Sunday 27th March, 1960

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Dad’s letter duly received for which many thanks. I note explanation of the note-paper, I thought it was something like that. Regret I have your letter in pocket of jacket which is now in room where Carol is sleeping. Will do best to remember the salient points as I do not want to disturb her. Glad to hear that last Sunday’s visit went off well. It appears that Don is a lot better than hitherto and it sounds as though he intends to relas [sic] a bit with new car, Dont blame him for feel­ing tired. We all do, I could sleep any afternoon for a couple of hours.

Doug had his new car delivered yesterday. It is quite something. I have warned him not to let June ride in it, He took me up to Eastcote in it this morning and round the block a time or two. He is finding it difficult to come down the driveway and into garage – two inches wider and I doubt if he could do it.

Re date of your arrival, I suggest you come up on Thursday 14th. I propose to work in the morning and come home either for, or after lunch. Stay as long as you please so will leave the return date to you. Pity you cannot get the frames in the car, I thought we tried one when I was down. It does not matter however and I expect you can find a use for same rather than lay idle. The thought occurred to us that you may be able to bring a small plum tree if you have one ready of con­venient size. Here again it does not matter if you have not got one as we appreciate it is usual to indent well in advance for such things to be grafted etc – still if you have a small one suitable it will be welcome.

Pauline is here this week-end helping June to Spring Clean and paint as required. It has been a good dry day for it but rather cold. I managed to make myself scarce in the garden* where I have to-day planted Dwarf French Beans, Parsnip, and Parsley, I have some lettuce but think it a bit too cold to plant direct to outdoor soil. Indoor space very limited now the shed is only half its size. I expect you will wonder at the early date of planting the Dwarf French Beans. I have planted them pretty deep so that they should not reach the surface much in advance of the usual planting time of Mid-April, The soil at the bottom is in beautiful condition. It is so dry that the strong wind is blowing it about. Have lost most of my Carnation Cuttings, It is the same every year I find they are nipped off at the base and left lying close by. Even the pinks are kept in check by this mysterious pest. My Delphiniums which were grown from seed and planted out are all coming up again and the Syringa is beginning to make progress, I am afraid it looks as though we have lost one of the two Honeysuckle, They both made early growth this year and the frost came along and one has since been completely lifeless, Please do not forget the Buddleia, There has been no movement from the Dahlias but I suppose it is early yet. I see that one or two of my neighbours have been out with lawnmowers to-day. The grass is dry enough to cut but most of ours has been trodden flat.

To-day we sent Susan off to Sunday School as usual, Pauline took her but she did not have her usual class as it was Mothering Sunday. We had overlooked the fact that Class would be altered and of course we must now be a little unpopular with the authorities. We had another couple of sessions to-day of see the Mobo Toys – from Carol. Earlier I said to her tell us some of your nursery rhymes. As she made no offer I suggested Little Bo-Peep to which she replied ‘bo Toys. Carol really is growing up fast, she can sing one or two little songs and has a good idea of the tune, and she also helps to clear the table after meals. ( Not by pulling the table cloth either ) She rather likes my wine and would drink the lot if you let her. We went to Raynors Lane yesterday to do a little shopping. No accidents.

Have you had any luck on the Pools this year? It looks as though Bristol City will be relegated this year. What have Clevedon been doing since the Hayes match?

Glad to learn that the Surgeon has now signed you off his books, I expect you are pleased despite your recent energetic activities. If you extend much further in the direction of the river you will need to extend the concrete path. It might not be a bad idea at that to have such a path especially if river is to be widened. You could dump all your household ashes to make it. Well there is not much of startling nature this week so will close for the time being.

Love from June, Susan, Carol and Alec

*Typical!

Thursday 24th March, 1960

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Leonard to the family, on the reverse of Timetable 21, LONDON and EXETER and PLYMOUTH

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks once again for your long and newsy letter duly received on Tuesday also card to hand the previous day. I think first comment should be about the writing paper – it does show who’s got the money! I’m always grateful for scrap. It was a lovely day Sunday and Don & Joan had a good run both ways. They arrived about 11.15 a.m. and departed 4.00 p.m. Don told me it was last time GYC 100 would come to Clevedon as on Friday 25th inst. they were taking delivery of an A35 Countryman i.e. a car from which the rear seat can be removed if necessary to provide more luggage or produce accommodation. Cost just over £600*. The firm were allowing him £110 on his old car – an Austin 8 1940 as I expect you know. They had it new so have had use of it for twenty years.

On Monday (the 21st) Mum and I had a run to Weston in the afternoon and called on the Richings (by invitation) for tea and the evening. Left them about 10.0 p.m. and had a good run home. Again it was a glorious day. Yesterday I had to see Surgeon for final check up following the two operations and he reported everything satisfactory – it ought to be too considering the manual work I’ve put in on garden lately. I finished with Surgeon at Bristol at 2.30 p.m. and Mum and I decided to make an afternoon of it and accordingly returned via Portishead and Coast Road. We were again very fortunate for it was a beautiful day.

After the Lord Mayor’s show – as it were – it was back to the land today and I’ve now finished digging the whole of the garden except the new piece beyond the hedge. Have put in the first lot of seeds outdoors and also 35 cauliflower plants raised in greenhouse. Shall soon start to put in early potatoes. Note you have several lots of flower and potato seeds waiting to go in.

We thought you would attend funeral service for Graham – it is a very sad occurrence to pass out so suddenly and so young, and Iris now has a tremendous responsibility on her hands. It was good of Norman Thorne to make that long journey but I believe in the old Westbury Control days they were very great friends. Incidentally Geoff tells me that Woodward told him that he (Woodward) had got Graham the post with Esso. Did you know this?

Pleased to have more details of the doings of Susan & Carol. They both evidently like the Clevedon Guide. It will soon be Mobo toy time again here and they should be in full swing by the time you come down. In three weeks’ time we will be with you for a few days – you must let us know how you are taking your week’s leave and best day for us to make the journey. Let’s hope weather is nice.

Sorry to hear Ronnie Grey still under the weather and hope he will soon be on the mend. Don was fairly satisfactory so far as health concerned but he still has some difficulty in breathing and tires very quickly – he had a sleep in armchair whilst here.

Mr Grey soon got rid of his Ford Prefect then. Sounds as if he has a real good one now – query bigger garage required. This brings me to another point. I’ve tried the window frames in car and cannot get them inside no matter how I place them and same difficulty occurs with the quarter size frames as well. This is just too bad as it will be impossible to bring any of them up. I’m very sorry but there it is – shall have to borrow Don’s A35. What a hope. It is a problem that I shall have to try to solve later on.

You were very busy last Sunday with your electrical fittings – I don’t understand it and never mess about with it on my own. Do you remember when Don extended light to shed one Saturday and when switched on all the lights in house and we found the fuse in the Main box had gone and consequently were without light until the service people could attend on Monday. They asked a lot of funny questions which were not answered but we had to pay for their attendance and work. How is the ‘fridge’ behaving? Hope it is satisfactory – you will have quite a lot of fresh things for us to see this time including the alterations to your kitchen and the car. Note invitation to 169 on Easter Sunday afternoon – presumably picking up Susan after Sunday School and then going on to Harrow.

June must have had some entertainment at the barber’s if they were all in there for over an hour. Do the children mind having their hair cut? Glad to hear Carol was alright in car this trip. Expect they can get out in garden more now the weather has improved – do they still use the swing?

Have not seen Aston this week expect he is busy on his allotment but Roy Hewitt called round on Monday for a short while just before noon – apparently he has been nursing a cold. Still walks with some difficulty on his two sticks.

Well I think this is all once more so will close with love from us both and lots of kisses for Susan & Carol.

Dad & Mum

P.S. Geoff says query Hamblin interested in Edwards’ job?

*Over £13,000 in present-day terms.

**Roughly £2,500 today.

Sunday 20th March, 1960

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Here we are again, another week nearer your much anticipated visit. Many happy returns to Dad on the Birthday although by the post I expect we are a day late. Never-the-less I hope you had a good day with the visit from Don and Joan. They tell me it has been quite a nice day out although have been indoors on an electrical job all day. Just had phone interruption. It was Geoff who wants us all to go over to Headstone Lane on Easter Sunday as soon as possible after dinner. Told him that would be in order. We have been waiting for him to fix up for our visit for quite some time and it now looks as though he has made up his mind when it will be.

Well to take things in order, your letters first. Thank you both for them. I note the posh paper (Mothers) sadly let down by (Fathers). How much a foot do you pay for that. Sorry about the screws in the neck, I take it that was Fibrositis which you will recall I had when at Weston School, Very painful indeed and most lowering. Hope that is all better now. Doctor gave me Adrenalin Cream to rub in. This was on the occasion of my second attack when at West Ealing, It was during the war and he had to send to Scotland for the Adrenalin Cream It was quite good stuff but does not keep.

Sorry your day at Exeter was so spoiled by rain. You can not rely on the weather even on your rare outings. I expect you wished you had taken the car particularly when waiting on Taunton Station. I seen to remember we had a few waits at Taunton in the past. I note you have planted Parsley and Virginia Stock, we have the same but have not yet put in. I also have three packets of Dwarf French and one of Scarlet Runner, two of Lettuce and some Parsnip to go in. I put the fork over the new bottom plot yesterday and it worked a treat. Should do too as when path was constructed round the outside had to shift practically all the earth in the square to a depth of about two feet. I had not touched it since the path was made and you could plant small seeds straight away. The Virginia Stock we got with a packet of soap or something. Did you get yours from Paxmans ? ( Sorry )

Yes I would have liked to come down for the week-end but will keep it in mind for later in the year when there are no impending visits expected. From the sound of the feast provided at Paxmans I take it you were bulging at the seams when you got home. I suppose you now, know how to get clothes whiter than white. Glad to hear Soole’s father is out of hospital – looks as though it may be possible for him to attend the wedding. Have you got an invitation? No I do not recall Kelly or his three children. The only child I remember in the house next the corner was called Martin.

I am glad you approved of our action re the flowers. In view of the short time I thought that the best to do. They were white tulips, with yellow daffs and some white flowers just like stocks. With the greenery they looked quite presentable. I picked up Norman Thorne at Greenford station at about 9-0 am and drove him round to Roy’s place. We had a chat there for a short while then went to the church. There were not all that number of people there, but Flaxman was in attendance. Of course the immediate family mourners were present but we did not make any contact with them nor see them at Greenford later. Have not yet seen them and think it as well for the time being. Iris of course looked in pretty bad shape but I understand she is being very brave. They are staying with her parents at the time being. Roy drove us back to London after the Funeral which was very convenient.

Yes Susans memory is quite good when it suits her. Carol now asks to see the Mobo Toys and “see church where Carol Christened”. There is quite a demand to see the book – almost a daily occurrence. Glad Don looking better. You will have had an opportunity to confirm your opinion of his health as a result of the visit to Clevedon. If he could rest up a bit particularly in some good Summer weather it could put him right again.

Ronnie Grey is still in hospital. It seers the operation was a little bigger than they made out. He still complains of pain in his stomach and there is still some discharge from the wound. They were expecting him out this week but I think it will be a little while yet. Grey has bought himself a new car. He went out with the intention of selling his old one and getting a Mark 1 Consul but was dissatisfied with the one he saw and found a 1957 Vauxhall Velox in a nearby showroom. I have only seen it from a distance but he says it is quite something. He is taking delivery next Saturday.

Your lettuce production is certainly large scale. Did you sell many last season? No movement in the Dahlias yet. The weather has been a little too cold for much progress. I am surprised that you are still getting trouble with rabbits, I thought they had all gone. Took the children and June to Eastcote for fourpenny all off yesterday morning. The hairdresser certainly took her time – over an hour. Other than that we have not had car out this week. Carol was quite good, no trouble this time.

Had to put a permanent electrical point in for the fridge so decided to convert whole downstairs electrical apparatus (except lighting ) to 13 amp Ring Main. As you know we already had some parts so fitted. The two electric convector heaters, the T.V, and the Washing Machine. All these were on odd lengths of wire from the fuse box. I have now put in a complete ring of wire from stairs along hall to lounge, across lounge and under wall into dining room, across dining room by French Windows and into kitchen thence back to fuse box by stairs. All the odd lengths of wire have been withdrawn and the sockets connected to the ring. I have put in the additional socket for the fridge and salvaged quite an amount of wire from under the house. Any number of points can now be fitted just by the purchase of the connecting box and the socket outlet. I shall not need any more wire even for the connections as there is enough to last me some time when I salvage the wire going to the Panel electric fires from a separate fuse box. I can connect all these fires to the ring and salvage the present connections. Had to take up floor boards in all rooms and had a job to keep Carols head out of the holes.

Well there it is for this week, hope you are both fit now and stay that way until we see you. Love from June Susan, Carol and Alec

Thursday 17th March, 1960

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Leonard to the family on the reverse of Table 31 – continued – WEST OF ENGLAND to SOUTH WALES VIA BRISTOL

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for letters received on Saturday & Tuesday. It was a shock to hear about Graham Adlem – he was so young for such a complaint. Thank you very much for including us on the card attached to sheaf of flowers – will settle when we meet. We wondered on the Saturday morning what to do but time was so short – your idea put things right in that respect. It must be a terrible blow to Iris & family. I think both his father and mother are dead – in fact I believe I understood many years ago that when in the Westbury Control he lived with his sister – query at Steeple Ashton near Trowbridge. Hope the Esso people look after them – he could not have had many years’ service to qualify for various funds of the firm.

Now to your second letter. Susan must have a pretty good memory to remember parts of the seafront and the Mobo toys – after all she was only just over three years of age when she was here in July last. I thought you would like the Clevedon Guide – a bit fanciful to people who know anything about the place but quite attractive to others.

We both had a good laugh over Susan’s ‘painfully’ experience – I expect you did also behind her back. They must be very interesting now-a-days in spite of all the work and worry they give you.

We went to Exeter on Monday but it was a poor day really. Rained most of the time and it was also much cooler. Got out to Heavitree about 11.30 a.m. and found everything in order.* Did not stop many minutes owing to the rain and took bus back to centre of City where we had lunch. A look round the shops then but weather still unpleasant so made our way back to station and home.

Saw Don at Durston going down in train seemed to be looking his normal self again but of course we only saw him for less than a minute. He and Joan are coming up to lunch on Sunday the 20th inst. – a date arranged when we went to Lyng in January.

Yet it was rather strange how I saw Snow at Gowan’s funeral. After we had found a seat in back row but one of the church the person in front of me turned round and it was Snow. It was the only time we met as when we got outside again there was no trace of him – in fact quite a lot disappeared in that short space of time including Charlie Rust. I thought Snow was beginning to look old – gone quite grey. George Grant was at one time the chief divisional inspector – he was predecessor to Willmott and Ashton followed Willmott. The Lovemore you mentioned was Yard Insp. at Temple Meads – responsible for working at Dr Day’s – Malago Vale** and the Midland [????]? Stacey now holds this job.

I did not study the Guillebaude report very closely and handed it on to Don on Monday as per Geoff’s wishes. Noticed he was trying to blind everybody with figures though. I see the ASLEF want increase to date from August 1956 – pity they could not go back to 1912 when I should get another picking.***

Bad luck for Ronnie Grey but hope he is getting on alright again now. Appendicitis is something they have to deal with very quickly or serious developments occur. I remember G. A. V. Philips was rushed off to Cottage Hospital many years ago here and operated on immediately for same trouble.

So you have bought a new hat and had a job to get a fit – why? The last I bought was the cap I use occasionally – got it in Exmouth about three years ago when we went there for the day.

Thank you very much for remembering 21st March and I shall look forward to receiving whatever it is when we are with you too – two years old, how time flies.****

Weather still generally unkind down here but am plodding on with garden – have now put out 84 lettuce plants and given them a dose of Sluggit mixture. So far so good. Ground still much too wet for seed sowing so I’ve put in a lot in three of the garden frames. Might as well bring them on in there and plant out later. Have taken a few more chrysanth cuttings and will bring up one or two rooted plants for you. Have cracked up all the bricks and stone alongside Heels fence – this was a tiring job and only accomplished in small sessions since Christmas. The shallots are all shooting out now and I have two nice long rows of them. Mum has been busy cleaning up some of the flower borders. You are ahead of me with dahlias. I’ve only just tipped mine out of winter quarters onto one of the concrete paths. Have far too many to try and bring them on in greenhouse and all the frames except one are in use. The one exception is the frame I’m keeping for a hot bed for cucumbers. Am wondering if Don will bring up a sack of dry poultry manure***** – as he did last time – to go in there. By the way rabbits are again plentiful on the hills and they destroy a lot of the flowers on graves in the churchyard & cemetery. Some men get after them with guns – not without result but I should not fancy any now-a-days. Hope they will leave garden alone this year.

Well I think this must be all once more. Lots of kisses for our two cherubs.

Dad & Mum

*’Everything’ was presumably the gravestone for Emily that Don and Geoff had arranged.

**Now a trading estate.

***I’m not sure what ‘another picking’ may be in this context, although 1912 was the year Leonard joined the GWR and presumably he had to decide (or be told) which sort of work he would be most suitable for. He may have thought, rather cynically, that driving a train would have been more lucrative than the traffic management work he ended up doing.

****This would be a reference to Carol, about to turn two in April.

*****Don and Joan kept chickens, of course, but I wasn’t previously aware of him trucking sacks of dry poultry manure around the country!

Wednesday 16th March, 1960

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Eva to the family, on smart letterheaded paper:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for letters. I am a bit late in answering last week’s, had the screws in my neck, it was the wet weather. We are very interested about the children they keep you guessing alright.

We were shocked to hear of Graham’s death, never dreamed he was delicate. Now I come to think of it his parents died very early didn’t they, it must be a terrible blow to Iris. We haven’t written either, it is very difficult to write letters of condolence.

We went to Exeter yesterday and oh what a day of it. To begin with it poured with rain the whole time. We went straight and got some flowers then took a bus out to Butts Lane. After putting flowers on grave we went back again to city and had lunch in the Burlington restaurant in High St, been there before.

Well it was only 12.30 when we had come out so mouched [sic] around the shops bought Dad his birthday present etc. & had loads of time. By that time my neck was aching again & we were getting wet so we decided to go back to Taunton earlier left 2 p.m. instead of 3.45 & had the pleasure of waiting there over 1 1/2 hours. Fortunately the train came & we were able to get in. It was still raining when we arrived home at 6.10 p.m.

This morning the weather was very nice but hazy so did the washing but by the middle of the afternoon we had a bad storm.

Dad has been very busy planting out lettuces & chrysanths etc. Also doing bit of digging. I have planted Parsley & Virginia Stocks.

Don & Joan are coming up next Sunday to lunch. We should have been very pleased to see you had you been coming but we shall soon be with you I hope.

No the tea at the laundry did not taste soapy it was a jolly good one. There were hot mince pies scones & butter & every kind of cake including some home made ones. First of all we went over the washing part etc. then tea and after went over the dry cleaning part. They don’t use detergent, only soap soda & a little bleach on table cloths. There were thousands of articles all packed in the containers which boys manipulated.

One of the girls was ironing shirts said she did nothing but that all day & every day, I should be heartily sick of it. The noise in there was terrific & they will only take parties of 15 at a time you can see why as they wouldn’t be able to get near enough to the man who was describing the processes.

I believe we are going somewhere else in June sometime, there was something said about looking at some printing works, another noisy place.

I hope you are all noticing the posh paper which I bought about two years ago. I air it now and then.

Soole is going to be married the same day as Princess Margaret only half on hour earlier. Just like him isn’t it. he wants organ & bells etc. His father is out of hospital but at the Highcliffe Hotel for the time being query whether he will ever take part in a service again.

You know Kelly, he used to live just round the corner next house to where Cummings live now, had three little girls. He moved to the Wilderness up behind Dyers at East Clevedon.

Well I think this is all now so hope you all are quite well.

Lots of love from Mum & Dad

P.S. Please keep that private about Soole & he doesn’t want it got about yet.

Sunday 13th March, 1960

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Dear Mum and Dad

Thank you for Dad’s letter duly received on Saturday morning. Almost as regular a service as Wells Fargo. I note how you managed to get the previous one through earlier. Incidentally I have not seen any newspaper account of Edwards passing or funeral. Yes we find the Clevedon Guide to be quite something and the children are very fond of it. Susan wants to see the flower (on the cover) with Grandads face and Carol has taken up the cry of “see the Mobo Toys “. Susan recognises the beach scenes and the circle of bushes she ran around the first time she went to Clevedon. Carol of course cannot recognise anything but is not to be left out if there is anything to inspect, I thought you would be amused at the bad hand, probably took you back a few years. I am not surprised at your comments about the weather it has been very treacherous this end. If you dress for cold it rains and if you dress for wet it freezes. All the time the temperature goes up and down like a Yo-yo. We had a few flakes of snow Thursday morning but no shower, I heard you had been to the funeral at Bristol on Monday last. I was talking to Snow on phone ( by accident ) on Friday and he said he saw you but did not recognise you at first – don’t know what that means. So you saw Powell and Phillips did you. I expect it was a right old gathering of the clans. I agree re cost of binge, will go toward the £90,000,000. Note Geoff tallies with my forecast of successor. Have not nor will not hear of any of the high grade by-play that will go on before the job is filled. Whatever happens, the ranks of the Area Managers is severely weakened in relation to Headquarters with the loss of Edwards. There is not one of them left with the strentgh to withstand pressure from London. It may mean the whole, pattern of relationship between the Area Managers and H.Q. could be affected for years to come. Bring some crysanths by all means also instructions for use and we will find suitable show place for them in house. Note you will be bringing some wine and will accept with pleasure. We have not drunk all the last lot you brought up and it must be good for the keeping. Sampled my Plum and my Apricot wines on Saturday and they are very good. Have two more I have not sampled yet so there is a job for you when you arrive. It is no good Soole breathing fire at this stage. He should have made himself indispensible long ago and there then would have been no danger of his being passed over. Glad Mum had a good time at Paxmans Laundry and came home looking like “my Fred’s shirt”. Expect tea in the canteen was a bit soapy. No doubt we shall hear of any washing tips being put in to practice shortly if only to send it to Paxman’s. I did not know George Grant. As far as I know there was no “Chief” Inspector at Bristol in my day. The only one who held title of Chief was the Station Inspector Lovemore. Was he D.S.O. staff or a D.I. ? I bought a copy of the Railway Pay report as I thought you would like to see it but as Geoff has shewn you one will keep it here. Having quite a bit to do with statistics lately on roughly the same line as Guillebaud I am amazed at the naivity of some of his statements and at some of the very amateurish deductions he has made with certain sets of facts. I suppose the poor chap was a bit rushed and 90% of the readers will not understand it anyway so he will probably get away with it. To-day I put my Dahlia plants in a box with just the necks shewing and will await the production of shoots. I was able to take soil direct from bottom of garden with a coal shovel and it has broken up easily in the fingers. Well that disposes of the points raised in your letter so now to pass on to the current news. From your letter it would not appear that you had heard about Graham* and I am sorry I did not write you earlier. We heard on Wednesday night and I intended telling all those on the Railway who should be told on the Thursday morning. I telephoned Norman Thorne at Swansea who had not heard, then I rang Woodward who said he had heard from Flaxman the previous day. Of course I assumed that so far as the Operating Dept was concerned the news had already been passed around and as it is not welcome news I told no one else, I thought for sure that Geoff who is close to Woodward would have told you or that perhaps Charlie Rust night have let you know. It was originally my intention to ring him and ask him to tell you. When I spoke to Snow on Friday he knew. The result of the P.M. was Thrombosis brought about by hardening of the arteries. It would appear from witnesses that he has shewn some discomfort for at least a year but it is not known by us if he was taking medical advice or not. I am meeting Thorne at Greenford station and with Roy we are going to the funeral at the Church of the Holy Cross and thence to Greenford Cemetery. We have ordered a “Sheaf” of Flowers and have asked for the card to be inscribed “Deepest Sympathy from Mr and Mrs L.J. Atkins, June, Alec and Family”. We went to West Drayton to take over Mr Bakers Birthday present and on way buy myself a new hat. Had to get one in any case as the old one has been Condemned for some time. Job to get what I wanted and also a fit. No rude remarks. In view of your Impending visit I do not propose to visit you next week-end. We have purchased your present which we think it will be best to keep till. you come up. Carol was near to being sick on way to West Drayton yesterday and was (both barrels) on our way back. Talk about pleasure in motoring. She is not too good to-day and we had a bad session with her at bed-time to-night which is now something a little unusual. Susan has been extremely naughty and trying to-day and has come by several pieces of chastisement. The last was a hefty wallop from June on bare bottom at Bath-time. Had the cheek to say June did it “painfully “. Poor Ronnie next door was rushed to hospital on Wednesday with acute appendicitis. They operated the same night and he is getting on very well now. He has some inflammation but they have already got him up out of bed. I do not know when he will be home but they certainly do not make a meal of it these days. Re Graham — we have not written to Iris, perhaps it will be better to leave it for a bit. She has been making all the arrangements apparently although obviously has had a lot of help from family who are close at hand. We understand that Esso are being very generous whatever that means. Well that’s all till later in week. Love from June, Susan, Carol and Alec

*Graham was the husband of one of June’s Baker cousins.

Thursday 10th March, 1960

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Leonard to the family on reverse of Table 21, London and Exeter and Plymouth (The Royal Duchy and Cornish Riviera Express):

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for your long and interesting letter on Tuesday. I managed to get last week’s letter into post on Thursday evening when I slipped out in car to get an evening paper with account of Edwards’ death that morning. Note you have a copy of the Clevedon Guide. We have seen it and that’s why we thought you would like to have one. Did Susan remember the Mobo toys? Fancy playing up with her ‘bad’ hand – she is a knockout.

Weather this week a very mixed bag. Last Saturday just like midsummer and people were sitting about on the hill. Wednesday (yesterday) was about the limit. Snow in the morning and rain remainder of day and all the time a bitter east wind. It was as much as I could stand to get to and from the greenhouse & garage. Today quite different again – mild and sunny and I was able to do a lot on garden.

With Aston on Monday I went to Bristol for the funeral and what a galaxy of top brass in the railway world were present. I wager the funeral binge will cost the British Transport Commission a lot of money. I spoke to W. Powell – who still has the ‘superior to you’ tilt of his head. Also had a word with Mr Philips who was with Stevens of Cardiff. The church is a little larger than ours and on this occasion it was full and standing. The local district offices and stations were well represented apart from further afield. Note your forecast regarding successor – Geoff also commented somewhat similarly in his letter received yesterday but as Harvey is 59 he did not think he would move – we shall see. So far as Edwards is concerned it is a very sad end at the peak of his career and whatever his faults he is going to be missed.

Re chrysanths – our indoor varieties are certainly suitable for ‘house’ growing but you would require a few seven or eight inch pots for the final potting and J. I. Compost no. 3. It would be too early for this at the time we come up but could bring some if you would like them. Incidentally of the things mentioned previously I did not include wine but I’m sure you anticipated I would bring up some of this poison. I tried some plum this week – not bad but still cloudy. The blackcurrant is clear but very sharp.

Have not seen Norman lately for the reason you mention – nothing to sell. I just caught sight of him near the Church on Sunday but unable to speak to him.

Note your account of Dent’s progress – it is amazing how some ‘get there’ without any effort on their part. Soole of course is very upset and breathing fire. It does seem that the old order has got to be changed whether the new one is better or not and you must get on the ‘wagon’ somehow or other or be left behind.

So you have had the ‘fridge’ installed – I like the idea of keeping the beer fresh at the expense – if necessary – of the milk. I’m sure June will have something to say about this.

Mother went to Bristol this afternoon with TG to visit Paxman’s Laundry off Gloucester Road – got into the ‘steamy’ side of the business and looked quite clean when she got home. Said they were given a good tea in the firm’s canteen.

Do you remember a chief divisional inspector at Bristol named George Grant? Ashton has gone to his funeral today at Bath. He was over 80 and had been retired many years.

Yes it will take longer to go to Exeter by train than to motor down but shall save cost of petrol by having a pass and we shall also wander round the shops before returning home. Car will be left at Yatton station.

Saw Richings at Bristol on Monday – he is not an applicant for Westbury. John Snow (Reading) was also at Bristol. Charlie Rust was in church but I did not get a chance to speak to him at any time.

Have you seen a copy of the Gillebaude report? Geoff sent me one but wants me to give it to Don when we pass through Durston on Monday. I see it is price 2/- but it is a voluminous publication.

Glad to hear the girls are progressing satisfactorily now – it will not be long before we see them again. Have had car serviced and engine retuned now in good condition once more. Am hoping nothing further will be required before our journey to Ruislip.

Have dug out the two trenches for runner beans and filled them with compost ready for planting in May. The shallots are just beginning to shoot and today I put out about a dozen and a half of greenhouse mixed lettuce. Normal digging of the ground proceeds according to the weather and I’ve finished the middle plot already. Now started on the long piece alongside Heels garden.

Well I think this is all once more. Hope you are all keeping free of colds. Lots of kisses for Susan & Carol.

Dad & Mum

Sunday 6th March, 1960

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Alec to his parents:

6th March ’60

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thanks for both your letters received during week. We also had communication from Clevedon by post on the Saturday morning. – The Holiday Guide, Note Mothers comments on the weather being warmer, that was certainly so at the time c writing but I am afraid it has gone back to Winter to-day, much colder with a piercing wind. The children did go out in the garden at the start of the week and spasmodically since but for shorter periods. Generally the ground is not too bad and you certainly cannot say it is soggy. Glad to hear Miss Weekes is better and that the maid has been dismissed, Tickenham W,I, certainly travelled far afield but hope they were not disappointed with their show, I have heard little good about “My Fair Lady” after the first enthusiasm of the Theatre Critics, We were very surprised to learn of the Royal Engagement but of course so was nearly everyone else, I hope they get a bit of peace and quiet eventually, it seems that they can not stick their nose outside their own back door without all the world and T.V. breathing down their necks. Can’t say I take to him as yet but assume she likes him. Our crocusses have all died out save one. That one is one flower left of a clump that used to be near the front gate, I can not think where all the others have gone to. There were so many of them, all blues and yellows and I understood that they tended to increase rather than decrease. Still I suppose you have to grow them in soil not concrete. You should have got a colour photograph of old Astons eye, could have sent it to Harpies for his Anti-Accident campaign, I am surprised to learn that the Research Station is closing down, it was only recently that I saw something in the papers about some developement of Penicillin having been produced there. They are conducting large scale research into the Origins of the Common Cold near Salisbury and that is possibly the place to which they are going, Hope they succeed. Who is Kelly? I do not think that the girls will be shy of you when you arrive. Neither of them have been like it with you yet. Why do you not see Norman these days. Is it because you have no pro­duce to sell at this time of year? Dad’s letter arrived on Friday this week, must have clicked right with an earlier post. There was once a path between the quarry and the allotments and not highly overgrown with grass as it is now. There is also a large blackberry bush barring the way to the Hill now or so I think and this was quite small and to one side when I last walked that way. Your indoor Chrysanths will not be much use this end as I take it they are not suitable for House growing. Re Window Frames, I do not know what to say. At the moment I think one will do but when opportune will possibly indent for the other. All Editors of such Magazines have the same complaint that no one will take an interest in the doings of his or her particular activity. When I was playing regular Table Tennis, Tennis and Cricket it was the same story. No one wanted to take office and those that did ran the show just as it suited them. I joinmed for the service given for the half crown per annum fee, It includes supply of the bulletin. If you want to submit any material, I will pass it on. After all you have much more practical experience than most of the readers, and possibly more time to put it on paper. I heard unofficially that one of the Class Two’s went to the Newport S.M.s Clerk but have not heard where the other went, heard almost immediately about L.E. He had a stroke on Tuesday and was rushed to St. Mary’s, They pulled out all the stops as regards getting top brass in the Medical World to him but it did no good. I cannot help feeling that he was well aware that he would be taken in some such manner and was determined to get what he thought was the best out of life beforehand. Depends on what you want I suppose. Of course the War Drums will be beating for his job now, I have heard Deans name strongly tipped as he has the backing of a Cornish Magnate who is on the Board. I myself fancy Harvey’s chances. Edwards funeral on Monday. I know Geoff Dent, I remember him when he was training. He is a pal of Bill Bryers and was sent to the London District to assist them with Passenger Train Matters with no position at all. By sheer chance two sudden departures from the District and he was up to Number two acting Assistant. He had hardly got that when he got promoted to Gloucester as full scale Assistant It hardly seems last week. Now he has displaced Soole and Co. Well it all goes to the pattern that I set out a while back. It is obvious to me that through constant failure of Railways to pay their way has led to pressure from without to completely eradicate the old and bring in the new whatever the consequences. This became apparent to me a long time ago and since then I have done my best to be counted with the wheat rather than the tares. Once classified with the old it means finish under present day conditions. We only had another example this week. Canning who was a trainee recently beat Bill Noke and several others for the similar job to Dents in the London District. As I see it it is no use knowing how to do anything that has been done for many years in the same way. These things will be altered not possibly for the better, but just because they do not work in present conditions. By appointing these younger men they will make sure that this comes about. Even people like Jack Taylor have become redundant and I believe that C.W. Powell will find himself in the same position shortly. Sorry to hear that Newman is poorly and hope that the Summer Weather will pull him round. Hope you have a fine day for your visit to Exeter on Monday next it is probably longer by train is it not? I am not surprised that your rates have gone up due to improvements. They get you all ways. Dont worry about the string, I have enough to be getting along with and I have forgotten all about a whole ball at present in use to keep kids of the bottom of the lawn. When I roll that up again it will increase my supply. (If not rotted). Well we got the Clevedon Guide and quite a good one it is too. Susan keeps on asking me to open it and shew her the Mobo Toys. She is very good now with pot. Pity the other is not so good. This morning she nicked a small triangle of flesh out of index finger of right hand. It was only about one eight inch in length looked little red but did not draw blood. You should have heard. Called it her window. Walked around holding finger up and course Carol soon cottoned on and did the same. At lunch she could only eat with the left hand and could not possibly use her right. It passed off in the end and she is still happy as ever. Carol has been sleeping well and we do not get any trouble with her now. Occasionally she mutters in her sleep something about Susan but soon quietens down. We got our fridge last Monday. It is a L.E.C. size 2 Cubic Feet. Just big enough to get most of our stuff in without a lot of space to spare. Shall have to keep a few tins of beer in it for the Summer. That will probably mean shifting out the milk. I do not know whether you said you had seen the Guide but will keep this one available for when you come. The element of the electric iron packed up this week and we are sending the article back to Morphy Richards. Eric next door was unable to replace the element as it is a special type and there seems to be no way to remove it from the iron. Hope they can do it. Well do not think I have any more news this time. More in my next. Love from June, Susan, Carol and

Thursday 3rd March, 1960

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Leonard to the family (on reverse of Table 58: Cholsey & Moulsford and Wallingford, Week days only (second class only)):

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the letter received on Tuesday with all the news and enclosures – quite a budget but very interesting. Glad to hear the young ladies escaped serious mischief during the past week but sorry you have had another lot of colds. It is very boisterous here today but a nice sun makes things fairly pleasant outdoors – have been quite busy one way and another but rain during night kept me from digging.

Yes you are right about the allotments behind Moggs – expect you remember getting on to the hill that way – short cut. Sorry Miss Baker not making much progress – the end of Winter usually has its effect on the older people but Spring is not far away now and already there are numerous signs that it is approaching. Yes Randle lived in Neweys house on the corner of this avenue opposite side to where Cummings now live. The chrysanths cuttings I’ve taken are of the indoor varieties only but you are certainly welcome to a few of these if any good to you.

Will one window frame be enough? Can supply a couple if desired but think could only manage one at a time. I remember talking about rose cuttings but we have not taken any this time and our new bushes – planted last year – are not in full growth yet – anyhow will keep this item in mind.

Am returning the show and price lists as desired – many thanks for sight of same. According to the monthly bulletin not many take a real interest in the affairs of the Society.

Norman did not hear any more about his applications for W/S* – seems to be really up against it at the moment. Expect you have heard that Leslie Edwards died this morning at 9.0 a.m. in St. Mary’s Hospital following a stroke in the Refreshment Rooms at Temple Meads on Tuesday. It is a real tragedy and his second wife whom he married last March is expecting a baby this month. Without doubt his fondness for intoxicants hastened his end which some of us at Bristol foretold long ago. All the same it is a tragedy. He would have been sixty next November I think. Now there will be another dogfight for his job.

Note your forecast of Guillebaude report but you say ‘out of category’ is not covered – this will of course automatically follow.

Understand Soole, Pierce & Griffiths all up to London recently for interview for Soole’s job which is being redesignated. None of them got it – an outsider and much younger man (former trainee) from Gloucester name of Dent got it, resulting in a lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth at Bristol.

Had a letter from Geoff this morning and reading between the lines as it were it looks as if he has not got any of the jobs for which he applied. At any rate some of them have been filled but he has heard nothing.

Your garden must look a bit of a wreck with Susan & Carol using it for a playground but after all there is not too much room for them especially when they start scrapping for the various toys.

I put in a long row of peas on Monday but it was a sticky job – ground still very wet. Today have been busy putting some edging boards between path and garden across bottom of middle piece of ground. Am anxious now to get a seed bed made and one or two lots of small seeds in.

We went to Bristol yesterday afternoon to visit Mr & Mrs Newman. He is still troubled with arthritis but having some special treatment which must continue for two or three more weeks. Not much if any improvement noticeable in him at the moment.

This coming Saturday we are hoping the Staceys will come down for the evening. On Monday 14th Mum and I hope to go to Exeter by train for the day to visit Heavitree.**

The rating authorities put up our rateable value by £1 in consequence of improvements to kitchen and incidentally our rates are now 22/6d to the pound. The improvement was well worth doing and we cannot grumble at £1 increase.

The lorrying of hard core to the sea wall has now ceased and a levelling machine has been busy this week. Understand the top and sides will be concreted when the hard core has settled down.

Mum wrote you a letter in the week which no doubt you duly received. Mrs Heel & Mrs Cornish with other members of Tickenham Women’s Institute went on the evening excursion from Bristol yesterday to see “My Fair Lady”. Heard this morning they all had a good time.

Assuming Pauline now recovered normal health by this time and hope Mr & Mrs Baker both keeping well.

Note possibility of W/S going to divisions – presumably this would come under development department in each area.

Will sort out some more string to bring up but it is in somewhat short supply at the moment.

No more now – hope you are all keeping well.

Lots of kisses for Susan & Carol.

Dad & Mum.

*Work study

**Leonard was actually born in Swindon and baptised in Weston-super-Mare but spent much of his childhood at Heavitree near Exeter.

Tuesday 1st March, 1960

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From Eva to the family:

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Many thanks for the letter of last week. Glad to hear the children are going on alright at last.

The weather has been so much warmer, I expect they play in the garden again. Dad has been busy digging his garden but the ground is still very wet.

I have finished going over to Miss Weekes now she is so much better & can get around on her own. Colds are very plentiful around this way. On Wednesday we hop to go to Bristol to Newmans the last time I went to Bristol shopping was November. The car came back today so we should be O.K.

Mrs Cornish & some of the Tickenham W.I. are going to London on Wednesday to see My Fair Lady*. They leave here 3.15 and get back again following morning at 2.30. They could not get in last year and have been booked up for twelve months.

Some of the T.G.** are going over Paxman’s Laundry on March 10th hope they will give us tea. I guess you were surprised at the Royal engagement***. We were listening to the gardening when they interrupted the programme.

We have a few crocuses up which makes a splash of colour & our cinerarias have been lovely all colours from white to pale pink rose mauve violet saxe blue & royal.

Old Aston’s eye is still a bit black guess he had that to last a lifetime.

The research station is closing down within the next twelve months & the powers that be have to find jobs for about 60 people. The Antibiotics are going to a place near Salisbury**** as being more central & they will only take a few employees with them. Kelly will be alright I suppose.

Hope Pauline’s cold is better. Pity she couldn’t be at the birthday party, how time flies. I hope the children won’t be shy of us when we see them.

The bureau bookcase seems to be what you needed there the children don’t get at the books now.

The people who have bought next door have had the gas taken out & a new grate put in one of the rooms so they have started at last.

We don’t see Norman these days he doesn’t take any orders now either for Clevedon or the office. I have been around the orchard & the plum blossoms seem to be plentiful again although a little too early to say definitely.

Pat***** is expecting her third this month I think.

Well I think this is all for now so will close with love from us both.

Mum & Dad

*The London production of My Fair Lady opened on 30 April 1958 with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews in the leading roles, but by the time these ladies made the trip both the leading players had been replaced.

**Townswomen’s Guild – the urban counterpart of the W.I.

***The engagement between Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong Jones (as he was at the time) was announced on 26 February, but they had apparently been engaged since October.

****This is a bit of a mystery, but ‘near Salisbury’ seems to indicate Porton Down and it’s therefore not impossible that ‘antibiotics’ were a bit of a cover story. I need to look into this further.

*****Pat was a cousin of Alec’s, although I haven’t quite figured out where she fits into the family tree. More on this as and when I get it.