriage (both married) one living at Taunton and the other in London. They attended at the crematorium but did not travel with Mrs Clarke – some feelings there we think.

Yesterday afternoon Mr and Mrs Hewitt called round so plenty of chinwagging. They had recently returned from a holiday at Bangor in Northern Ireland. Then about 7:30 p.m. who should turn up but Mr and Mrs Richings the former driving a brand new Anglia out for a drive after passing his driving test (second attempt) last Friday. They got away again about 9:30 p.m.

There is a rumour around that Mrs Rees Barrett of The Triangle Post Office has bought Spencers’ house in The Avenue. Apparently since the robbery at The Triangle Post Office some months ago she has not been allowed at the counter. Incidentally no one has been charged with the theft.

Sheila Garland (Les Garland’s second daughter) is being married on Saturday. We are ringing for that one at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. 

Since you went back to Ruislip I’ve been busy putting out plants for the winter and so far have got in approx 40 early broccoli and the same number each of middle and late broccoli also 50 purple sprouting and 50 January Kings (cabbage). No further casualties with tomatoes and growth is pretty fast these days. Have lost a few of the cinerarias already  Actually some of them were very weak when potted up and the strong sun has finished them off. Strawberries practically finished and we picked the first raspberries today. Last Sunday the birds started to play havoc with the currents so we picked the black ones and used netting on the reds. The whites I’m afraid were left unprotected and we lost the lot.  The first lot of strawberries having been dug up released some netting which is now covering the early fruiting raspberries.

I took 20 pounds broad beans to Elford last Saturday for which he paid 6d per pound. Also 6 of those lettuces which were growing alongside the frames for which he paid 5d each to sell again at 6d.  Have at least 80 more lettuces nearly ready and another sowing just coming through soil so I hope he wants some more. The runner beans are nearly up to top of sticks and in flower.

Mrs Clarke told us today she had heard the house at bottom of our field has been sold – it had been in the market for many months. Perhaps the newcomers will clear up the corner around that derelict caravan.

I’m still using the hose nightly but since Mother’s effort have not had occasion to use sprinkler. If weather continues shall want it on lawn to keep grass alive.

Astons returned from Eastbourne on Saturday having had an enjoyable time in spite of the many transistor radio sets being carried about by visitors all of them blaring out one program or another.  I think on one occasion they had one on either side of them with different musical programs going.

Note you saw Norman Allen at Bristol – where did you have meeting? Query Transom House. Have never been in this building but understand it is fairly palatial. Any move in regard to your proposed new offices?

Our neighbours (Heel) have their visitors with them this week & so far it has been unbearably hot. Don’t feel like much work in garden this weather but since the rain last Monday week there have been a lot of arrears to overtake. Hope it is a nice day when June’s friends come over at the weekend. I’m sure the girls will enjoy themselves.

What has happened to the box of sand they took back. They left behind a ball which we found on bench in shed.

Note ring now returned to Stella no doubt she was pleased to have it restored to her.

Well I must close now or Mum will not get in with her bit. Hope you are all keeping well.

All our love to you both and lots of kisses for two little girls – Susan and Carol.

Mum and Dad. 

Eva to the family on the remaining three-quarters of a sheet of Leonard’s paper:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Thank you for letter and drawings was one of them supposed to be Grandma?

Well here we are with more fine weather after a few storms. Mrs Stacey came down for the day yesterday and before she arrived it poured so thought we should have a miserable day but it cleared about 10:30 and she arrived 11. She and I went out all the afternoon and Mr Stacey arrived just as I had got the tea. He is studying cars again but can’t make up his mind. His is a Ford Anglia at present, something the colour of ours and like Richings but they look tinny. You ought to have seen Richings with theirs, they went off with a blare of the horn announcing to one and all to clear the path.

We have started to pick raspberries but have to keep the strawberry nets over them while doing it as the birds are all round.

Did you know Ford the watchmender? Well it is his wife’s brother who has bought Martindale and lives in Birmingham and will not retire for 5 years so don’t know what they are going to do. 

Sheila Garland and her husband Ron Cook will have her home.

Two weddings on Saturday expect the first will be a buckshee ringing.

Well no more news now so will close with best love from Mum and Dad .

Sunday 18th June, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thanks once again for weekly letter. It will be Interesting to learn what variations the A.A. give for the route back via Frome Radstock etc. We could have gone via Devizes and Marlborough but decided on Warminster as we liked the A.303. No doubt they will be able to give you a shorter route than the 152 miles we took. The road from Chew Stoke to West Harptree is very hilly and narrow but elsewhere the road is more than wide enough. No doubt you have both had a rest and recovered from our visit.

Work did not go so badly this week. It was apparent that the week would be disrupted so fitted in a visit or two. Must go to Maidenhead some time this week and have to go to Reading to see Snow. Looks like we shall start Kensington almost immediately, and that will be another of my pigeons so plenty on hand.

I heard that the traffic moving towards the West was heavy, and that there were jams at Honiton and the Exeter by-pass, but we had no real difficulty. Plenty going the other way though.

Most of the dahlias I put out seem to have taken. I can be certain of 33 from the 36, but as the others were only sprouting white shoots will have to wait a day or two for leaf to appear. Re deck chairs, I find that our other one is in order.

Glad to hear that the pond is keeping up. Perhaps it is in order, and the first filling was partially absorbed by the concrete. No doubt you will know for certain in a week or two. Glad to have tidings of the livestock. Any sign of the newt? I see that we were fishing illegally as the Coarse Fishing season did not open until Friday 16th June. Perhaps we deserve some leniency in view of the ‘catch’?

Some effort on the cinerarias, What happened to the other two? Our cacti are all in good condition and now bedeck the landing window.

June has been busy putting a lick or two of paint over the walls in the front room. We have quite a bit of the paint we used and a dab or two smartens things up a lot. My work on the T.V. cabinet had left a few marks. We also wanted to paint the hardboard surface of the T.V. shelf/cabinet but the paint has not taken well. Look as if it will have to have several coats.

Got our first film back from the dealers. Apart from the one blank that I knew about, there were no failures, and we have 21 good colour transparencies. Have looked at them through a viewer lent by Eric, and have since built a rough sort of projector. This throws the pictures on the wall in colour, but due to the low power of bulb, they are as yet only feint [sic]. A stronger bulb should do the trick. Still have about three shots left on our second film and no doubt we shall use It up next week-end when Junes friends Les and Barbara and their little girl call.

Cut the two back lawns yesterday and the grass looks very good. There is a lot of clover in it how so it is green enough.

Well you heard Beechings Pill too, did you He does not seem to gild the lily, and has good reasons for doing what he intends to do, but after all he is only reflecting Government Policy in the matter – could he do otherwise?

We have conveyed Stella’s ring to its proper address. Job was done yesterday when out on our usual shopping jaunt.

Note Mothers bath with the sprinkler. Expect that to be used regularly when the weather Is hot.

I saw Norman Allen at Bristol, and he told me of their new arrival.

Doug and I have ordered the wood for a respectable bit of side fencing each. He has set two concrete posts and a couple of uprights and intends to run his between his garage and the house, with a gate near the garage. Mine will ran from the garage along the back of the replaced coal bunker, then at a slight angle toward the house, with the gate next to the house. Arranged for him to order in bulk to get the cheaper rate, then ran into him in Eastcote Timber Supplies when he was placing the order. Doubt if I shall have much of mine done next week end in view of the guests coming, but we shall probably do his first. I have to get a couple of concrete posts first.

Saw Bob Hill again in the week. By the way I should hare passed on his kind regards when I came down, he mentioned it some time ago.

Ken Lay is looking for a house at Brighton in view of his retirement in four years. Everything is going fairly well except short of staff as ever. Well will close now and look forward to your next. Love from us all.