Tag: Baker

Sunday 24th September, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thank you once again for a very interesting letter. No hold up with post this week. I must say we were looking forward to hearing of the doings of Uncle Arthur plus your reactions etc. 

I did not think you would have been able to save much of 1960 cherry wine for long. Of course the 1961 lot is fairly new, and it would be a pity to use it up before it has had time to mature. Nevertheless we are quite prepared for some of it to mature at this end if you have any to spare. 

Pity you have not heard from Tiverton about the proposed visit to Exmouth, but shall I expect you to make up your mind about us at short notice anyway so don’t worry about it. There are a few mists about early these days but they do not develop into much, and clear well before midday. I think it is still a bit too early to start thinking about fogs. The weather will have to be much colder for the really bad fogs to form. I think you are fairly safe to travel up till about mid-November and would be extremely unlucky to come unstuck. 

Glad you were able to write to Mrs Godfrey, I thought you would want to do that. 

So you had another trip to Kingston on the blackberry lark. I thought that Friday was the day you had to pick up Arthur at Weston, did he not want to come with you. I am not a bit surprised that there are thousands of berries to be taken. It will probably be the cheapest way you can make even including the elderberry. At this time of year too, apples should be plentiful, particularly the windfalls, and imperfect ones. I believe you had a go at some on a previous occasion, but you may think to try some more. As an idea, blackberry and apple, as in the pie, might make a good combination. 

Yes still slugs and more slugs. I saw the paper-boy put his heel on one about 6 inches long on the front path this morning. It is quite risky walking down the hill some mornings as they come out of the grass and cross the path (for some reason query same as the chickens) to the hazard of all passers by. 

I do not think that Susan has seen the comic Wonderland yet. She was off-colour last Wednesday and stayed home from school. I brought a couple of comics home in addition to the two they normally have, but did not see the one you mentioned. There are lots of comics for all ages these days and it is a job to get the right age group now. 

So far, although I was aware that the polythene bags should be turned every couple of days, I have not done so.  The bags are in position as I placed them over a week ago. I see there is moisture on the inside and in all three pots the plant is throwing out leaf buds. I cut one right back if you remember and took off all the green leaf but the other two retained varying amounts of leaf.  It seems to make no difference as all the old leaves are still full of life, and the cutting without leaves is also throwing leaf buds. The pots are out in the garage right up to the glass level at the bench end. I expect it is a bit early to hope that they have rooted?

Sorry to say I was not aware that there would be any motorway anywhere near Clevedon. Something must have been said at some time or other, but I cannot recollect it. I cannot picture the Water Station at Twickenham or the football ground. Is it at the bottom by the star or even back in the direction where we saw the dahlias, or is it further on where the road divides for Failand and Nailsea. Perhaps it is a little way along either of the last named roads. Fancy it going through Kingston Seymour. It looks as if this road will provide the route that has been wanted for so long, one direct from Clevedon to Weston along the coast. 

The trouble with motorways is that they limit the number of access roads, and you may find that although it passes through Kingston, there may not be a roundabout or slip road which will enable you to get on it. However it is bound to cut the running time and possibly petrol consumption if you can get on one as near as Congresbury. Shall be interested to learn more of this project. 

Pauline went to Italy not Spain. Language, climate and food very similar, but not the direction. 

Not surprised that Geoff has not been lucky in contacting us by phone are you? 

You should remember that in America everything is done on the “grand scale” and a mere weekend assumes the proportions of a week. Nice to hear that some distant connection of ours strike it rich, but it won’t do him much good now poor chap. Presumably the party mentioned must have been an elder sister to Great-grandmother Fewings unless her son came to an untimely end in 1912. The sons and daughters of Grandmother Fewings mostly lived another thirty years, and several are still alive. 

Re: Paddington Yard report, had a meeting with Bryant on Friday (Goods Agent).  He had some of his inspectors present and NH. Bryant sent his District inspector. It was very fiery for about two hours, they called it all things under the sun, including murder, – and said it could not be done, – the drivers would not have it, the shunters would not have it, – the L.D.C. would not have it, etc. The chief inspector with two months to go offered to resign on the spot etc etc. Told him I could not comment on that one as it was a matter between him and Mr Bryant. Once we had sorted out all the issues raised that were the prerogative of other people to raise, they were left with the straight issue, – could all the work be done with one engine? They agreed, but said that insufficient staff had been provided to do the work. That of course is a matter for the L.D.C. staff side to comment on, so in the end subject to one minor provision, Bryant will recommend the report is passed onto the next stage. 

Regarding your query about the route, I believe the route you describe is the right one, but I cannot remember how we came back. I think we got a little lost in that area, and we wandered about in the outskirts of Windsor before getting back on the trail. I think that when you travel the layout of the roads will be a little different from those which we travelled on, as the M4 motorway has since been opened. This road bypasses Maidenhead, and will eventually pass Slough, but at the moment it stops short on the west side of Slough and you have to go on the A4 to proceed. Coming from the A303 through Englefield Green you will have to cross the A4 to get on the Iver Heath side and I am pretty certain you do it at the lights you suggest, also crossing the railway line by Dolphin Junction signal box. 

Susan suggested that perhaps Grandfy might like to grow a few blackberry bushes in his garden, but I told her you had spent the last thirty years trying to keep them out. I do not think my reply was understood or appreciated.*

You query what happened on the day of the school strike – Susan was sick as I said earlier but there was no strike at her school although some of the others in the area did close. I gathered that the parents had received letters informing them of the intention to strike. 

So sales have increased since dad join the choir. all good for trade apparently. 

Nice to know that Michael Richings has passed his B.A. At one time it looked as if he would not I think. 

Should have thought you could have made an edible hat, but after all you have prepared a few edible boots in the past. (reply awaited). 

So Arthur has gone on his way rejoicing by now. Hope the visit was a success for all concerned. After all they do live and act differently in America, and I suppose we should not judge them by our standards, or by any other for that matter. It is just a question of finding out how much one has in common apart from the language. 

Have not cut grass and may now leave it for the winter. We go out to tea this afternoon so it will be all rush and tear soon. Last Sunday we went over to West Drayton, Peter dropped the first bomb by bringing in his new girlfriend, and soon after the second one exploded when Mrs Hawkeswood and daughter walked in.

Tried to start the car yesterday to go shopping in the morning only to find that the battery was down flat. Borrowed Eric’s charger and in about half an hour had it on the road again. Doug was in bed with a heavy cold otherwise we could have pushed it into the road and tried coasting down the hill to start. Could not manage it on my own. Getting fewer and fewer dahlias now which is a pity as I had hoped you might be here to see them. We may have one or two left if your visit is not long delayed. Well there it is for this week once again, no doubt the girls will contribute a drawing or two. Love from us all for now. 

*Ya think?  After all, by the age of five a child really ought to be able to identify an invasive species.  /sarcasm.

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.

It’s time to talk about the Huguenots… Part Three

On By Sue JenkinsIn HuguenotsLeave a comment

So, let’s recap. June’s 5x great-grandfather was Mathieu Mocquard, occupation unknown, who married Ester Michelle. Her 4x great-grandfather was the first John Macord, who was a butcher but who also potentially started the family’s ‘property empire’; he married Ann or Agnes Gandey. Her 3x great-grandfather was the next John Macord, carpenter and undertaker, 1749-1816. His first wife was also named Ann, but further details are elusive; however June is descended from him through his second wife, Mary Armstrong, via the second Daniel Macord, 1792-1835, who started life as a carpenter but by 1822 had become a publican and victualler. He was in fact the earliest (so far) traceable licensee of the Horse Shoe public house in Grange Road, Bermondsey, an establishment which existed for over a hundred and twenty years before eventually being bulldozed; a block of flats known as ‘Trocette Mansions’ is now on the same site. Daniel and his wife Mary Smith (such an easy name to trace in records!) had four daughters – Mary, Rachel, Sarah and Lydia, as well as a baby son who died at five months old.

Daniel the victualler seems also to have gone in for property owning and management, although there is no clear evidence of him having done any of the actual construction; it’s far more likely that he just bought, sold and managed existing property. Unlike previous generations, however, Daniel’s holdings extended south of the river; as well as the Horse Shoe he also owned – or at least insured – two adjacent properties, one of which was an oil chandler’s yard. This sounds like an uncomfortable neighbour to have, and a good insurance policy was no doubt considered a necessity!

Daniel’s will – proved in February 1835, although the precise date of his death is still unknown – distributes a lot of silver spoons, plates, ‘milk pots’ etc., as well as two magnificent-sounding watches – one gold, one ‘engine-turned’, which in those days would have been a luxury item indeed. Given the history of engine-turning as a craft, there is a good chance that this watch – left to his eldest daughter, Mary – was of Huguenot work and may very possibly have been a family heirloom. It was certainly considered superior to the gold watch bequeathed to his second daughter, as she also had her late mother’s ‘gold hair ornaments and trinkets’ as well as a ring, brooch and earrings, to make up for the deficit. (Her mother, Mary, had died in 1833 at roughly forty years of age.) Clearly, victualling in Bermondsey in those days was a lucrative business – albeit probably very hard work, and in one of the less desirable areas of London.

Daniel’s second daughter Rachel was deaf, which is revealed in the census entries relating to her. In one, her name is actually given as ‘Rachua’, which may indicate the way she spoke – i.e. slightly indistinctly – which in turn possibly indicates that she had been hearing impaired from birth, or a very early age. She married John Adam Daniel, a customs officer, in 1844, and they had seven children together. Rachel is the most recent ancestor in this line to have borne the Macord surname; Colin Gronow, of the Macord One-Name Study, is descended from her sixth child and third son, Robert Macord Daniel, who was born in 1858, whereas June was the grand-daughter of Rachel’s fourth child and second daughter, Alice Ester Daniel, who was born in 1854. Alice married William Augustus Baker in 1882 and was the mother of the ‘Baker bunch’ as described extensively elsewhere on this blog.

And this is where we end our present brief sojourn in the company of the Huguenots. This is still an area for active investigation, not least because the records are confusing. Huguenot clergy were very keen on making notes of their congregations and tracking their births, marriages and deaths, and most of these records have since found their way into the central archives of The Huguenot Society which goes above and beyond to make this information available to researchers. However, many Huguenot places of worship were short-lived – and language confusion and transcription errors over three centuries or more have resulted in difficulty in matching up family members to one another. Two brothers, for example, who may have married at the same place but a few years apart, could easily be recorded with different surnames, especially in the earlier generations when varying Anglicizations of French surnames tended to be used. The same problems occur with new emigrants to the USA who had to go through Ellis Island, and also with the Chinese-descended population in Australia. Whether or not the immigrant was literate, whoever received them into the new country (where there was a formal process at all) may not have been, or not to the same extent, and names and identities were inevitably lost – in most cases forever. It’s really pure luck if existing records in the country of origin can ever be matched up to members of the immigrant population, and usually the fact of a family having relocated due to political, economic or religious upheaval puts a full stop to any line of enquiry – which is where we are obliged to leave it for now. However, as mentioned in the previous post, Mathieu and Ester had approximately 300 traceable descendants in their son’s line alone, which is plenty for any aspiring genealogists to get their teeth into!

It’s time to talk about the Huguenots… Part One

On By Sue JenkinsIn HuguenotsLeave a comment

Just as we can’t discuss Alec’s (Atkins) family history without involving the fascinating Chinese-Australian line, we can’t really go very far back on June’s (Baker) side before we run into descendants of the Huguenots. In fact, if my deductions are accurate – and that’s a very big ‘if’ at this stage, and may always remain so – June’s 5xgreat-grandfather was one Mathieu Mocquard, born in about 1695 at Lille, Nord Pas-Du-Calais, France. This man was married to a certain Ester Michelle, also of French descent, and they were the parents of at least three children – one of whom was ‘Jean Enry Mocard’, later known as John – or Jonathan – Macord, who was baptised at the French Church in London on 11 December 1721.

Before we go into the implications of the marriage between Mathieu and Ester and the children, grandchildren, etc. who emerged from that union, it’s probably a good idea to take a look at who these people were in the first place, and how they ended up in London at all.

Huguenots were French Protestants, usually members of the Reformed Church of France which in turn owed its origins to adherents of the theologian John Calvin. The origins of the term ‘Huguenot’ itself are disputed, but that isn’t especially relevant to this particular story. What is relevant, however, is that Huguenots in general were despised and persecuted by the Catholic majority in France – perhaps most destructively on the occasion of the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 23-24 August 1572, as a result of which up to 5,000 people are believed to have been killed.

As in England and elsewhere at this particular period of history, different rulers had different religious leanings – even when they were members of the same family, like the half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth Tudor – and sought to impose these upon their subjects. Thus a new king could reverse the policy of his predecessor, and this is what appears to have happened with the Edict of Nantes in April 1598, which granted freedom of worship to French Protestants (Huguenots and Lutherans alike). If the French Protestant community relaxed at this news, however, they were to be disillusioned less than a century later when the Edict of Fontainbleau (22 October 1685) was enacted, which revoked the Edict of Nantes and removed their legal protection. The practical outcome of this was that those whose consciences would not allow them to return to the Catholic faith felt obliged to leave France by any means they could – and, because the Huguenots were on the whole hard-working, ingenious and creative people, this exodus has been described as a kind of early brain drain.

Naturally – especially for those who lived near the coast – England, with its restored Protestant monarchy and its thriving links to the New World (itself supposedly a haven of religious freedom), must have seemed like the best place to go. At the very least, being only twenty-one miles away across the Channel, it was probably one of the cheapest to reach. French Protestant Refugees therefore flooded into London, and Mathieu Mocquard was no doubt among them.

Unfortunately it is not possible to make much more than an educated guess about the family’s origins earlier than the birth of Mathieu, and if there is a record of his baptism and his parents’ names anywhere it is no doubt buried in some French archive. (Many of these have vanished over the intervening centuries, though.) However the surname ‘Mocquard’ apparently suggests the trade of moquette-cutting, which would place the family among the ranks of the distinguished artisan silk-workers who were such a major component of the Huguenot refugee community at this time. Many of them gravitated to the Spitalfields area of London, where a house has been converted into a ‘time capsule’ museum portraying how some of the more successful Huguenot refugees lived.

Whether or not Mathieu was a silk weaver – or indeed a moquette cutter – is still unknown. His sons, as far as we are aware, were not – and this perhaps indicates that he was able to get them apprenticeships in other, less overcrowded, lines of business. What London needed then, and what it has always needed and will always need regardless of the era, were builders and coffin-makers. This was how young Jean Enry Mocquard – or John Macord, as he at some stage took to calling himself – chose to earn what turned out to be a very successful living.

But that, as they say, is a story for another time…

Wednesday 5th April, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Just to let you know we arrived home safely at 1.40 p.m. and to thank you again for giving us such a nice time. The weather could not be helped but we made the most of the time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The week went all too quickly but like all good things must come to an end. You have made great progress with your home in more ways than one and the children are lovely and in really good condition. A big day for Susan next Tuesday and we shall be thinking of her quite a lot that day – she should do well at school once she has got into the rhythm of school life. Carol will miss her but should reap an advantage by having an elder sister to show her things.

It was a nice break for us and as I said above it was soon over. Hope you were not too exhausted by having two more in family for a week.

Now for some news of our trip home. It came on to rain at Beaconsfield and continued until we arrived Chipping Sodbury when sun came out and quickly dried things up. Earlier we had arrived at Cirencester at 11.15 a.m. (mileage recorded 77) and whilst we were having coffee the skies literally opened up and it poured down for twenty minutes – people could not leave the Restaurant. It eased a little and we slipped into Woolworths where other people had had the same idea. We left Cirencester at 12 noon and at Yate turned right onto the Aust Ferry road and at Rudgeway connected with the main Gloster [sic] to Bristol road thence via Filton – the Zoo and Suspension Bridge. Then after getting on to Beggar Bush Lane it became so hot I stopped car and took off mac. It had been a glorious afternoon here and my goodness how things have moved in the garden – quite a transformation since our departure a week ago.

There were no incidents en route this time and everything in good order as we unloaded it from the car including the Plum Wine. The ‘sprinkler’ (for which again many thanks) is now on a shelf in the garage waiting suitable opportunity for use together with the two sweet jars you gave me this morning. The Chrysanths clump and the peach cutting (latter ex Geoff) in greenhouse for attention tomorrow. The two lots of Parsnip wine – under fermentation – are working well and already the colour is excellent. The car was absolutely dry when I ran it into garage so did not have to wipe it down. Needs a clean of course which it will get as soon as possible.

Found a letter from Don here to say he had had to make another journey for cider and asking if we had used all ours yet. The Rate demand was also on the mat waiting for us – £19 10s 6d [in the region of £455 in 2021 money] for half year – gone up again. Have not seen anyone yet since we arrived ( now 4.0 p.m.) but I notice bath (for rain water off garage) empty when we went away is now completely full but there are many other signs too that plenty of rain has fallen here over the Easter. The grass on lawn needs cutting again so it looks as if there is plenty of work in garden now for next week or two. The milkman did not leave milk this morning as requested so it was just as well mum brought back a bottle or we should have had to drink wine instead of tea.

Mum picked the remainder of the daffodils this afternoon but apparently there were not many left – a number having finished flowering in our absence. The wallflowers in front garden are now coming out nicely – rather late for us I’m afraid and I cannot account for it as they were planted out last October. Can only put it down to the very wet winter.

I wonder what those two little girls have been up to today? Query fine enough later in afternoon for them to get outdoors – perhaps you were able to go out in car. It was nice to see Mr & Mrs Baker – Peter & Pauline again but we both feel very sorry for Mr & Mrs Baker with the problem that must be uppermost in their minds all the time. Can only hope that something will turn up to ease the position.

Now I must close as should like this to catch early post this evening.

All our love to you both – it was so nice to see and be with you again – and lots of kisses for our two lovely grandchildren.

Mum & Dad

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

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Just to say we have arrived here. Thank you very much for a lovely rest & holiday now have to keep my nose to the grindstone for a bit.

It is hot here quite different to what it was before Easter have to put away the winter woollys at last.

Good job I brought home some milk that’s the second time they have served me that trick, they will get only one more chance.

No more now lots of love to all & again many thanks.

Mum

On the remaining blank side of writing paper – since these are shorter letters than usual for obvious reasons – Eva has drawn (1) a skipping rope, (2) a rather demonic-looking horse with cloven hooves, snaggle teeth and what appears to be a Batman cowl, pulling an apparent Conestoga wagon with a chimney at one end, and (3) an enigmatic object that could be a tea-cup from the top, a padlock, or a toilet seat. The caption is ‘Can you guess what these are?’. The answer, from the distance of sixty years, must inevitably be ‘no’.

The Baker Bunch – Part Two

On By Sue JenkinsIn Baker, UncategorizedLeave a comment

We continue the saga of the children of William Augustus and Alice Esther Baker with their five youngest – all boys.

5. Stanley Baker (‘Stan’) 1888-1960

Alas, not the movie-star of the same name, who was forty years younger and Welsh. Stan was married to Grace Maud Philpot and they had one son, Philip Stanley Baker – June’s ‘Cousin Phil’ – who laid much of the groundwork of the family history detective work in this particular line. Alas, in later years, June became very confused, and actually spent a whole day with her Cousin Clive thinking he was Cousin Phil. Phil died in 2007, and it would be very interesting to know what had happened to his research material; enquiries I have made have yielded precisely nothing, unfortunately.

6. Reginald Baker (‘Reg’) 1890-1968

Reg was married to Jessica Munton, and their son was named John – and this is, I’m afraid, all the information I currently have about him except that, like all of his brothers but Frank, he both served in the First World War and worked his entire life for the GWR.

7. Frank Edward Baker 1892-1963

We’re on safer ground with Frank; he was June’s father. He married Edith Nellie Louise Mullinger (1895-1987) in 1919 and they had four children – William Edward Frank (‘Teddy’), June Edith, Pauline Mary, and Peter Neville Macord.* Frank was excluded both from working with the GWR and also from active military duty in the First World War as the result of a childhood accident which left him with only one eye. He did, however, go to France as an ambulance driver; the emotions of Alice as she waved away all seven sons, in turn, to the battlefields can only be imagined.

Frank had a glass eye, and is reputed to have entertained guests by taking it out and polishing it at the dinner table – but this story seems to have circulated about everyone who ever had a glass eye, and should probably be taken with a pinch of salt! He was variously in the licensed trade, a cinema manager, and the proprietor of a tobacconist and sweet shop – the business, and premises, of which he is trying to divest himself of in the course of the 1960 and 1961 letters on this site. He was also a Freemason, but this is an area of family history which is notoriously elusive and I have not attempted to research it yet; however I am aware that the masons refused to help Edith when, towards the end of her life, she needed a place in a residential care home.

8. Cyril Baker 1893 – 1960

Cyril married Beryl Smith, and they had four children – Patricia Kathleen, Iris, Anthony Cyril Raynham, and Clive Robert Ian. Again, as with some of the other ‘boys’, this is all the available information at the moment; clearly further research is indicated.

9. Hubert Dudley Baker (‘Bunny’) 1896-1917

Lacking any definitive information about how his nickname came to be, it isn’t difficult to imagine young Hubert being his mother’s darling and consolation after the death of her husband. Apart from this we know little, and it is only recently (i.e. February 2021) that a photograph of him has emerged on a ‘Member’s Tree’ in the Ancestry database, incorrectly labelled as being of Frank. Clearly a wrong attribution had become attached to it by someone who had never met Frank, or indeed anyone who knew him; close scrutiny, however, reveals a cap badge bearing the Prince of Wales’ feathers, and we know that Bunny was in the Prince of Wales’ Own Civil Service Rifles.

The circumstances of Bunny’s death are still a mystery, although it should be possible to research. He died (appropriately for a railway worker) at Railway Dugouts, near Ypres, on 18 January 1917, and is commemorated on the Ealing Memorial Gates at Ealing Common, along with over 800 other local men.

So, these are the seven men and two women who made up ‘The Baker Bunch’. They undoubtedly knew hardship – Alice used to tell her sons always to carry a half-penny and a stone in their pocket, so that they could jangle them together and sound wealthy even though they weren’t – however they all seem to have won through in the end and made decent lives for themselves and their children, who by my reckoning numbered 26 in all, with goodness knows how many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren (Frank certainly has at least three!) and potentially great-great-great grandchildren before too long.

It really needs little more than this snapshot of one family to realise exactly how big a task Family History is, even when you already have a lot of the information you need. Family is indeed, as Dodie Smith memorably called it, a ‘Dear Octopus’ from whose tentacles one can never completely escape; that being said, however, it is not un-reasonable to document it to whatever extent is possible – if only so that future generations do not continue to confuse Phil with Clive, or Frank with Bunny!

[*Mullinger and Macord are both fascinating families with very long recorded histories; the Macords in particular were Huguenots who fled to England from religious persecution in France in the seventeenth century, and it would be reasonable to suggest that every single Macord in the various online genealogy databases is somehow related to ‘our’ Macords – it’s a particularly unusual surname. My distant relative Colin Gronow is currently working on a definitive ‘One-Name Study‘ of the Macords. The name came into the Baker line via Alice Esther’s mother Rachael Nickolls Macord.]

The Baker Bunch – Part One

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The history of the Baker family (June’s ancestors) as I know it goes back to a certain ‘Symon Baker’ born in about 1620, of whom all we know is that he had a son called Daniel born about 1650. They seem to have originated in Gloucestershire and eventually gravitated to London, with certain excursions to Lancashire and Guernsey when one of the 19th century William Bakers was ordained in the Church of England and naturally had to go where he was sent.

His eldest son, therefore, William Augustus Baker, was born at Farnworth in Lancashire in 1854. William Augustus described himself in the 1881 census as a ‘tea dealer’ (which I suspect means he sold tea from a cart, rather than being a commodities broker on the Stock Exchange), but by 1891 he was calling himself an ‘accountant’. He died in 1897, aged only 43, leaving behind a widow and nine children. This is the ‘Bunch’ we’re going to be talking about today – and we have an almost unprecedented opportunity of seeing them all in one place, which probably last happened at some point before or during the First World War.

William and his wife Alice – she was born in Stepney of a father who was a Customs officer and a deaf mother – managed to squeeze out nine living children in fifteen years, despite taking a breather in 1884, 1887, 1889, 1891 and 1894/5. There is little evidence to suggest how Alice and her children supported themselves in the immediate aftermath of William’s death, although later evidence would seem to suggest that they took in lodgers – and no doubt some of the elder children were able to do part-time work, but there is a gap in the record here. William Augustus’s will, which was not proved until 35 years after his death, declared effects to the value of £250 – roughly £17,000 in 2021 money.

So here is our cast of characters: William Augustus and Alice seem to have evaded being photographed – unless they turn up in the background of a wedding group somewhere – but their children managed at least one turn each before the lens. Since there are so many of them, we’ll have to split them into two groups.

1. Alice Edith Macord Baker (‘Eda’) 1882-1962

Eda never married. By the 1891 census she was already living with her family in what would be her lifelong home, 17 Eccleston Road, West Ealing, London. Always referred to just as ‘17’, this property was not relinquished by the family until some time in the 1970s. In 1901 she was a ‘domestic nurse’ (i.e. nurserymaid or similar, probably untrained) to a family named Spencer in Rickmansworth; in 1911 she was living – presumably in a similar capacity – with her younger married sister, Nell, who had a six month old son. Eda then disappears from online records until the death of her mother in 1928, after which her surviving brothers joined forces to ensure that she would either inherit or otherwise acquire the lease of 17. The details are still elusive, but she was certainly in the business of letting rooms to lodgers – specifically, it seems, to single young men who worked for the GWR and later British Rail. This was how Alec came to be living there immediately after WWII, and how he met – and eventually married – her niece June.

2. William Ernest Baker (‘Will’) 1883-1963

The eldest of what I have called elsewhere ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’. Six of the brothers worked for the GWR in some capacity, and all six of these eventually went off to fight in the First World War. Will married Gertrude Chaloner and they had two sons, another William and a Ronald. I have not had a chance yet to research either the wartime careers or the GWR work histories of the ‘boys’, so details are somewhat lacking in many cases.

3. Robert Lionel Baker (‘Rob’) 1885-1971

Rob was married twice; the first time to Annie King, with whom he had four children – Joan, Olive, Delphine and Derek – and, after her death in 1929, to Rhoda Mary Balsdon. The last of the ‘boys’ to die, Rob lived in a house in Ealing with Rhoda and their hyperactive poodle, Pepe. He was house-bound for many years, and was therefore the first person I knew – and probably one of the first in the country – to own a (*gasp*!) colour television. He used to enjoy watching the racing on ITV in the afternoons, but whether or not he ever had a flutter I am unable to say.

4. Eleanor Baker (‘Nell’) 1886-1964

Nell’s life had interesting parallels with her mother’s. Alice married at 28 and was widowed at 43; she had nine children, the youngest being eight months old when his father died. This youngest son was also the first of the children to die, being killed in action in 1917 (see Part Two). Nell, in turn, married in 1909 at the age of 23 to John Stewart Percy and was widowed at 40. She gave birth to ten children – James, Mary, Maxwell, Barbara, Pamela, Montague, Anne, Jean, Colin and Timothy – the last of whom was born after her husband’s death, and unfortunately died as a baby.

If Nell was employed outside the home at any period between the 1901 census – when she is a ‘scholar’ at the age of 14 – and the date of her marriage, the record does not show. Her husband’s untimely death in 1926 left her a wealthy woman with a large family, and her younger brother Frank became her business manager; he ran cinemas, pubs, hotels, dance halls and at least one billiards club on her behalf for a period of more than thirty years before she began to divest herself of them.

She was clearly, from her photo, the glamorous one in the family!

Sunday 12th March, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you once again for letter received in time for breakfast Saturday. The drawings sent last week were put in small envelope and stamped with small stamp bought as a set in shop. They each had different coloured stationery comprising several sheets of notepaper, envelopes and a supply of stamps. Of course there was immediately an outburst of letter writing consisting mainly of two or three words on paper rapidly stuck down in envelopes and stamped-up. Managed to hide the stuff for a short while to preserve an envelope or two but they soon used up the lot.

I thought you would be surprised that car failed the test. It is apparently illegal to have other than red as colour for the reflectors but I have since seen many cars about with orange coloured ones. I cannot see the logic of the short pull for the handbrake. It appears that if brake goes over five notches the car is failed. Jackson took up the linkage so that brake is applied when only two notches are “clicked”. There was nothing wrong with the brake shoes or the apparatus at the wheel, The car was taken in again on Wednesday last and I now have a certificate. The fee for the first test was 14/- as no ‘pass’ certificate was given, The second test cost 8/- although I do not see why it should have been so as understand that where lighting is not concerned, and there are only two faults, provided they are put right and the car is submitted for a second test within fourteen days of the first one, the additional charge (to the 14/- ) should be 1/-.

Bit of luck for Heel if his new car is a good one. I take it he knew the people he bought it from otherwise it might be a bit of a sell in more ways than one.

Glad you found things in good condition at Exeter. You certainly had a variety of flowers to take. Our garden sports two measly daffodils at the moment. By the way talking of flowers, June reminds me that you were going to take a cutting or two of the red or scarlet rose you have in plot immediately behind the house. If you can do so in time to bring it up with you should be obliged.

Exeter seems very much like all parts of Ruislip at the moment in that we also have roads up all over the place. There is one road which has been under repair almost all the time since you were here last and as it happens to be a conveni­ent route for me it is a bit of a nuisance.

Glad you saw Sam Squires, I saw him about the G.P.C. job but of course it did not come to anything so far as his patch is concerned. I think it to be a waste of time putting yardmasters and the like on to Work Study courses unless they have many years to go. The best policy will be to push out as many trained work study men into all sections of the departments that when eventually the best of them reach the top jobs they will know what is expected of them. At the moment attempts to get the subject over to some of these old diehards is like teaching your grandmother to suck eggs. The drawback is that they all think they know best, and resent being told how to do their own job etc. etc. *

Feel sure Mrs Salway saw Susan, but June thinks as you do that she did not. We are not confusing the two people, but I am pretty sure we saw Mrs Salway one day when we were down with Susan, and she gave us some money for her.

Hope Mr Aston got on O.K. with Dr, and that you will have good news next time.

Sorry if my remarks about the deck chair caused a bit of concern. I must be confusing her with someone else. How I come to think of it, it was not a deck chair after all – it was a basket chair. Yes I agree it was really late for those kids to be out and about, but it appears that they have been used to it, and I suppose their parents were having an evening out and Peter and Brenda were combining looking after them with a visit to us. Incidentally they came in here on Friday evening and looked after our two while June and I went out. It was intended originally to go to Theatre with Roy, Delph, Norman and Pauline, but Roy who was to have got the tickets was unable to do so so we went to the new hotel called the “Aerial” just opened a few weeks ago by London Airport. I expect you read about it in the paper, it is sound­proofed and you cannot hear the planes overhead. It was all very posh but we did not stay there very long before going over to Richings Park to the Tower Arms where Mr Baker used to live. It made a change.

Would like to know what you have got in with the Parsnip, and what method you adopted. A thought occurs to me that for a vedgetable [sic] wine you could try some of the ” fennel ” that grows wild on Church Hill between the quarry and the footpath. There used to be a very large patch just at the highest point of the quarry and it grew right up to the footpath. I believe that it is a cooking herb that has run wild. Again you might try to collect some dog-rose “hips ” enough to try a small quantity.

It was Mr Bakers 70th birthday on Saturday so we went over and took the children over to see him in the afternoon. I gather that Peter and Brenda were taking him and Mrs Baker over to the Tower Arms in the evening.

Your gardening beginning to get under way by the sound of it. Gardening on the grand scale. I dug my plot on Saturday morning, it took about twenty minutes. As a matter of fact it was a bit patchy, but mostly the soil was just right. It powdered to the texture you get after digging potatoes. It was a bit sticky by the path which is shaded by a large privet bush. Doug cut his grass yesterday but it was very wet.

It is a pity that you will not be able to taste the Jungle Juice, but expect we can manage with some of the other stuff. The J.J, is still bashing away in the polythene pail but it will be a couple of weeks before I put it under fermentation lock. What became of the Elder Flower? did you drink it or throw it away?

Your mower seems to give you a lot of trouble. You will have to put it in for regular servicing like the car.

Poor Ching. Should think he is in not too bad a position really, I gather Gallacher is all right, and Burt is not much to worry about . I know Soole is Soole, but his wings are clipped now surely?

Note you are still adding to your picture collection. They are still being churned out daily at this end so you may well get another this week,

Note also your unusual weed, could it be grass? A very clever stunt with the flowers, but first catch your-flowers.

We would like the Xmas cards for the children if you care to bring them up. By the way when you come on the Wednesday, please come for lunch.

Well there it is again for another week looking forward to seeing you soon. Love from us all.

[*The point of this adage of course is that the new suggestion is redundant because the grandmother knows perfectly well how to suck eggs and can do so better than the ‘teacher’, whereas Alec just means that the yardmasters are resistant to learning anything new.]

Thursday 2nd February, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for another long letter and more drawings by Susan & Carol received on Tuesday morning. Post was very late owing to so many off with the flu. Well we have had our dose of it and we don’t want any more of that particular brand as it was most devastating. I’ve had it at times over many years but nothing to touch this lot and it has left us both as weak as kittens. Any question of gardening or other work outside is out for the time being and only a few chores performed such as fetching potatoes and greens and chopping a bit of firewood. Went to library in car Tuesday but was only out for about an hour. We hope none of you get it but if you do go to bed and send for Dr. and be careful later when you think you are beginning to recover for that apparently is another dangerous phase of the illness. There seems such a lot of it about in Clevedon and it is affecting different people in different ways.

So you were not able to get much out of Carol regarding her walk home from the party? Glad she did not appear to suffer from being out without hat and coat. She evidently had had enough of it and wanted to come home. Another time she will be older and probably more interested in the other girls and boys.

Note June has been to school about Susan – it will be nice if she can get in after Easter to enjoy the Summer time there*. Will have got used to it by the time winter comes – how far away is it? query about half a mile.

The weather you described in your letter was practically identical to that experienced here over the same period. It is nice this morning but unfortunately there is a bitter cold wind blowing and best place is indoors. Whilst i was in bed last week could hear some galvanised sheeting being lifted in the gale and this turned out to be some on our neighbour’s ground not properly secured – makes an awful clatter in the night.

So you hope soon to get down to some serious work in your new department. Nice for McDonald to get away to Switzerland for a week – winter sports presumably.

Yes as far as can be seen at the moment we would like to come up to Ruislip on the Wednesday before Easter – which incidentally is eight weeks from yesterday Wednesday 1st February – have had my dose of flu I hope for this winter and we both hope to be fully fit for the journey. The weather cannot get worse surely and must improve sometime. In the meantime must press on with the garden and greenhouse work. The expert has finished pruning the old trees but I’ve now to gather up the prunings and bring them to site near garage for cutting up. Apple wood as you know is quite nice for burning in the fireplace and gives off a pleasant aroma.

Had another 10 cwt of coal tipped in Tuesday but account not yet to hand – seems quite a good lot.

Norman called up last Monday evening and said his friend in staff office had shewn him the type written list of applicants for the Class 2 Work Study jobs and his name (Norman’s) was half way down the third foolscap sheet. So much for only anticipating a few applicants.** He had been along to Work Study Section and made acquaintance of Stevens but when he spoke to me your letter had not arrived indicating that you had spoken to Stevens about him. Anyhow I think he must work out his own passage now.

Electricity people not yet arrived to renew the wiring but we are ready for them now. Last Saturday all power and lighting was cut off in the area from about midday until 4.40 p.m. It did not affect us for meals as neither of us was feeling hungry but it must have annoyed thousands. It was again off from about midnight Saturday until 4.20 a.m. Sunday morning so it looks as if they had a major repair operation on their hands. Noted your remarks about renewal of faulty wire next door but I should not like to leave things in that state knowing full well a similar fault could occur at any time on any of the other wires.

Surprised to hear Welch has now got a Special A in Work Study – must make a few of the locals think. By the way is there any name comparable to Transom House for your set of offices? And where exactly are they?

Yes Webber Saunders are now the only iron mongers in Tiverton whereas several years ago there were one or two other firms – these latter have dropped out for various reasons but Webber Saunders have expanded with the years. We do not know but imagine John has had to find a nice sum of money to put down as a partner’s share but in due course it should prove a good investment – almost equivalent to buying a house over a period of years.

We like your comment re: covering lamp at night as though it is a parrot cage – obviously it has not received attention this week but will gets its share next. When you are out on one of your shop window gazing expeditions you must look at the lamp shades and get some idea of what you want so that we can get it whilst at Ruislip and finish the job off. Those shops near the Eastcote Arms are some way off from your place but it makes another point of call I expect when out in car.

Very sorry to hear of turn of events regarding property at West Drayton – back to where you started by the sound of it. Mr & Mrs Baker must both be very upset and wondering what to do next or even if anything can be done at all.

Your Saturday mornings seem fated – one week car not starting and another oversleeping – hope Susan better by now – the children – like us – miss the nice weather for getting about outdoors. Looking back I think one of the best weeks we had last year was when you were at Clevedon and we had those three nice trips to Burnham-on-Sea. Fancy paddling now. Even our trip in October to Exmouth was disastrous because of the floods and since then conditions overall have been bad.

Not much local news this week as we have not been out and about. Roy Hewett tried to look in last Monday but we quietly eased him off as we were not feeling so good then. Bill Aston looked in this morning for half an hour but he is not too good himself. Have not seen any of our neighbours for over a week but can hear them moving about.

Note all being well you are going over to Headstone Lane on Sunday – Carol can just about stand this short journey I expect without being upset. We shall be thinking of you Sunday afternoon.

George Hunt’s address – before I forget it again – is 62 Strode Road, Clevedon.

No more now – hope you are all keeping as fit as possible.

All our love to you both and lots of kisses for Susan & Carol.

Dad & Mum

[*Ugh. This is where the nastiness starts to creep in – and really never leaves until June’s death at the end of 2016. She had decided that two children in the house together were ‘too much of a handful’ and she wanted to get one of us out of the way, so sending me to school early was the obvious solution. When she was denied, she went on a rant (back at home) about the headmistress of the school – a lovely lady called Miss Dix (or maybe Dicks or Dickes) – whom she referred to as a dried-up old spinster in elastic-sided boots (!?) who clearly had no idea how difficult it was to bring up children. She took the refusal personally – she’d had her heart set on getting rid of me – and for years afterwards mocked poor Miss Dix’s assertion that “Oh no, my dear, this is such a precious time for you and your children it would be a pity to cut it short; you should enjoy them while they’re still young.” But the unfortunate fact was that we got in the way of the housework, to which June was so dedicated at every stage of her life that even in mid-dementia all she ever wanted to do was clean things, wash up, wash the paintwork etc. etc. She made her priorities very clear even at this early age, and being untidy or messy was absolutely the worst crime she could possibly imagine. On top of that, add the fact that she decided she was raising us to be ‘good little housewives’, and that Alec didn’t give a toss as long as we didn’t bother him, and you have the seeds of an increasingly happy childhood and some very poor relationships in later life. June was a great one for casting blame on anyone who thwarted her, and Miss Dix was just the first in a very long line of scapegoats she blamed for her utter inability to love or even like her children. They were, in her words, ‘an imposition’; children in the abstract were a fine idea, but the reality of them never really matched up to her imagination.]

[**A nifty bit of arithmetic here might suggest anything between 100 and 200 applicants, and Norman’s name would have been in the last quarter of the list.]

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

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for the nice drawings. Plenty of trousers about I fancy. Glad to say we are feeling better now although a bit groggy. We have had some rough weather again, not fit to get on the garden which is just as well.

We had a letter from Arthur yesterday. Where he lives they have had 50 days of 42 degrees cold [i.e. 42 Fahrenheit or 5.5 Centigrade] unheard of for 84 years & now they have had rain which they hadn’t had for three or four years.* I should not like that so perhaps our weather is best after all. I have some nice hyacinths out in bulb bowl also some scillas.

It is not far to school is it where Susan has to go just down over the dip & will she stay to lunch. June will have a busy time.

Mr Dugdale has moved out so Mrs Marshall will soon have some prospective buyers. It is the house next to Elford’s yard, where Reggie Hoy lived at one time.

What about the extra health service charges & insurance. I reckon Dad will have to pay another 8d [75p in 2021 money] a week until next March twelvemonths.*** Since Dad wrote his letter we have had a call from Norman to say he has an interview on Monday next at 4.30 p.m. & thanks Alec very much for what he has done.

I think this is the lot for now. Love from Mum & Dad.

[*From this description I would have guessed Australia, but a later letter actually mentions the USA.]

[**Apparently prescription charges were doubled to two shillings in 1961, which would be the equivalent of roughly £2.30 in 2021 currency. The current charge is £9.15.]

[***Leonard turned 65 in March 1962.]

Sunday 29th January, 1961

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1961 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thank you both very much for your last letter, arrived well and truly before we had got up yesterday morning. More of that later.

We were both very sorry to learn that you had both been attacked by the ‘flu, and hope that it was only a mild one. There have been several references in the paper to a ‘flu epidemic which is moving southward from Northern England and the Midlands, but so far London has not had it too badly. Needless to say we do not want it and we are only too sorry to learn that you failed to dodge it. Perhaps ours is to come, but that is one thing that we can do without – liable to break the camels back.

Junes foot, although still showing pink, is fully recovered, and causes no distress. Yes Carol did give us a fright – how she got here we shall never know as she cannot give a coherent account of it. Have seen the people at the Sunday School twice since, and although they seem to take it lightly, have said they have not let either of them out of sight since. No ill effects apparent in Carol although she was stone cold on arrival. The party was destined to end at 6-0 pm so Carol lost an hour at least.

June went down to the School to see the Headmistress on Wednesday and she has promised that she will try to get Susan in after Easter, There are only a limited number of places so that if there are more actual five-year-olds presenting themselves than the teacher expects ( from advice ) Susan will have to wait till after the Summer – say some time in September.

I agree it is a pity that we are all going commercialised, McDonald has strong views on most subjects, including prejudice, and I expect to be able to hoist him by his own petard if his anti-operating tactics can be proved to be based on that. He has spent the last week on holiday in Switzerland. I hope to take over a grip ( at least ) on the reins this week as I can not see any forward progress being made until I do. Lay ( Work Study Assistant ) allows himself to be inundated. He has had copious quantities of work dropped on him, and instead of passing it down the line or even tackling it himself he puts it all to Mc Donald for a decision.

I shall lose my all stations pass in the near future. I don’t know what level one has to be before you get an all stations pass when in a Division.

Easter is as you say only a short while away now. February will be upon us by the time you get this letter ( even half over if my postal arrangements continue to break down ) and it is possible that the weather may take a turn for the better when March arrives. Of course it is doubtful if we shall get really good weather with Easter so early. The arrangements proposed for your visit sound in order, and I take it you will come on the Wednesday and return when it suits you – remember your last was curtailed involuntarily?

You referred in your latter to lack of rain to date of writing, but I expect you have had more than your share by now. The early and middle parts of the week were extremely cold here but Friday, Saturday and to-day have been very very wet with gale force winds. Can not seem to keep the lid on the dustbin, and have had to weigh it down with a heavy wooden box. It has poured all day to-day and the wind has been terrific.

Good thing to have expert to prune trees. Hope he avoided strongly pruning those that you had grafted or they will have reverted. I expect he has removed a considerable quantity of wood so that you will be busy sawing up logs for the fire. Apple burns well in the grate.

Have reached the part of your letter where you explain about Mothers flu, and must say she seems to have had a bad time of it. Not many illnesses keep her in bed, I hope you do not get yours ( or second lot ) on Good Friday or shall have your bed transferred to garage.

I note the accent on the lighting wire being rewired, but I was aware that it was the lighting wire that had failed. As existing equipment had to be scrapped and a new start made it would have been possible to run all heating and lighting off the two ring circuits. Its only a matter for personal choice, but I see no merit in having several electrical systems in one house when one will do. I gather the £ 28. 10. 0 is for labour and renewal of life expired equipment and as such it seems reasonable enough. Your neighbour should not be in trouble if he has renewed the faulty wire as that is where the danger lies. The components in the circuits do not present anything like the same amount of risk as that which can be caused by a perished wire resulting in a short. In the attic, mice have a habit of eating through rubber covered wire of the type you would have had, but they can not deal with the new plastic wire. It is so tough that it is very difficult to cut and shape and plays old harry with one’s hands.

Re Norman Alien, I explained the position regarding him to Ted Stevens, and asked that he pass on to Mann. Also explained that Norman would probably look in to see him some time. It seems that Stevens is starting up Plymouth Passenger station this Monday ( with Colin Lovemore) but has to detach himself almost immediately to apply a scheme for Carriage Cleaners at Kingswear. It looks as though Norman will not see him in Bristol for some time, Welch has got a Special A in the Transom House Admin, Section ( Work Study ) good luck to them ).

Should not think that Burt will ask awkward questions on Work Study. He knows little about it himself although I suppose he can be primed.

Sorry to say there is now some news about the housing prospects at: West Drayton. The prospective buyer has called round to say the deal is off. It seems to be a very fishy business, as if the situation can be read aright the prospective buyer must be about bankrupt himself.

Note your comments on the Football Match. I felt that the locals had not quite the skill of former teams, but they did not look as bad as the score suggested. Nevertheless it must be said that Walton were good value for their win, I see that yesterday they defeated Hornchurch and Upminster ( also in the Athenian League) by 9 goals to 3 so someone else found the going too hot.

I note that John is doing well in Business, but I am surprised to learn that the firm is the only ironmongers in the town. I wrote to Tiverton after Christmas.

Wine still popping steadily although the pace is reducing a little. I expect it will go another week before stopping. Note also that the Standard Lamp is getting a little lovelier each day, We shall not need to plug it in when it gets here, but just cover it at night like a parrot. Glad Mother has kept the pictures, they must reveal the progress that has been made. Hope you thought to put a date on them.

Do not remember the cycle trip to Bristol, but did spend one day at Wrington having got there via Kingston Seymour.

There are some new shops/down by the petrol station toward the Eastcote Arms. They are in Field End Road ( Eastcote to Harrow ) nearly at the junction with Victoria Rd ( Ruislip Manor to Harrow). They are not really in walking distance for shopping purposes, but they seem quite nice shops. Some are yet to be allocated. Note that Co-op have bought Billets and that there has been an alteration to old Normans shoe shop.

Not much news to give you this week. We had a broken night on Friday night with Susan making a fuss. To avoid waking Carol, June dumped her in with me and took over Susan’s bed herself. I had two wakeful sessions from her then all was quiet. It stayed that way for a very long time [and] in fact when June came in to find out what time it was, we discovered that it was twenty to nine. That hit on the head plans to make an early start and motor to Ealing. Instead we paid a couple of bills at Ruislip during which process I got soaking wet and had to dry off’with scarf.

Delph and Roy and Christopher came over to-day to lunch and tea. Of course they wrecked the joint between them, but all passed off amicably and the place has settle d down to a temporary peace. We go to Headstone Lane* for the return fixture next Sunday – the girls will have to forego Sunday School that day.

To-day Carol came home from Sunday School with a toy celluloid windmill. It appears that the young ones had been given them. None for Susan, but no other comment from her other than the statement of fact.

Well we all hope your illnesses will have cleared up now, and that you will have got over the effects of the flu. Love from us all.

[*i.e. to Geoff and Stella]