Tag: Clevedon

Sunday 12th January, 1964

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1964 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for a weekly letter. Sorry ours was a bit late getting to you, but post still obviously adrift. However wi’ll first reply to the part of your letter written before you received ours.

Note you say the weather was grand for the first part of the week down your end, but I do not recall that it was all that good here. It has been mild and cold in turns at this end and very treacherous. One morning I went out of the house and found it quite warm and balmy, but by the time I got to the office it was very cold again and later became very raw. Not surprising that there are a few colds and sniffs about.

Gather that you have been having a busy time in the orchard sawing up the trees or transplanting them. I should imagine that the removal of so many must make quite a difference to the look of things down there. I can imagine you have quite a store of logs but I am afraid they go all too quickly when you start on them.

We did have a little fog as you say but it was mostly confined to Kent and the extreme south-east. We did have the beginning of foggy conditions early in the week, but it never came to anything.

Hard luck on the Heels then travelling on their Christmas holiday. Over long distances you cannot depend on the conditions being the same throughout. I noticed it took him half as long again to do the journey as usual. I do not suppose it will stop him doing it again though.

Note your idea of possible rearrangement of the garage, but hope you have ascertained the local terms for putting such buildings near to dwelling places. Here we have to ensure that the nearest point of such a structure is at least twelve feet away from the house. Your local conditions may be the same, but your shed is a bit nearer than that I think, and in any case the regulations may have altered since your shed was put up. As I said in my last letter, I think it might be as well to allow the builders to move the old garage to the site you suggest and after it has been moved you can then see if you like it that way. It might also be a good card to play to contact the builder at the appropriate time, point out what he is involved in doing, and see if he has a useful alternative to suggest. It might well be that rather than move the existing garage which could involve him in time and expense he might prefer to put you up a smaller one made out of the old materials.

I too cannot make out what is so special about getting a contract for moving coal for the electricity people. We have been doing that ever since there was electricity. I suppose it is all publicity.

You ask about our Christmas cactus. Well sad to relate it is just the same as when you brought it up about two years ago. It has not grown at all and certainly there have been no buds and no sign of flowers. I have had it indoors for some time now and have been watering it regularly but it does not respond. I can only think that it must be making root growth as no surface growth is apparent.

Very sorry to learn that Mr Palmer is a bit rough again. Unfortunately he does not get any younger, and that last op did him no good at all.

Not surprised they are at low ebb at Transom House. They are all the same these days. I gather Bill Bryer who is the Productivity Assistant at Plymouth is Acting Sales and Marketing Manager and that my old colleague Sid Manning is now Acting Productivity Assistant. Notley and a chap from the E.R. have to go down there for interview for Assistant Traffic Costing Officer on Monday. Notley had a good interview at King’s Cross for the same on Thursday of last week when four such posts on the E.R. were involved and should think he ought to get one of the five.

I thought you would appreciate the story about the drains especially as you have to deal with same from time to time. All O.K. now though. You did not say if you had seen the cutting from the Telegraph. No more news since though. Very thorough the police coming round for clues. I suppose they called that all the houses.

Geoff did not appear surprised about the rise in fact he told me the amount before I mentioned it. On the E.R. you get a merit advance each year (if you deserve it) of 5% of your salary. This was the practice, but I have since learned that one or two only get rises of £25 and some have been told that although they have not reached the maximum for the grade that they will get no more rises while they’re in that particular job. This of course is quite a blow, but well within the prerogative of management I suppose.

We have had quite a to-do about the school dinners. Monday it was wonderful, they had beef and apple tart. Tuesday it was bad – they had mutton and Wednesday Susan said she was sick, they had minced mutton. They seemed to finish up on a fair note as on Friday they had sausage toad. They have struggled against it, but they are going to have them for at least six months.

Yes bad luck about the party but they had it yesterday after all. I inquired if the date was right and was not very popular for a while. Carol repeated the enquiry later on so June has got to live it down.

Greenhouse still just about holding its own against the cold, but some of the plants look a bit washed out. The tradescantia can be written off I think. Fancy you having to buy apples that really brings it home. No doubt as you say you can get a tree or two in the garden somehow. Runner beans will also have to be catered for as they are a ‘Devonia’ speciality.

June has seen doctor and I will leave her to make any comments. Your remarks noted of course.

Have not seen any more activity on the land next to us, but as you say it can be long-winded so do not expect them to start building overnight.

Peter had been “done” over his car some time ago, having spent quite a bit of money on it in various places and had nothing but trouble. He showed me a bill itemising a number of things charged for, but subsequently found not to have been done. In addition the local garage put the wrong brake fluid in his brakes with the result that the seals rotted and his pressure went. However this was a little while ago and since he has tried to do his own stuff however he has not all the tools and now and then finds some jobs beyond him. After his experience he was reluctant to go to anyone else and asked me about Jackson. I told him he was a bit of a job to tie down, and a bit pricey but he did a good job which stayed done. In view of all the circumstances he decided to get his brakes put right by Jackson. Only the handbrake was working when Peter brought the car over last Sunday and I told Jackson the car would be outside our house for the taking when he could do it. I was a bit worried that he might leave it a long time as I did not want to have to hike it off the road onto the grass verge in the event of fog. We had a few fog alarms, but fortunately it did not come down.

Of course Jackson never came near the place until Saturday morning when I was still in bed (trying to sweat out a cold) and asked for the car to be outside his place by 9:45 a.m.. Of course it would not start, there was no life in the battery after all this time and the engine too heavy to swing with the handle. The simple thing was to release the brake and coast down the hill to Jackson’s, but Les had his car so close in front that he had to move it. I tapped on his door at 9:30 a.m. and that got him out of bed too so he dressed and came down to give me a hand. We tried to start car by running down the hill with gear in second, but no joy by the time we got level with Jackson’s so left him the problem. By a bit of know-how and joint operations he soon had it going and was away. He drove that car (handbrake only) up to Maida Vale on a Saturday morning. What a game with a strange car. The gear lever is on the right hand side of the driver and the handbrake is forward centre left of the driver. However he returned to the car at lunchtime duly in order and Peter picked it up in the afternoon. He had a chat with Jackson and I think he was suitably impressed.

By the way I think I told you that I was expecting a chap from the Scottish Region by name of Lang. He turned up last Tuesday and we made quite a bit of progress. He has only been on British Railways for about eight weeks, having been working for I.C.I. before that. At lunch we were talking about the old Scottish custom of being a bonafide traveller on Sundays if you want to drink, and I mentioned a situation of a certain pier before the war when Irishmen came over on the boat on Sundays and straight into the pub etc. He said oh that must be the Pier hotel, he said I know Clevedon very well, I was Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Naval Medical School there during the war. His basic job is Research Chemist, and had transferred to Work Study while with I.C.I.

Car here going quite well. I have had nothing more done since last report. Nothing much done on the radio lately and cannot expect to do much now until after Watford which starts tomorrow. Your curate wants to get with it I should think, he will be absent all together one day again.

Well near bottom of page again so will close until next week. Love from us all. 

Wednesday 28th August, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

We were delighted to get your letter and the card from Susan yesterday morning to hear you had arrived home safely on Monday at about 3:00 p.m.. The weather was very kind for the journey but it continued very windy here all day and again Tuesday. About 11 a.m. Tuesday rain started and kept on the rest of the day. There was thunder and lightning from about 2:30 pm intermittently until just before we went to bed. Rain exceptionally heavy at times in fact it stopped the traffic at Tickenham because the drivers could not see clearly.

Needless to say we miss you all and the place seems empty again but in spite of the doubtful weather I’m sure you enjoyed your holiday as we certainly did.

Have been hard at it since you left and also had five or six different visitors later in the day for plums and tomatoes etc. Fortunately we were able to supply all demands. Have now cleaned out the old raspberry canes and tied in the new growth – picked quite a lot of plums and dug another row of potatoes. The logs arrived Tuesday morning and it took me until dinner-time to store them away safely in the shed. All the old newspapers were taken to bonfire site and burnt – some blaze – and the logs packed under the bench as far as possible and remainder just inside door. Now we are stocked up for the winter.

Bushells and company went to Cheddar on Monday but said the queues for the caves were so great that they gave up the prospect of getting in.

I went to see Jack Bishop this morning and in addition to the point raised with Mr Heel regarding the provision of superlap fencing he (Jack Bishop) said that Weston and Plumley were querying the price per plot. I told Jack exactly what had transpired and left him to sort out further with the prospective purchasers. Cornish has not yet been up but he has had a similar letter to that received by Heel and myself.

Noted painter has finished the painting of house and that it does not look too bad. Also that your runner beans are ready for picking. It is surprising though how different things look even after an absence of only ten or so days.

Mum and I have searched everywhere we can think of but we cannot find Carol’s ring. I’m afraid it must be written off as lost.

Have heard that the price of the semi-detached houses now being finished off across the road from the top of our Avenue is a £3,400 each. [Roughly £84,500 in 2023 money.] Just shows how the cost of houses is rising.*

We hope you will have another good week at home before returning to the normal routine although I expect June will say she has already returned to normal working. How did Susan and Carol stand the journey home? Query any use for the ‘big tea cup’?**

No more information yet from bushel re: car in showroom at Weston. I do not think they have since been into Weston unless they are actually there today – they have all been out since early morning. Incidentally the wind has dropped today consequently it is a little warmer. Forecast said rain this afternoon but we have had a very nice day.

Called in to see Roy Hewitt this morning when returning from solicitor and found him cheerful but somewhat weak. Cannot move about very well yet. Bill Aston had his operation this afternoon and I’m going over to Mrs Aston presently to find out if it went off all right.

Were you able to find a parking place in the middle of the road at Marlborough? Quite a nice point of call between Clevedon and Ruislip – within six or seven miles of halfway.

I hope June was able to make use of the plums before they got mildewed which they will soon if left for a few days. Must remember to take some slips of heuchera (the red one) and bring up together with the other stuff including shallots, apples and potatoes etc.

Well I think this must be all for now. Shall be looking forward to your usual weekly letter and drawings from the girls. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for two dear little girls. Mum and Dad.

P.S. has your porch arrived yet? Shall be looking forward now to Mrs Baker’s visit today week. 

*The lowest price asked for an equivalent house nearby at the time of uploading this post was £260,000, so pretty close to three times as much as its 1963 equivalent.

**This was a blue plastic potty with a handle, and I have vivid recollections of Alec marching staunchly along a mainline railway platform (probably Paddington) carrying it at arms-length with a newspaper over its contents, because one of us had used it too close to the station for it to be emptied out of the window as was his usual practice.

Thursday 27th June, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 letters, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Eva to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter and all the news. We have not much more to tell you about the land and of course the place is rife with rumours about where the road is going to be. Mrs Clarke came over last night, if it goes through she will be walking all round instead of the back way.

The bungalow in St. Andrews Drive fetched £3500 after all they asked for £4,100 the rooms are small. And bought by Mrs Webb who is in the choir and lives in Old Church Road opposite Salthouse Fields in a semi-detached. Mrs Clarke is assessing the price of hers, if she wanted to sell last night it was in the region of £5,000. No harm in thinking.

We have a lot of redcurrants and this year the black ones are ready before the raspberries.  Never had it that way before. We did not have a terrible lot of strawberries more trouble than they’re worth really. 

Astons did not have it very nice it was cold and misty in Bournemouth.

I had the 3rd for the bowl of roses (Red Star) there were 13 entries if I had not picked them before breakfast the gale which came up would have finished them.

George Dimond married when he was 21 has been married 21 years.

Soon be August when you will be here can you give us the date now. I have sent to Gamages for a camp bed to save you bringing one.

Lots of love Mum and Dad

Sunday 2nd June, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Once again your weekly letter to hand for which many thanks. Glad the postman managed to call on the 27th ult. Hope all received satisfactorily.

Yes I allowed Susan and Carol to have a go on typewriter last week, but found the thing all upside down this week (both literally and figuratively). The machine (packed back in case by Auntie Eileen) was upside down, and some of the settings at the back had been moved so that could only type about one inch then stop. They can have another go sometime, but not this week as we have a bit of a hustle on. That was Susan’s idea for the longhand. I am not sure if they have started to do that at school yet.

The heat certainly takes it out of one when it comes as such a quick change. I must say the last couple of days here have been marvellous. I had Friday off this week and by gum it was hot. I gather that Roy took Delph and Pauline out to Chorleywood on Sunday of last week, and had his second accident with the new car. It appears that someone bumped into him from behind after he had stopped quickly in a narrow road. This is about the fourth time that has happened to him. Should think he would learn to drive within a more gradual braking distance now. Mrs Baker still doing pretty well. We went over to see them yesterday and found things much the same. Peter and Pauline have been mending the wall which had broken down. They have about got it half done with bricks that came out of the wall originally. They will have to get some bricks from somewhere as what are left are only brickbats.

Sorry about your garden. Had thought you would be in better shape. Ours of course is nothing to write home about at the best of times, so the winter weather has not affected us much. Buddleia now at the top of the fence – about one month earlier than last year. Hope it will go on my higher yet as we have no roses there this year.

I hope your day today goes well and visitors arrive on time. We are having June’s friends Les and Barbara with their daughter Jill arriving sometime later this morning. We have not seen them for quite some time now although I forget how long it has actually been.

Yes the mower at the bottom went on for a long time after I commented on it. I think that it only had the blades powered, and man had to push it manually. If so that probably explains why he was at it so long. What with that and his yapping dog, it was a case of “One man went to mow” with a vengeance.

We were not very surprised about the gas bill at number 17 as it was no more than to be expected that it would be a very high both because of the cold weather, and the builders’ men who had to have heat on for drying out cement etc. in a hurry before occupation.

Spoke to Susan about the spearmint, and asked her where mine was. She said it had all been eaten. I told her that you cannot eat spearmint, so she said ‘well anyway we have taken the taste out of it’.

Last time car had a clean was so long ago that I cannot remember. It wanted doing very badly. I have got chrome back on wheel hubs, but it took about two hours on that alone.

Nothing much new in the radio line for stop I have been at Retford all week so little was done. I shall be there again next week so not much likely that week either. Have had a small modulator lent me and coupled it to the transmitter yesterday, but cannot make it work properly yet. When okay I shall be able to transmit speech. So far have got as far as Greenford with it but output so low as to be useless from a practical point of view.

Sweet peas doing very well and the two lots of beans are up. Have put the runners next to the garage and the broad ones down in the plot. The latter will probably not come to anything as put in too late, but it will give the girls something to watch.

We did not see any special service for the Scouts etc. this end. There may have been one, but we were not aware of it.

I will keep the old W.R. News for your next visit, but please remind me or I may forget to take them home.

I suppose the cruise is nearly over by now. Hope they had good weather.

Did you manage to keep any cuttings of the bronze chrysanth brought back from us? All ours are gone now.

Interested to hear about the closure of the Goods. Also noted the remarks in the paper for which many thanks.

Your piping job quite extensive then. Had no idea you were on that game. Cannot understand mum’s remarks on the subject last week.

Some bean row to all accounts. I wonder what the average crop from one bean sown happens to be. Have you kept any such stats and if so can you forecast your probable crop in advance? (Not quite the same as counting chickens.)

We had a picture show last Sunday but it was quite hot so we did not set up the usual trappings, by just held the projector fairly near the wall in the dining room and had the pictures about 18″ inches to 2 ft across.

Only local sides played at Chorleywood. I think I have played there but not altogether sure. I have played on most grounds in and around London.

I do not know if there is anything in Sylglas that would harm fish. If so it would be necessary to let Sylglas weather for quite a while before letting any fish in. Not a bad idea, but a bit difficult to apply I should have thought.

On Friday feeling a little energetic, I went over to the field with barrow and cleared about eight full loads of earth. This I dumped at bottom of garden and have since sieved a lot onto right-hand lawn. This is to provide something more than rocks for the grass to grow in and also to level up to the path. Could only work at it for a couple of hours after which the heat put paid to it. Had another go yesterday and got one more load but the quality of soil not so good so did not get any more. I’ve got some grass seed ready to plant, but have a bit more earth to save before the levels are right. Our one solitary sunflower – now hardened off – is growing quite well. Slugs not causing much trouble now or else I have put paid to them. It could be of course that they have vacated all the food I have provided for them and moved on somewhere else.

Good news about your garden produce, sounds as if things are just reading reaching the eating stage. We shall have to call.

Well I must close this letter now as I think you have all the news. The girls like their postcards by the way, and Susan took hers to show her teacher. She has been on to me for some time to take her to Walton Castle* when next we visit Clevedon.

So for now, love from us all. 

*Nothing like as posh sixty years ago as it is now; it was probably just a private house at that time.

Sunday 19th May, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks once again for weekly letter duly received Friday as usual. Thanks also for doll etc for Susan’s birthday, she will be writing herself in a few minutes.

Yes weather last week not so good. This week it has been a mixed bag with warmth at times quite like summer, but every day has been a coat day really.

I agree about the slugs, and wonder how they managed to survive the winter. You said at one time that you were not troubled by slugs your end, but here they are out in force again. Have put down some slug pellets and these have seen off a few slugs, but have had a lot of rain since and although the things are supposed to be shower-proof some of the effectiveness must have been lost by now. I shall have to lay some more.

Cannot have a more powerful set as limited to maximum of 10 watts on this band. I already have six watts, and the additional four will not make all that much difference. The only thing that can be done is to increase the effectiveness of the apparatus by attention to detail of the various parts including aerial system. All takes time, and in the end the effectiveness of the operator counts for quite a lot. You will be interested to learn that on Tuesday I hooked up* with the chap at Cam near Dursley in Gloucestershire, and on Saturday with a man in Cardiff. Gradually pushing further out. Although both these contacts were made, conditions change so quickly during the calls that signals had practically disappeared at the end. Not knowing Cam, I looked it up in Handbook of Stations and found it to be on branch from Dursley to Coaley Junction. It has probably been closed long ago.

I remember the set Saunders made. It was a simple three valve receiver built in a stained wooden box with separate speaker. The corners of both being decorated with beading that had the form of dots and dashes (e.g. .. – – ..).

I planted out the sweet peas in pots as you gave them to us – two at a time. Also put in the beans so we shall see something come up. No more earth since last time. Each bathload goes only a little way, and in fact when scattered on the lawn can hardly see where it has gone. It will all help to cover up the Stones that are now showing too well.

No more from the Eastcote Timber Supplies. No further move in that direction yet. Good idea about the Aunt Sally. I think it will be cheaper in the long run to collect it oneself – less broken glass. If  the transfer of the property at the bottom of your field goes as hope, you would do well to collect a substantial amount of topsoil over a period of time, as it all comes in handy. I am not surprised about the dog being sick. Rather him than Mrs Gardner.

When we first went to Clevedon the quarry was used as such, and they used to take an old traction engine down there to work the stone crusher. I think it was just before the war that they removed the crusher and ceased to blast the rocks there. The large galvanised-roof shed that was there was also removed a little later. For a while after stopping the work of quarrying the Council used the site for holding contractors’ railway lines and tipper trucks. The shed before it was taken down housed stacks of these lines, and also large heaps of rotting potatoes – which made very presentable ammunition.

Nothing further about the holidays but a bit early to be definite yet.

Rather a good idea one year to have a go at dandelion wine especially if plentiful. I know the main difficulty is that when they are about you are at your busiest in the garden. You have had rather a lot of trouble with your grass this year. Ours has not been much trouble but wants cutting again. I have only cut the new lawn once but it is getting very straggly now and could do with a haircut.

Susan went to the Brownies on Wednesday and I gather she enjoyed herself. She came home on the bus with some other girls. She will not be going again this week as she has now to wait at home for a letter saying she can be accepted as there is a long waiting list apparently.** There is only one group in the district.

Trouble with the driving business is that now you must take the test when you have had three provisional licenses or before you get the third. It would be a waste of time and money for June to take the test at this stage, and licence is probably nearly out by now.

Your friends having a good time at Dunoon and Malta. you will have to have a trip to Weston to compete.

I had to go to Retford again on Wednesday and stopped the night this time. I may have to go again as there is a lot of information there that I need and it has to be kept up there. It is not a bad place really. I thought it was in Lincolnshire but it is in Nottinghamshire on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Some parts of the country are very nice but the town is a mixture of wealth and poverty. The shops themselves compare more than favorably with some of the London suburbs (West Ealing for example) and the population is about 20,000.

As you will see by Susan’s letter we went to London Zoo yesterday. Our party went by train although the rest of the school went by coach. We were 10 children and five adults for stop. Of course there were the usual muddles and waits for the group to collect for this and for that and most of the time was spent in waiting for someone or something or other. However we went via Marylebone, walked about half a mile and waited for bus to Zoo. (Number 74) As it happened we could only get a few on the first bus, and a couple on the second, and we finished up on the third. (8 minutes service). When we got to the Zoo entrance we had to link up with the main party, that meant waiting for one of our number (on first bus) who had gone to find them. After this we went to a further point and waited for main party to arrive. Once assembled we moved off to Children’s Zoo and had to wait to get in. Once inside there was a general dispersal to see various of the exhibits – chickens, geese, rabbits, ponies and the like. I suppose we were inside here for just about one hour then we made our way to penguins and seals. After this we waited again for the whole party to assemble and moved into the Lion House. Of course we had one bright boy with us who was a plague of everyone’s life. He dropped his sandwiches over the safety barrier and promptly went over after them. I grabbed him by arm and seat of pants and yanked him out. Tiger, which had shown great interest, had a disappointed look after that. Same child then disappeared and we all had to wait till he could be found before moving off. (Said he had been to Scotland.) All then went to the monkey house (usual cracks permissible) and found a few long lost relatives. After that we trooped to the giraffe house and on the way passed the antelopes (and Susan’s crack about unclelopes); last and largest were the elephants (two in number) who stood on a rocky island and passed their trunks over a wall to take food from passers-by. The girls were very keen to have the food but not to hold it out to the animals. The person in charge of the train party had some business to do before going to the station so asked if we would take train party back to Marylebone. We were successful in getting all ten back to station with help of one teacher, and concentrated them around chocolate machines etc. One herb kept putting sixpences in machine for dispensing milk. I told him not to waste his money that way but he said ‘I drink plenty of milk that’s what makes me so intelligent’? I gave up. In the end he took one carton home in bag for his mother – can’t think what she thought of it. By the way we only took light jackets and it turned perishing cold there with a strong wind. As a comparison with Bristol Zoo I would say they have more exhibits and probably a greater variety, but the horticultural side is not so good. There is a whole lot of new building though which promises much in the way of scenic effects.

I see from the window that it is blowing well outside again, but the sun tries to warm things up a bit.

June reminds me that you had a gas water heater to dispose of some time ago and she wonders if it is still available or if you have since got rid of it.

So far as any future holiday (possibly abroad) is concerned, we can discuss that one when we see you.

Well there it is again for another week. Hope you are both well as we are here. Love from us all once again. 

*Of course, the modern sense of ‘hook up’ is slightly different!

**This was the 5th Ruislip pack, and I did end up joining – and remember going to Brown Owl’s wedding in my first week – but it was deemed too far to take me after a while. When the 1st South Ruislip opened up I was also briefly part of that – but then I discovered a scheduling conflict (to wit, ‘Batman’ was on that night) and the Brownies ended up suffering.

Wednesday 8th May, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 7th May, 1963]

Could not finish off last night as felt too tired after cutting all the grass again – had a job to get mower moving over it because it was so long again. Today I started to dig another big piece of ground alongside Heels’ but rain came on at midday and has continued since hence early start on this letter.

The thief of the sandwich sponge and eggs has now been found – it was Bushes’ dog. He evidently does not like jelly, this being the only commodity left.

It was election day here yesterday and somewhat of a surprise the Labour candidate got in for this Ward. Have put an E against those elected on the photographs in the Mercury and will try and cut out full results from this evening’s paper and enclose herewith. The Communist (Searle) got in again. After voting yesterday Mum and I went on to Bristol for a look around in Lewis’s etc. We parked the car at a garage at Ashton Gate and went into the city by bus. Quite a good arrangement. Arrived home about 12:30 and half an hour later the T.V. was returned from Bells. They had had it since Friday with suspected spent tube but when man brought it back he was not sure if tube had been replaced but he did say that three valves had to be replaced and that they had found the rectifier faulty. I did notice they had brought back the same case but that must have been nearly all of what they took away. The set goes all right now – it ought to. When we get the bill we shall be back on bread and ice cubes again.

This afternoon because of the rain I have been busy in greenhouse stringing up the remainder of the tomatoes and apart from the usual daily attention there is nothing else to be done with them.

Have just realised it is three weeks ago today we came back from Ruislip – how time flies. A week tomorrow it is Susan’s birthday too.

Bushell next door has half a dozen white leghorn pullets on the point of lay. Got them from a friend recently but at the moment his housing arrangements are not too good. He has a good house but has not sited it nicely and will reposition it as soon as possible. He told me he is getting a load of slag for making pathways and I can have some as it will be more than he will want – all free. Could do with some on this wide rough path running parallel with Heels’ garden and if it turns up this is what I shall probably do with it.

The erection of the two houses in the quarry at the top end of the Avenue is proceeding apace and the framework for the doors is now in position. Strange to say when they dug for the foundations they found very soft ground and the remains of an old rubbish tip which caused them to lay in a good concrete base. I should have imagined they would have had to quarry out stone to make a base in that particular spot. Now some of the older inhabitants are recalling the time when the quarry was used as a dump.

One last thought for the week – have you restarted driving lessons June?

No more now all our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad

Wednesday 23rd January, 1963

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1963 lettersLeave a comment

[Continued from Tuesday 22nd January, 1963]

A very bad night. Our hot water circulation is now out for the time being. I found the hall tap in tank under roof frozen up and released this but still no water would come through indicating pipes also frozen. Have had electric fire burning in bathroom all morning but it makes no difference. Now we hear the mains water pipes are frozen in parts of Clevedon and people are running around from house to house with buckets begging water. The South West Gas Board to are on the warpath cutting off the gas for many hours of the 24th. This does not of course affect us as we are all electric but power is reduced quite often. Harder frost forecast for tonight so look out. Not many houses now without some water trouble or another these days.

Had a most difficult job early on trying to start car and apparently another hazard is that even the antifreeze is freezing. I got ours going eventually and we went into Hill Road and the Library. Everybody looking fed up with themselves. The sun is shining lovely now at 2 p.m. and it is quite warm outdoors but it will only last for a few minutes. Has the gas cut made much difference to your gas fire in the front room?

Incidentally when in attic this morning I had a look at the insulating material a box about 3 in wider in every way than the tank surround the latter and the space is filled with small shavings or this is what it looks like. There is also a wooden cover which is covered again with asbestos sheeting. There was a very thin layer of ice and water in tank which is about half full. All pipes leading to the tank are lined with felting but even so the frost got in somewhere. Suppose we shall have to leave it now until the thaw sets in and hope for the best.

Well this is about the lot for another week – a pretty dismal picture I’m afraid but you are having your share at number 84 .

No more now. All my love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad.

P.S. Hot water system going again at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Tuesday 20th November, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for your letters and drawings from the girls received this morning usual post. Very sorry to hear you are suffering from colds and catarrh – hope they will soon clear up but the weather at the moment is not very helpful. It has been bitterly cold here for several days with the keen north-east wind coming in from the Bristol Channel accompanied at times with rain and sleet. We have not actually had snow but on Sunday we could see some had fallen on the Mendips. According to TV London had its coldest night on Saturday in November for ten years. The cold snap has come in too suddenly for people to get acclimatised to it. Mum and I keep in out of it as much as possible but have to get out most days for something or other.

You had rain on Sunday by your letter. We had rain and sleet early but this tailed off and we had to put up with the cold wind rest of day. Good job it was not the Parade Sunday – would have made a difference to the attendance. Anyhow we do hope you will be able to shake off those colds soon.

Regarding increases in salary as I understand the position you will receive a total increase of 9% over the salary operating prior to April 1st last which includes the 3% already being enjoyed.

Noted some of your geraniums have had a touch of frost – these plants take it quicker than anything else. Mum has already put ours away in greenhouse where I now have the heater on again. The outdoor chrysanths are over of course and dahlias. Gardens generally looking a bit of a mess now. Yes we are on the track of ‘Mr Chevins’ now. As stated previous latter we went into Weston last Thursday and called at a couple of places. Neither had the article on hand but Hillmans (who have showrooms just outside the railway goods yard) said they could get what we wanted within about a fortnight. They asked to hold the pamphlet for reference and would return it when they have the firebrick. These people were most obliging about the matter. Will report result in due course. We  did not do much running about in Weston but bought paper, paint etc. for sitting room. The paper had to be ordered so we shall pick it up later.

Got home about 12:45 p.m. when Mum prepared dinner and we settled down for the afternoon. At 4:15 p.m. ratatat at the door. Mr and Mrs Richings had arrived from Weston unexpectedly. Fortunately mum had bought a cake at Weston which could be put on the table but we did not tell them that we had been to Weston that morning or that the cake was bought there. They stopped until about 7:30 p.m. First time we had seen them since August. Now we have to go down there this coming Thursday when incidentally we can pick up the paper ordered last week. One of the Bristol Work Study staff had told him of your move to Liverpool Street and they were of course interested in all the news of all of you. Michael and his wife have a flat at Reading and he drives an old van to his school at a village outside Reading. Apparently he has learnt to drive and passed test first time otherwise his wife would have had to drive him there daily before starting her work at the University library and of course fetching him in the late afternoon.

Richings tells me they have received a circular from Bristol telling them they must not in future accept gifts from traders at Christmas or at any other time and where they have been in the habit of receiving such gifts they must contact the firm or firms and discreetly inform them of the ruling. Moreover no Christmas cards will be issued by the various departments as hitherto. It is also now Western Railway and not Western Region. Wonder if there has been any such direction from the E.R. management?

Yes that was a lovely incident of Susan and her school teacher. Not many of the latter would have played ball with her like that. Carol too had a lovely time and looking forward to her own schooldays. Better this way than some I can remember when mothers had to drag crying children to school. Can remember this from my own schooldays seeing other boys and girls being dragged along and getting a hiding along with it en route.

Glad to hear June has renewed driving licence – keep off icy roads June. The trouble comes when you put brakes on too quickly. Have had some of this myself on the top of Failand early mornings when en route to Bristol. Fortunately for me there has been no other traffic about. I’m sure though you want to get on with it so that you can get around the local district for shopping and the school. Our neighbour (Bushell) is still risking his neck by going out on his own quite often. The police will I’m afraid catch up with him one day.

Noted no more news of number 17 Eccleston Road but that the auditor has called at number 155 High Street.

Expect you would have heard by now if the E.R. sell off their spirits and wine at Christmas. Incidentally I wonder if the W.R. have not stopped this along with the other  recent restrictions. Nice for Pauline to be able to get a bottle at reduced cost. Makes a difference sometimes whether you have one or two bottles.

Yes I too could see Ted Caple stuttering et cetera when tackling the offending motorist. It is an offence to cross the double white line under any circumstances and the police will prosecute anyone caught doing so. I have seen reports of such cases in papers from time to time. A couple of years ago when coming back from Ruislip via the A40 a motorist passed two or three cars (by crossing the double white line) on the Oxford bypass but at this point there is a mobile police cabin and the policeman on duty spotted him and immediately rushed out of his cabin and stopped him. Two or three cars following (including us) then pulled up because we could not pass the individual being questioned without crossing the double white line. Another policeman then came out and waved us by. We never saw the other motorist again.

Sorry to hear you have lost one of your succulents. Must see if can replace later. Mrs Richings brought Mum up one or two on Thursday including another bridal-wreath the original of which we lost by the frost last winter.

Decorating after New Year’s Eve certainly – could not tackle that before. Hope it is warmer then than now. Mum’s Christmas cacti are beginning to show signs of flowering – a very small red tip at the end of the leaves.

Buses still run from the Old Church but all run direct to The Triangle so if we want to go to Hill Road it means walking to Wilcox’s Garage. It is a silly arrangement and I hear it may be altered. Certain of the Bristol double-deckers now run  right through to the Old Church and thence back to Bristol.

Thank you in anticipation of the E.R. magazine and reasons noted for non-receipt this week. I let Pope (St Andrews Drive) see the October one because he has met Vincent who was mentioned in the mag as having been transferred from the E.R. to Bristol W.R. Accountancy Dept. Pope is the man finishing up on December 1st. The latest increase would not affect his superannuation because the average would not be affected in a period of 40 years.

Yes the plots of land around this district are for houses only and the two for the quarry site will I think be looking straight down Tennyson Avenue – some outlook!

Wonder how you got on on Sunday afternoon with your visitors? Expect you would rather have been on your own with the colds you all had. It generally happens that way though. Hope the children were on their best behaviour. With this weather you are having the benefit of your new gas fireplace. I take it first impressions have been confirmed. It was certainly doing its job when we were there.

Well I seem to have exhausted most of the news again. We had a couple of nice days here last week that I pulled up all the runner beans sticks and stripped off the haulms. Since then I have sown three boxes of sweet pea seed in greenhouse and I noticed a box of lettuce sown several weeks ago is now showing through. Have picked up two or three more hampers of Bramley Seedling apples and stored them in garage. Incidentally have you examined the Blenheim Orange apple since we left? We are eating some of ours and they are lovely. Should  however keep until Christmas if you prefer them then.

Norman Baker is coming along this week to put fence right for the horse to come back. Will do good if he will eat out the thickest part of grass for a week or two.

[Continued on Wednesday 21st November, 1962]

Wednesday 13th June, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

It’s just about 7:15 p.m. and I’ve just come in off the garden, but first things first. We had a good run back today and after calling at Marlborough (10:50 to 11:30) arrived home 1:50 p.m.. After leaving Bath we took the country route from Newton St Loe and avoided Bristol. Called at Marksbury for petrol and at Clevedon for a loaf of bread.

You gave us a lovely time and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but sorry Alec was off colour with the cold and that the car was in dock. We thought the girls had grown quite a lot since we last saw them and they are obviously older in manner. The time went very quickly but we have something to look forward to in your visit in August. Meanwhile we must get busy to have things a bit shipshape.

It was nice to see Mrs Baker even if only for a short while and we hope the operation and rest will do her a world of good. We realise the real worry is the business and can only hope that something will turn up to satisfactorily deal with that situation. What about the car Alec? Hope you have had the news you have been waiting for and that car will soon be back in your garage. My car appreciated the use of same during our visit but its presence hampered your activities somewhat.

The wine travelled safely and will be tasted presently. The wireless set, for which again many thanks, is connected up in bedroom and programmes are good and clear.

When I went down garden about 2.0 p.m. I could see things were very dried up and some of the tomatoes in greenhouse were also very dry so I changed quickly and after dinner got busy with hose pipe. Later I coupled up the plastic hose to the rubber one and used to the new circular screw clips to clamp the holder in position. It is a perfect job. After tea had hose pipe with extension on runner beans and gave them a good soaking together with other crops needing water.

We hear that Mr Heel (next door neighbour) was taken ill during the night of 12th -13th and ambulance was called for this morning at 7:30 a.m. and he was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital, Bristol for emergency operations. Apparently one was for the prostate gland and the other – to be performed this evening – for haemorrhoids. Mrs Heel had to be in the hospital this evening for surgeon to tell her the results of operations.

The rats tail cactus we told you about now has about 25 flowers on it, each of them about 3 inches long, trumpet-shaped and a lovely magenta colour. It is really a picture. We have two or three more rats tail cacti but no flowers on them.

This evening just before coming indoors I drained out the deep part of the pond ready for drying off before treatment with snowcem. There were several live small eels and a flat fish about the size of a penny.

According to this week’s Mercury a new Curate has been appointed to the parish and started last Sunday – this is the first I’ve heard of him.

A picture in tonight’s Evening Post shows a three car accident in Bristol today involving a Clevedonian who was taken to hospital with injuries.

Well I think this must be all this time. It hardly seems possible that we have been to number 84 and are back home again, still it will not be long to August.

Again many thanks for all your kindness to us. All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls.

Mum and Dad

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

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Just a few lines to say we arrived all in one piece, and thank you very much for a nice time with you. I nearly forgot the bread, as we were passing through Clevedon a baker’s shop which only keeps open on Wednesday afternoons reminded me so got one.

Soon got busy when we got indoors. Dad put up the new shade and looks very well and the old one will go nicely in the bedrooms right colour for it. This morning Mrs Heel also heard from her sister-in-law that Mr Heel’s brother had died, they were coming down in three weeks time he had cancer of throat.

Hope the colds are all better and the children are o.k. We miss their chatter love from Dad and Mum.

P.S. Card here from Norway having a wonderful time.

Wednesday 21st March, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family (continued from 20th March):

Thank you all very much for your letter received this morning with best wishes for my 65th birthday. A very nice card from Susan too, thank you Susan. Not quite so quick with the pension Alec, the starting date for that is the Monday following the 65th birthday – you must remember that.

Sorry Susan had to have a day off but just as well to take no risk – hope she is better now. How did you get on at the hospital? I certainly should not have gone back to work for another couple of days, the weather is still very cold and wind keeps in the northeast.

Fancy Carol remembering the church bells and that I go ringing. Susan using her brain saying they don’t have weddings on Sundays – working things out in her own way.*

Yes well wrapped up is right so far as we are concerned. Even when working in garden I’ve had to keep my coat and cap on which I am generally loathe to do. Last Saturday I put in a couple of rows of peas and on Monday most of the small seeds but I was glad to get inside the greenhouse again. 

The seawall had a severe pounding earlier this winter and if repairs had not been effected quickly the spring tides with a north-west wind behind them would have been disastrous. Fortunately for us the wind veered to south-east, consequently the south coast had it.

Note your kitchen repairs still not started. Everybody seems to be in the same boat nowadays, waiting the convenience of the workmen.

Talking about lawn mowing I got my motor mower out on Saturday and was able to start it up within five minutes so cut the grass on the big and small lawns. According to my gardening diary however I am a week later than last year with it.

So your neighbours are almost decided on Weston – hope they will like it in the West Country. Just as convenient for him to get to and fro to Bristol as from Clevedon by road.

Had one surprise this morning. A letter arrived from Swindon from Bernard Carver who retired in 1947. He used to attend the freight train meetings long before Armour arrived on the scene. Carver knew it was my birthday and that I was 65 which was most amazing as in the first place I never knew he had any idea of it and moreover I have not seen or heard of him since he retired. He finished at 60 and is now 76 and has been to America twice since 1947 to see his son and family who are there.

Yes I remember you started at Clevedon on the 21st March 1938 so have now got 24 years service in. Whatever you do stick to the Work Study until there is no more to be had from it, but I should imagine it would see you through your career.

Heard from Geoff and family this morning and from Don and Joan. Also cards from Mr Newman and Miss Spellings (Bristol TM) not to mention a card from Mrs Marshall who was told by mum the date.

Your bottom fence is a bit of a problem. Pity you have not a thick rose hedge along but I suppose really you must have some sort of a fence.

Don was much impressed with the typewriter and thought I had a good buy. He has since sent me a felt pad for same and a couple of ribbons although it is a new one already in the machine. Will keep one of the ribbons for you but query if it will fit a portable. Can but try.

Note plenty of work waiting at the office. That is the usual procedure.

Have noted June’s remark on back of envelope and thank you all very much in anticipation.

You will be interested to know the old caravan which has stood at the end of the garden in Old Miss Martin’s premises has at last been dismantled and removed. It has been an eyesore for years and was right in our line of vision looking down the garden path. The present owner of the house got some junk merchants in to demolish it.

Well I think this is about all for another week but once again many thanks to you all for your kind remembrances of the 21st.

All our love to you both and lots of kisses for the girls. Mum and Dad

*Well, yes, children have brains – how astonishing!

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

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol,

Many thanks for letter and glad you are all going on alright. Hope you had good news from the hospital and are able to start work again. It is not quite so cold now but could do with it warmer. I don’t get on with the typewriter very well it’s quicker by hand. We have to be busy gardening now. Hope June’s mother is feeling better. We are having a jumble sale at the Guild on April 7th – any junk? Will tell you next time where we are going on a outing, hope it’s the Isle of Wight.

No more now lots of love Mum and Dad.