Wednesday 17th June 1959

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1959 lettersLeave a comment

Eva to Alec and family:

Clevedon , Wednesday 17th June 1959

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Many thanks for both your letters.

The vicar called up yesterday morning and said all set for Sunday 12th July at 3.30 p.m. and he is looking forward to it. We haven’t heard a word from Lyng although we invited them as well to be here.

Geoff and family duly arrived on Sunday for their flying visit. It was a grand day. After lunch we went for a stroll on the front which was crowded. After tea Dad took them back to Yatton to catch the 5.1 train which was running late, however not too late for Dad to go singing after he got back.

I hope Carol has got back to normal again. I should ask the doctor if you could give her a half or a quarter of an aspirin. Mrs Cummings used to, to keep Wendy quiet. Some of it might be the heat.

Dad and Norman at it now on the path. Hobbs delivered the cement at 9 a.m. so they ought to do the two paths in one day. It’s a grand day for it but we need rain badly. Birds are nipping off the buds of our dahlias and the strawberries are drying up. We have had several pounds though and made a little jam.

Mr and Mrs Saunders at Yatton are coming to tea on Thursday. He is still off but going on A1. We hear Mr Rust has a new job but what we don’t quite know as he applied for three posts. Cummings are going out on the 23rd so I don’t suppose anyone will be there when you arrive.

My leg has got alright again except for red mark.

Someone I know here had an operation for her leg for varicose veins. She had a boy and girl but didn’t have the operation until they were about 10 and 8. She walked with a stick for some time after but is A1 now rides bicycle etc.

Well I must stop now and have some dinner ready.

Love

Mum

Leonard to Alec and family [handwritten on the reverse of Timetable 184: Whitchurch, Oswestry, Welshpool and Aberystwyth]

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Just a line or two to include with Mother’s letter – wish I had a typewriter to run it off as quickly as Alec can. My hands are very shaky after a big effort yesterday in putting down the concrete paths. Norman came round about 9.0 a.m. and the ‘ready mix’ arrived just afterwards and from then until 1.50 p.m. we were hard at it. Norman then went home and after only a fifteen minutes break for a quick dinner I started again and eventually finished at 4.30 p.m. Looks fairly well this morning but shall give it another day to harden. Very sorry to hear you are both having such a hectic time with Carol – it must be her teeth as June says for otherwise she is usually very happy and cheerful. Note you too have been busy in garden – it will be a great improvement but it’s all hard work to get it right. You ought to get a snapshot of Susan rolling the lawn. Never mind about her picking the flowers. Grandma Atkins used to tell me that when I was about Susan’s age I picked my grandfather’s prize pansies* which he had taken special care of in anticipation of an exhibition or rather flower show. He was apparently very cross. I do not think those dahlia tubers of Geoff’s will come to anything now – should unearth one and if no sign of growth uproot the lot and burn. The ‘witches brew’ (Elderflower) is still working but it tastes very bitter at the moment – may improve in due course. Hope it will be alright when you come down. Of course it is alright for Thursday July 9th and assume you will arrive by 1.15 from Paddington through to Yatton – have not checked with summer timetable. Will meet you at Yatton. Mother has told you christening arrangements now confirmed by Vicar. No news from Lyng now for nearly three weeks when we last wrote we extended invitation to lunch on either 5th or 12th July as case may be and are still waiting reply.

Will Pauline be down for the weekend? We hope so.

Flowers in garden now plentiful and the orange blossom is a picture. Have cut grass (scythe) in the field as far as the fruit trees are concerned but have not yet tackled the open space behind the potato plot except to cut a path alongside [Huls ? ] fence down to the river. Incidentally I fell into that hole you and Frank Hessel dug many years ago when going down to assist Hul in getting a cow out of his field about 9.45 p.m. one night.

Must close now – Mother waiting for me to take her into town and I want one or two items myself.

Cheerio for now and lots of kisses for Susan and Carol.

Dad

*Leonard’s reference to his grandfather is interesting. He would never have known his grandfather on the Atkins side, as his father, Tom, was ‘born out of wedlock’ as they used to say in those days, so this can only refer to Emily’s father John Beacham. [IIRC!]

Sunday 14 June 1959

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Alec to his parents

Dear Mum and Dad

Herewith letter in answer to both of yours and items in June’s Birthday letter. We are all well and hope you are. It has been very fine here these last few days and have made the most of the sunshine. Looking forward to our visit, please say if all arrangements now confirmed.

Office Barnes now on leave will return on 29th June, shall not have very much of him before go on leave myself. More than a strong rumour that L.W.I. has got Hammond’s job no doubt Geoff has same info. Yes I know all about new S.M. Clevedon. If you remember, I told you. Re L.W.I., a probable candidate for his job is G.E.R.P. Quite a number of high powered vacancies brewing up so await the future with interest (not personal).

Children Had some trouble with Carol yesterday, she has cut another tooth and she let the road know about it. The pantomime started at about 6.0 p.m. and she was still howling at 11.30 at which time I nursed her off to sleep. She was awake at 2.30 again and June had her in with her while I went in Susan’s room. All was then quiet until 5.45 a.m. To-day she has not been herself but this evening seemed much more normal although we did have about twenty minutes of ructions before she dropped off. At the moment all is quiet. Susan has been the same as usual, very good and very naughty. She pulled all the blossom off the Double Orange you brought up some time ago, and she persists in digging in the wrong places. I took her for a walk this afternoon soon after dinner and we went to the park. She tried all the swings, roundabouts and see-saw and was quite tired when we got home.

Garden Since you were up have completed the path to the bottom of the garden. I dug out all the loose top soil from the part to be cemented and transferred it elsewhere, the filled in the vacant space with all the old rubble and brickbats I could find. When this was completed, I took all the best of the broken paving stones and used them for the two outside edges of the path and put cement down the middle. (Carol now awake and bawling.) After two days this had hardened into quite a good path. Have taken out all the Spring stuff from the front and removed all the London Pride. This has left a big hole as you may imagine but I transferred about eight barrows of top soil from the back levelled the bed up and planted Scabious down the middle. So far have not put anything else in. Have had to carry bags of water all over the place as still no rain. Your Dahlias making good progress but those from Geoff that we planted have not yet hit the surface. (Four weeks) The pinks have been quite a good show but they are a bit thin on the ground. The rose hedge is magnificent but all petals dropping now. Carol tried to eat one for her elevenses. Geoff’s mesembryanthemums are now sturdy plants and we await the first flowers. My third lot seem to be more of a success than the first two tries but still only about 1/2 inch tall in the box. Cut all the lawns to-day but the earth is badly cracked. (Carol quiet again.) Susan rolled the top lawn this morning. Rolling pin tied on behind tricycle. Planted out a number of asters outside dining room and a couple of Perennial Daisies the rest are in pots waiting to go out in the front. Note you have been busy shall expect to see results when we arrive.

Wine Note the Elderflower and hope it is a success. I have not made any for some time but have been watching the price of fruit. All the items seem to be listed at 1/6, Gooseberries, Apples, Strawberries, although doubt whether the latter are at the pound rate. Some of the Grapes too are at 1/6. Have finished your Elderberry and have some in more bottles. I shall have to have a sort out before long.

General Very sorry to hear that Mother had fallen down, it is usually quite a shake up when you don’t expect it. Hope all effects now over. You have probably heard from June that Susan has damaged our T.V. She amused herself by banging rolling pin along the top. The woodwork is quite dented on the top forward edge and will take a French Polisher to put right. It is not too terrible in appearance if you do not know it is there but will not have it done yet awhile in case we get further trouble. June liked her new blouse and looks quite smart in it. Have not seen our Vicar about Christening and have no intention of making any sort of contact with him over our arrangements. Have you heard from Don and Joan in this connection. They mentioned that they would be willing to come and stand as Godparents but pointed out that they were getting on a little and the job was that for a young person. Have not replied to this as take it as acceptance. Donald Campbell and Bluebird at the Lido yesterday. Some crowd there by all accounts. Clock still gaining as a result of my alterations but have again lengthened the pendulum a shade and hope for improved timekeeping. Well that is all for the present except to wish you all the best until next time.

Love, Alec

NB: Posting dates got away from me briefly due to a holiday and an unexpectedly heavy workload, plus having the PC completely decoked and having to find everything again afterwards. Normal service has now been resumed!

Emily and Tom

On By Sue JenkinsIn The Mother ProblemLeave a comment

Tom and Emily are the parents of Leonard, Donald and Geoffrey. (And therefore the grandparents of Alec and great-grandparents of Yours Truly.) It’s clear from the photos that Leonard took after his mother and Donald his father, in particular, while Geoffrey was a satisfying blend of both.

This is Emily (Beacham) Atkins, the focus of ‘The Mother Problem’ as described in the correspondence between her sons. This photograph was taken at Christmas 1946.
Here’s her husband Tom (front row centre). On the back of the picture are these words: For Alec from Grandfie Atkins taken on his retirement from the post of stationmaster at Cross Keys Mon. Oct 27th 1928. Alec would have been three years and four months old at the time.
And this, clearly, is Cross Keys station from which Tom was retiring, although this was taken slightly earlier in 1922. According to Wikipedia Cross Keys – near Ebbw Vale – was open in its original form from 1851 to 1962, and was presumably then demolished and rebuilt (on a slightly different site) in 2008. Take that, Dr Beeching!

Jesus paid my fare/A Little Pilgrim

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This item is a bit of a mystery. It’s handwritten, and I suspect it may have been copied from a newspaper or magazine; although I don’t recognise the handwriting I think it’s a safe bet that it may have been Emily’s. Emily comes through from all the documents I have as being a very devout – not to mention stern – Christian, who had a tendency to impose her views on other people. (No doubt believing she was doing so for their own good.) I could well imagine this being the sort of sentimental thing that would appeal to Emily, particularly towards the end of her life. Frankly I find it rather mawkish myself, and the quality of the verse is pretty average. I haven’t been able to track down an author’s name, but a publisher called Bible Truth is still charging money for it – although I suspect it is Victorian in origin and any copyright that may once have existed on it has long since been extinguished.

JESUS PAID MY FARE

One summer evening, ere the sun went down

When city men were hastening from the town

To reach their home, some near at hand, some far

By snorting train, by omnibus or car

To be beyond the reach of city’s din

A tramcar stopped, a little child got in.

A cheery looking girl, scarce four years old;

Although not shy her manners were not bold

But all alone one scarce could understand

She held a little bundle in her hand

A tiny handkerchief with corners tied

But this did not some bread and butter hide

A satin scarf, so natty and so neat

Was o’er her shoulders thrown, she took her seat

And laid her bundle underneath her arm

And smiling prettily, but yet so calm,

“Please sir,” she gently said, “may I sit here?”

The guard at once replied, “Oh yes, my dear.”

And thus she seemed inclined to make her stay

While once again the tram went on its way.

The tall conductor over six feet high

Now scanned the traveller with a business eye

But in that eye was something kind and mild

That took the notice of the little child.

A little after and the man went round

And soon was heard the old familiar sound

Of gathering pence and clipping ticker too

The tram was full and he had much to do.

“Your fare, my little girl,” at length he said.

She looked a moment, shook her little head.

“I have no pennies, don’t you know,” said she;

“My fare is paid; ’twas Jesus paid for me.”

He looked bewildered, all the people smiled;

“I didn’t know; and who is Jesus, child?”

“Why don’t you know, he once for sinners died,

For little children and for men beside

To make us good and wash us from our sin

Isn’t this his railway I am travelling in?”

“Don’t think it is, I want your fare you know.”

“I told you, Jesus paid it long ago.

My mother told me just before she died

That Jesus paid when he was crucified

That at the cross his railway did begin

Which took poor sinners from a world of sin.

Why, mother said his home was grand and fair

I want to go and see my mother there.

I want to go to Heaven where Jesus lives

Won’t you go too? My mother said He gives

A loving welcome. Shall we not be late?

Oh let us go before he shuts the gate.”

He knew not why-he fumbled at his coat,

He felt a something rising in his throat

Whilst all the people listened to the child

Some were in tears, the roughest of them smiled.

“I am a pilgrim,” said the little thing;

“I’m going to Heaven; my mother used to sing

To me of Jesus and his father’s love;

Told me to meet her in his home above.

And so today when Aunt went out to tea

And through the door the sunshine I did see

I got my bundle, gave my doll a kiss

And put its Sunday frock on pretty miss

And got my hat and then I left my home

A little pilgrim up to heaven to roam.

And then your railway stopped and I could see

You looked so kind, I saw you beckon me

I thought that this was our dear Saviour’s train

To take me up to mother long the empty lane.”

The poor conductor only shook his head

Tears in his eyes, the power of speech had fled.

Had conscience by her prattle roused his fears,

And struck upon the fountain of his tears;

And made his thoughts in sad confusion whirl?

I loved her much; she was my little pet,

And with great fondness I remember yet

I loved her much; she was my little pet,

And with great fondness I remember yet

How much she loved me, but one day she died.”

“She’s gone to heaven,” the little child replied.

“She’s gone to Jesus-Jesus paid her fare.

O dear conductor, won’t you meet her there?”

The poor conductor now broke fully down

He could have borne the harshest look a frown

But no-one laughed, while many sitting by

Beheld the scene with sympathetic eye.

He kissed the child, for she his heart had won

“I am so sleepy,” said the little one.

“If you will let me, I’ll lie here and wait

Until your railway comes to Jesus’ gate.

Be sure to wake me up and pull my frock

And at the gate just give one little knock

And you’ll see Jesus  The strong man wept.

I could but think as from the car I stept,

How oft a little one has found the road,

The narrow pathway to that blest abode:

Through faith in Christ has read its title clear,

While learned men remain in doubt and fear.

A little child! the Lord oft uses such

The stoutest heart to break, or bend, or touch;

Then by His Spirit bids the conflict cease,

And once forever enter into peace.

And then along the road the news we bear, –

On our way to heaven-that Jesus paid our fare!

A Little Pilgrim

Sunday 31st May, 1959

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Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad.

Just a letter to tell you arrived back safely and Mum’s letter since received. We agree that the best date to come down will be on Thursday July 9th for the ceremony to be performed on Sunday July 12th, Perhaps you will be good enough to fix it up with the Vicar. We have asked Don and Joan but as yet have not heard from them. I expect they are waiting to hear the date. This week-end, I have fitted glass to the frame brought from Clevedon and have built staging immediately below the windows to hold seed boxes and pots. This will now hold eight seed boxes in a row and with the other shelf on the other side of the shed I can now house about sixteen boxes at once. Have patched the roof by inserting below the tarred felt the old lino we took up from our bedroom. A couple of roses have come out but the others are not far behind now. One of the Pinks is out, it is a pink one, and Allwoodi. with a ringed centre. No sign of any of the Dahlias Geoff gave me but I expect they will be through any day now. The Spirea you brought up and the two we transplanted are all alive but the latter suffered a severe check. Mother’s Dahlias are healthy but not growing very fast I expect they need some genuine rain. We have Eileen with us for this week-end and Susan of course has been quite excited. I am afraid Carol played up a bit to-day but as she did not get a sleep this morning I expect that was the cause. Grandma’s clock gaining now since I shortened the swing of the pendulum. If I release it a half turn I shall be about right. Carol not walking or even standing on her own yet apart from holding on to a chair or something. She is now walking along by hoisting herself onto hands and feet and going along with arched back. Have not replied to Don yet but must do so to-day or he will be wondering what has happened. There does not seem to be anything to beat the National Savings Certs for simplicity so will plump for that although I see today’s paper warns of a possible reduction in the rate of interest. It seems that Pauline* quite likes the idea of coming down to Clevedon for the week-end that the Christening is held and returning on the Monday morning. Have nearly drunk all the Elderberry Wine. You will have to make some more when the elderberries are next available, I don’t suppose there will be any about at this end. I have not made any more since I saw you last but have been accumulating empty bottles, I have so many now that I shall have to take the board up again and put some out of sight under the floor. Our neighbours just returned from a week’s holiday at the Isle of Wight. They say it is very nice there and nearly all of them are very sunburned. Well hope you are still as well as when I saw you last and not overdoing the gardening. Will close for now.

Alec

*June’s younger sister, at this time working in the shoe department of Peter Jones in Sloane Square and living in Battersea.

Dear Don and Joan

Thanks for circular letter of 25th May. Having ascertained that GWR Savings Bank however attractive is a “no go”, we are faced with the problem of finding an investment that is reasonably safe, reasonably simple in its operation ( from the point of view of the person making the investment,- presumably the Trustee) and having a reasonable rate of interest. The National Savings Certificates would seem to meet these requirements except in regard to simplicity of operation as when the period of the issue expires it will then be necessary to reinvest in the next or subsequent issues. From my point of view this method of investment is satisfactory but I am prepared to accept the decision of the Trustee as he has to carry the can back if things go awry. Nothing much to report from gardening front this end. Everything retarded by lack of rain. Grass which was in good condition early in year has withered already and there are many bare patches and cracks about 2 inches across. Have done a number of “Hatchet Carpentry” jobs lately and you may be interested to know that the spare window frame left over after Clevedon shed was built has this week been incorporated in the South Ruislip shed and glass fitted**. I have practically completely rebuilt shed since arriving here. No new timber has been used. There was quite a lot of poor quality second hand wood on hand when we got here but most of it was only suitable for the fire. However I was able to sort out enough to use. Apart from raising the level of one lawn about 9 inches to the level of the path thereby making the whole garden level, I have no major works to carry out now.

Susan and Carol still thriving, latter almost at walking stage. We have heard from Clevedon that Vicar is prepared to perform ceremony at Parish Church and we are going to ask him for Sunday 12th July.

Perhaps you will let us know if this date is convenient please. Grandma’s clock working well but gaining slightly, I hope to make the necessary adjustment this week-end when winding. Well hope you are both keeping as well as may be expected.

Alec

**One may ask how a window-frame (with or without glass) was transported from Clevedon to Ruislip. Two options occur: 1) it went by train as with all other parcels – entrusted to someone who passed it on to someone else etc. etc. etc. and then presumably brought home by Alec on the Tube, but I think this is unlikely. 2) Geoff – or someone else with a car – was able to deliver it. Other candidates are a) Peter, June’s brother – he was at the time working for a removal firm and may have been in the West Country on business; b) Doug Gray and c) Eric Benn, the other neighbour, who was employed by the BBC and ended up moving to Weston-super-Mare. This is the sort of extremely trivial question to which I would very much like to have an answer.

Monday 25th May, 1959

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1959 letters, The Mother ProblemLeave a comment

From Don. Emily had died at Heavitree on 16 March – presumably at Fort Villa – and Don was clearly acting as her executor.

Lyng

Monday 24th May, 1959 [sic]

Dear All,

A copy of this letter has gone to ‘Devonia’*, Headstone Lane** and Queen’s Walk***. It replies to Geoff’s letter, no date but postmarked 10/5/59 and two ex Leon – one dated 9/5/59 and the other 22/2/59.

Nothing has been decided to date regarding the investments ( in trust ) for Rebecca, Sara, Susan and Carol. The best effort forthcoming so far is National Savings Certificates which would be registered under the Holders Card Nos. already advised.

The certificates, if and when purchased, would be the 10th issue and held for 7 years when every 15/- would be worth £1 – not bad for a start – the snag being that a reinvestment would then have to be found by the trustee – the best available at the time – either say a 11th issue Trustee Savings Bank. If the trustee made a bad investment he would have to make good the loss. Now the point you all appear to emphasise is put the money in GWR Savings Bank @ 4.5% until they are 21. Good show, but tell me please under what rule a separate trustee account may be so opened for the persons concerned when as each becomes 21 the book may be given her on the day. You will appreciate, no-one, except the trustee may have access thereto during the intervening years. However. assuming such accounts may be opened, these would have to be closed by the trustee if either father passed away and the widow remarried outside British Railways. I hate to touch upon such a morbid subject but life is so uncertain apart from the age factor that some of us may not be around to see all the legacies paid out. If your replies on the GWR Savings Bank are negative ones have you any other ideas please on how the various sums may be invested to give the best return during the waiting period and at the same time protect the trustee from any loss. The question is on the table.

Headstone Lane: I note Geoff bought 500 bricks and hopes to brick edge some flower borders. Unless a low wall is required I prefer whole sleepers. Much quicker and a good one lasts about 15 years. Also not subject to frost eating bricks away.

Clevedon: Thanks for news re: S/M****s at Yatton and Highbridge. Both having a pretty rough time. Always someone worse than yourself. (I expect you know the Chinese story – the beggar grumbling because he had no boots until he met a man who had no feet.) However I should like to know how both are getting on now if not back to work yet. Am not too bad myself. Am please to say all your onions have taken root here. A lot of my similar ones keep throwing seed heads. Glad you and Geoff were able to have a look together at some of Mother’s treasures – also very pleased you were able to satisfactorily sort them out between you and that Alec came into the picture. Talking about pictures, the one I would like to have had was an oval one showing trees in a glade. It had no frame or glass. Strange no-one can say where it went. Like the jewellery must take it as read I suppose. No more for now.

Don

*i.e. Leonard and Eva **i.e. Geoff and Stella ***i.e. Alec and June ****Station Masters

Sunday 24th May, 1959

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And here we go with the major part of the archive – ten years’ worth of letters, written sixty years ago!

So, when we last saw Alec he was nearly 21 and living in lodgings with a Mrs Stone in Hanwell. Fifteen years have passed since then, at some point during which he moved from Hanwell to Ealing to lodge with a Miss Eda Baker. (Mrs Stone may have ceased having lodgers when her husband came home after the war.) Miss Baker started life with seven brothers; one of them died in the Great War and one of them – Frank – had lost an eye in a childhood accident and was ineligible for military service. It also ruled him out of employment with the GWR, which was the course his five surviving brothers took.

Alec married Frank Baker’s elder daughter, June (Eda’s niece), in December 1954, and they bought a house in Ruislip and had two children. Now read on!

Ruislip

Sunday 24th May, 1959

Dear Don and Joan

Just a letter to thank you very much for Susan’s present duly received and appreciated. As you may know Dad and Mum came down for the week and they were present for her Birthday. We invited the two little girls from either side and of course Carol was there. She had a very good time as the weather was fine and they were all able to go out on the lawn. I am afraid that when bedtime came she was reluctant to go but as she was very tired the ructions did not last long. The following day ( Sunday ) we all went to Headstone Lane and she had a fine game with the girls there. I asked Sara if she would like to have Carol to live with them. She did not think much of the idea but said she would like to have Susan. On Tuesday we went to West Drayton to see the other Grandma and Grandad so have had quite a number of outings as a result of car and driver being available.* To-day I removed the whole of one side of shed and rebuilt to accommodate two windows. Had the assistance of next door neighbour this morning and this afternoon he took June and the girls out to a picnic tea in Kenton Park in his car. It was very hot work as sun shining strongly and the bitter wind of yesterday has gone. I hope Don’s Bronchitis is easier and that he is better condition than when we last met. We have asked Dad to contact Vicar of Clevedon with a view to getting Carol Baptised at Parish Church there when we are down there early in July. If Vicar agrees to do the job ( which is by no means certain apparently) we shall go down that week-end that he nominates. You were unable to come to Susan’s Christening because of the distance but if you can, we would like you both to come to Carol’s and stand as God-Parents. Well back to work to-morrow, got to do enough to keep the Governor’s pension going I suppose. Hope to hear from you through Clevedon that subject to date etc., being convenient, that we shall all see you in July.

Alec

*The car belonged to our very accommodating neighbour, Doug Gray, who seems to have chauffeured us around a considerable amount at this time.

The Mother Problem – part ten

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Geoff to his brothers again:

Paddington, Wednesday

Dear All

Many thanks for Leon’s letter letter [sic] to have returning the vacancy lists – another enclosed for his perusal.*

If Mother will only realise our efforts are for her benefit as much as everyone else’s I am sure she will thank us and not condemn us for what we are doing. Quite apart from all else the very fact that she will not have to be pulled around every so often (particularly in the winter) surely is a great blessing. Secondly the daily avoidance of stairs which are a nightmare to her and us will help her immensely and thirdly not having to go to and from a cold bedroom at night and morning shivering for the cold will save her much anxiety – to say nothing of numerous other advantages. Mother’s permanent comfort and independence with proper spiritual and medical care is the aim – the cost is our headache and not hers. Last time she came to London and more especially when she returned she had an awful journey and it was terrible even to witness it, let alone having to cope. So Mother is going to Lyng on Sunday and I hope to be one of her first visitors to Exeter to make sure everything is as it should be. I have in mind Sat. Nov. 22nd subject to tieing up [sic] with Don.

Was interested in Leon’s note to Mr Phillips and his reply. Should say he is a different sort to the rest and it is already clear Edwards intends stirring the mud. Heard John Saunders is a strong candidate for Exeter – fairly senior too. Also rumoured the Plymouth Chief Clerk’s job is likely to be readvertised under the new organisation – a different title with the same salary – but that suggests neither Collins nor Beer will get it.

No more now.

Love G&S

*Work vacancy lists, no doubt. It seems as if Geoff’s view has prevailed at last, and Emily is on her way to Fort Villa at the end of November. I have yet to confirm this, but she most certainly died at Heavitree in the March of the following year – a few weeks after her 87th birthday.

The Mother Problem – part nine

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Geoff to his brothers:

Paddington, Thursday

Dear All

Leon’s letter safely to hand and I can only say when someone has tried very hard to find the right solution to all our problems it was very discouraging. Let us face facts – when we were small boys we were told “Mother knows best” and “It’s sometimes necessary to be cruel to be kind”. Surely now Mother is beyond the stage of control she should have confidence in her sons to know what is best for her. It is very clear the present moving around cannot continue and it is beyond the human endurance of any one of us to stay permanently at one place. Last time Mother came to London she was very will and when she returned I thought she was going to pack up before we reached Paddington. We cannot hope that it would be any better on another occasion and it is wrong – definitely wrong for her to be moved about in this manner quite apart from anything else. To have been able to find a spot in a Christian house where she is well known and near old friends which she could not hope to see again otherwise; also to have regular visits from us all including the little girls and away from all upsets and arguments surely Mother is something you should thank God for and not be ungrateful. No one wants you gone and no one thinks you’ve lived too long but you must help others to help you and I do hope you will see it in this light.

No more today.

Love G&S

It’s impossible not to feel desperately sorry for Geoff, who is doing his best in impossible circumstances – torn, as it would seem, between the demands of his wife and those of his brothers, and with Emily the unwitting cause of all the discord.

The Mother Problem – part eight

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Geoff to Leonard and Eva:

Sorry you have been put to such trouble and it’s clear if we are to get any peace within our midst Mother must be guided by us and not us by her. It is wrong that you or any of us should suffer in this way – you have earned your rights to happy retirement & we need peace to concentrate on the lives to come. I cannot possibly cover my job and be in and out to Mother all night – it is wrong even to think of it.

Love G&S

P.S. Understand re: cash and tickets – I have offered Don £15 to cover to end of year when position will be reviewed as he says. This meets the points he made.

Clearly, nobody wants to deal with Mother themselves and everyone thinks somebody else should be doing it. Typical!

It also sounds as if Geoff’s wife, Stella – who may still have been working herself at this point – has put her foot down about night attendance, whereas the other brothers think that because their wives are willing to do it she darned well ought to as well. They’re all for compassion and self-sacrifice, as long as they can leave it to the women.