Tag: Wine

Sunday 18th February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks again for weekly letter and newspaper. I am sorry to report that last week the envelope containing both had become open at both ends although the contents were intact, and again this week precisely the same thing happened. I suppose it is a bit of a risk if this happens regularly as contents may get a stray. It would seem that the Sellotape you put on the end is insufficient for the job.

Thought you would have a laugh over the bread and water bit. So far nothing further in that line thank goodness.

One thing about Fortifones, they have supplied a number of batteries to keep you going for a while. If you get stuck again do not hesitate to let me know if you want me to phone them. Something seems to have twisted their conscience for them to mark the latest packet no charge? Hope it is not no change.

Note you had some severe weather your way last week. I had a meeting at Southall last Monday, and during the proceedings had a message from Paddington to the effect that June had telephoned to say roof of garage had blown off, and neighbour had helped to fix it temporarily, and could I come home before dark to make sure all was secure. It was a garbled message in the event. When the meeting ended, instead of going to lunch, I caught the bus across to Ruislip, but found that all that had moved was the crown piece at the house end, and the piece next inside it which was secured only by the weight of the first piece. These pieces are about 6 ft long, and had been lifted off by the force of the wind coming in through the open door of the garage. I had taken the car to station, and left a half door wedged open. All should have been in order, but it appears that a short metal bar to which the end piece was originally secured had worked loose and fallen off. At least this bar could not be found, and as it should have dropped inside the garage, can only think it had been missing for some time. I know it was there when we put the garage up. It appears that Eric and June together put the pieces back, and when I got there I found that they there were locked in place with a strong piece of wire tied round the main crossbeams. Poor Eric could only use one arm as the other was in a bad state following the vaccination. Doctor would not let him drive his car for a day or so.

I well remember a similar strong wind occurring when I was going to St. John’s School. I got as far as Mogg’s place but could not get round the corner. Had to dig out Mr Mogg to get me into Tennyson Avenue.

Have not heard the latest in the housing situation – next door. I suppose they will tell us one day what they are going to do, but I suppose it is none of our business. So far they have not said definitely if they are going to have that plot or not. If not, of course, it’s throws the whole thing wide open again.

Nothing further in the lawn Improvements so far, but the “Surveyor” has informed me that the work must be completed by May. I think we shall have to have a go slow for a while to push the wages up.

I should imagine that some of the last year’s parsnips will find their way into wine. As you know the older the potato or parsnip is, the better for wine. Talking on that subject, I forgot to tell you that last week (probably after going to press) I started off some more wine. This lot was based on 2 lbs of old parsnips, to which were added 1 lb of currants, tinned lemon juice (pure) equal to about 10 lemons, one orange complete with peel (very juicy), the peel of a second, and two banana skins. This lot has 2 lbs of sugar in it and the liquid wine yeast (as given to you). As Jungle Juice has already been taken as a name, I think I will call this one Alec’s Anaesthetic and hope for the best.

The mileage when you passed LTA 259 over to me was  46286 so you did rather less than 26000 miles in it. This over a period of six years. The average to you would be about 4300 per year. It is about half as much again as our average, but I would say that the average length of your journey was longer.

I thought there was something the matter with Geoff’s face the last time I saw him, but I did not like to mention it. Saw him again on Friday, and noticed little change. Glad you told me that he had been having trouble with it or I would not have known.

I have no doubt that you will lose the Clevedon train service altogether eventually, unless more people travel by it. There is no likelihood of that however as people’s habits have altered in the last twenty years or so. Nearly all have cars, or access thereto, and the television keeps them in in the evenings anyway.

We can find a corner for the thornless loganberry if you care to bring it up. Thanks very much. I do not know how long it is before they fruit.

Did not hear of the bad business at Lyme Regis.

Things seem to be happening in the housing line in Clevedon now. All the vacant plot are going by the sound of things. Of course what was once an out of the way spot what is now accessible by car. I recall a number of such plots in Edward Road which hung fire for years mainly because it was so far out of the main part of the town.

Sorry to hear about Dad’s thumb. How long has that been giving trouble? Note no bones broken – good job.

Pauline came over yesterday and released us to go to the pictures. We think it is the first time we have been since we possessed the car. Quite something to come home and not have to wait for a bus.

I see the chap at the bottom is digging his garden, and I expect several others are at that game today, it is such a nice day. Quite spring-like weather, and the girls are out in the garden on the swing. Of course they cannot agree for more than two minutes and a squabble begins. I see the prams are also getting an airing.

Had several trips out last week including a trip to Swindon. There I met Mr Armand now assistant to C.M.E. Spent most of the day with him, including lunch, and he asked to be remembered to you. it appears he is also a homemade wine merchant, and says he has even made his own whiskey, but he did not say if he distilled it or not.

No news of our joiner yet, but expect him at any time now.

Well must report that we are all fairly well at this end, and hope that goes for you too. Looking forward to that typewritten stuff. Is Mother going to be allowed to use it? Distaff side is barred this end. *

Well there it is again for another week. Love from us all. 

*’Distaff side’, i.e. his wife, June, but the implication is that she isn’t allowed to use the typewriter because she’s female … and we’ll just allow the stupidity of that to sink in a little, shall we? Younger readers may never have encountered a ‘typing pool’ in real life, but they turn up occasionally in films and TV shows set in the past, and you would have to look a long time before you found anybody male working in a typing pool. Men were usually very good typists, many having learned during their time in the services, but they didn’t type for other people – only for themselves. This is Alec’s attitude to life summed up in a nutshell, really; what’s yours is mine and what’s mine’s my own. He and June were both textbook narcissists, and it’s really no wonder that they had such dreadful rows.

This image was found on https://www.edn.com/how-it-was-life-in-the-typing-pool-ii/, where it is unfortunately not credited.

Sunday 11th February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Many thanks for latest letter which arrived in time to be taken out on our shopping-cum-haircutting expedition on Saturday morning. While the girls and June were having their haircut I had a wander round the shops at Eastcote, then returned to the car and had a read of the letter and the paper (Mercury) – what more could you want from a Saturday morning?* I doubt if there will be any delays now that the G.P.O. is functioning normally. 

You seem to be having a deal of trouble with these Fortifone people, and it will be interesting to hear what their local agent says and does. 

I have not heard that the girls have broken any crocks in their endeavours at the sink, but it is significant that two more cups are now without handles. I am aware that little girls want to help, at least that is what they call it, but as you know it is not always for the best. This morning Carol was practically in tears when she was not allowed to carry in the fried breakfast on plates that were red hot. She said she only wanted to help. The issues in the garden are clear enough, they can have the lion’s share of it to do more or less what they like, and there is a small part where they can do nothing at all. The latter is essential if one is to produce anything at all.** 

Re: the Benns’ proposed move, they were again at Clevedon this weekend, with the intention of visiting the Council and making enquiries about the school situation. They had intended to return today, but late last night Eric appeared and asked if he could leave his car in the sideway. He did not volunteer any information and I did not ask. It seems they all like the site, and the question resolved itself on the school position. What the ultimate decision is I do not know. we had already given them our brochure on Clevedon including the streetmap, and of course the one you got them to send is now a spare. I gather from June that Mrs Benn had said that the builder in question was named Venn, only one letter changed from their own. This confirms your findings.***

Had no idea that Bush was so ill. He was a man that I never had any dealings with. Apart from recognising him, and passing the time of day I never had any sort of conversation with him as far as I can recall. They must have been in the Avenue since the Joneses left and that I think was well before the war. 

It is not difficult to hear voices through the wall of the house. I think ours must have been thrown up or blown up. 

The Reading Shunters took a vote last Sunday and again rejected Work Study investigations. The Goods Guards however were favourably disposed and will probably ask us to do them. This presents its own problems of course, because no one has done schemes for Goods Guards yet. 

Good to know what you are paying rates for. You could probably have calculated your share of the council offices. 

Yes the thing to do when strikes occur is not to travel in the area affected – if possible go the other way – as demonstrated. There may or may not be another 1926, but there is no doubt that government is turning the screw ever more tightly, and although we are among the strata affected by the pause, feel it is the right and only course. After all it is the duty of the government to govern, and not let someone else to do it by pressure. 

Note the position with your seedlings. Talking of shallots, we have been having pickled onions for several months now. They were your shallots originally, and very nice and mild they are. 

Wail from the sideway where Susan has fallen over and grazed her hands, she had only been out there for about thirty seconds. Carol being dressed up to go out there – and do the same no doubt.****

Some weeks ago I tasted my February 1959 Parsnip (Bravery) and decided I ought to do something to improve the taste? I added a few teaspoonfuls of sugar to one bottle, and put it back in the cupboard. Since then it has restarted to ferment, and every now and then we get a minor explosion from the cupboard – have to search for the cork, and replace. 

Two ivies which were left out of doors seem to be in good order, but I have not seen the one we took indoors lately. 

Sorry about your Mediterranean cruise. If you rely on the P.B.s you will get it some day. Just about as reliable as the football pools. 

All the electrical improvements mean bigger electricity bills of course, but again, the more electricity we use, the less coal is required. 

Could not say what the drawings are meant to be, your guess is as good as mine. By the way the biro marks were on the paper, and not on the letter. Probably nothing to do with you, but put on idly by the children.*****

Did not know Gordon Cleverly had a house out that way at all. Last I heard of him, he was in Gardens Road. Just as well that the plot overlooks the Swiss Valley and not the sea. It is a mixed blessing facing the sea. Probably the best view around your way is of the Swiss Valley from any angle. 

When you get to Smith’s Crisps factory make sure you ask them to get the paper which surrounds the salt coloured with luminous paint for the benefit of people eating crisps in the pictures. Always a job to find the salt.******

Have seen no crocuses out this way yet. The weather today is good, as was yesterday, and no doubt will get things moving. 

Fetched some more stones of the field yesterday, with three helpers. The underlayer is now moving appreciably towards the house, but we have run out of ash so the bulk of the stones remain uncovered. Shall have to start getting earth from somewhere to cover them up. Could get some grass seeds sown next month if it is ready. I think I shall have to square off the parts so far treated, and get it covered with earth and sown. The remainder can then wait till next year. Got four barrow loads of stones from a field that I had scoured only a few weeks ago.******* 

Thanks again for the paper. Hope you are both keeping well, as we seem to be again. If you do not want to have all the cider, why not turn some of it into apple cider wine (Bravery). Might be an idea. 

The indoor chrysanths which you gave me have remained outdoors all the winter, and apart from a couple that I lost (through drought) early on, they are all throwing up cuttings. I think there must have been some outdoor varieties among them. I will try planting them out in the garden this year. 

June has just finished a pixie hood for Carol. It is very nice and she likes it. Looks like Joseph’s coat.******** Could do with one myself as a balaclava. 

Car still going well now. Coming up to the three thousand miles since we had it. How many miles did you do in it? Gave it a good clean last week, but it is as bad as ever again now.

Well there it is again for another week, will close and try and cope with the washers-up. 

Love from us all. 

*In this letter Alec emerges as clearly as ever as a man who did not want children and wanted nothing to do with them when he had them; he could never understand why they weren’t perfect little mini-adults with a sense of responsibility, a desire to learn, and the ability to be quiet and stay out of his way at all times. Someone once described Alec as ‘a selfish man’ and indeed it is difficult to think of one unselfish thing he did – before 1974 at least. You will notice that he refused to get involved with the grocery shopping, and that was a lifelong tradition; he was quite prepared to do the driving, but he waited outside in the car and let everyone else do the heavy lifting. Literally.

**See above. They were appalling parents, both of them.

***It occurs to me that maybe the Benns decided against Clevedon simply because Leonard and Eva were just too handy and too interested in their lives…

****Falling over and getting hurt at the ripe old age of five-and-a-half? Must be either deliberate or just clumsiness, and in either case it was further evidence of a flawed character.

*****And these are also idle children who draw things badly, how shocking! They should be studying calculus and reading Shakespeare at that age, surely?

******When crisps were first available, they came with a little blue paper twist in each packet which contained the salt so that you could add it yourself. IIRC this later became a sachet, but that phase didn’t last long before the companies began marketing ‘Ready Salted‘ crisps to which the salt had already been added. Now that people are slightly more aware of the effects of salt in their food, we now again have the option of buying crisps which have a sachet of salt included in the packet. What goes around comes around.

*******If it’s not free or cheap I don’t want it, and if I have to have it I will complain about the price.

********I can only imagine that he means ‘of many colours’ here, which seems unnecessarily mean and dismissive. June was a decent plain knitter and no kid of three-and-a-half cares whether they are wearing something perfect as long as it’s warm and comfortable. Alec just liked to be rude about females and children, and female children most of all. I think he was terrified of having anything like empathy towards any human female except his mother, and there wasn’t a great deal about for her either. What that says about his psychological make-up, I will happily leave to you.

Wednesday 7th February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for another budget of news and some nice drawings (from the girls) received as usual yesterday morning – presumably no likelihood of delays now the Post Office back to normal working. 

So glad to hear you are pulling out of your various upsets and hope you can continue in good health for rest of wintry weather. 

The end of January batteries arrived but no reply yet from Fortiphones to our letters – must now wait I suppose and see if they debit the account for the lot that failed at end of December. They seem to be a very poor business firm and want waking up. I’m wondering if their local representatives – there is one at Weston we think – may call on us one day. I hope I’m at home if he does. 

Two helpers now then with the washing up but not doing it quickly enough for Mummy apparently – what about breakages? Note position re cupboards and hope men make a good job of it for you. Incidentally I take your point that my assistants in garden do not undo the work already done – but even little girls want to help you know.

I saw Bell (TV man) this morning and asked him if there were any plots on the road on which he lives and he said no. I told him someone I knew was enquiring and had in mind a plot about 200 feet long and he said it must be further over on Strawberry Hill. He also said a new cut-in had been made from Walton Road – just past the Old Inn – so Mum and I went along to see for ourselves. Sure enough there is a new road – leading to a dead-end – cut in and properly surfaced with tarmac and signposted ‘Strawberry Hill’ and we think this must be the site your neighbour has in mind*. Alternatively right on the top of Strawberry Hill we found a builder named Venn was building a new housing estate with access from Thackeray Road – well past the turning down to Bell’s house. Mum will comment on position of schools but none of them are far away and as you know a new Secondary Modern School is nearing completion at the bottom of Holly Lane. 

It was wet here most of saturday – dull Sunday morning but rain in afternoon and evening. Not a very nice time to be looking at housing sites. 

I’m sorry to tell you that since our last letter Mr Bush (next beyond Mrs Drewitt’s old house) has died and been buried aged 56 or 57. Apparently he had only been absent from work since just before Christmas and even on Tuesday 30th of January drove his car to Cottage Hospital for himself to have an x-ray. Died on the Friday morning and buried in churchyard Monday last. Trouble was cancer. I went over to the service but mum had already promised to attend a T.G. meeting. There are three girls in the family one of whom is married and living at Folkestone, the other two working in Clevedon and living at home.

So you had young Michael in to play with Susan and Carol and then he did not want to go home. Fancy hearing him through the walls of house – must have been in full song.

Yes Alec we hope budget will stretch to the 6d stamp but if it does not must ask for a sub. By the way I cannot account for any biro marks on our letters other than the actual writing. Before we saw Bell today we called in at Council Offices for up-to-date information re schools and this is what Mum will write about, but I did get them to promise to send on a Clevedon brochure to 82 Queens Walk and it should have been received before you get this. It was the first time I had ever been in the Council offices – quite a palatial building in Highdale Road close to Christ church.

You don’t seem to be getting very far with your Work Study projects. Bad luck on the chap at Morris Cowley – work studied him out of existence! 

We wondered how you got on with travel on the Monday of the unofficial strike but somehow guessed you would solve that one fairly easily. Some people must have had a terrible time. Very glad it was not repeated this week. Engineers had a go instead. The whole country seems to be in a turmoil again and if someone does not take a firm hand they will have another 1926 on their hands.

Whatever was Carol referring to when she said there was tortoise for dinner or was she just having a game with you? 

Typewriter still not in evidence as you see but matter well in hand – have not seen my contact for some days – he is ill – but I know Houghton is dealing with the matter. By the way his son is marrying a girl who lives at Harrow-on-the-Hill shortly. 

I lost the lettuce seedlings – damped off. But have some more showing through soil. Have about 28 – so far – tomato seedlings up and potted off into 3-inch pots. Hope they survive. It’s cold in greenhouse at night about 40 degrees but day temperature goes up to 80 and over. Last Friday I planted out three rows of shallots (210 shallots altogether) so was just a day or two earlier than last year. 

Yes I hope Don likes the grape wine. My blackberry is excellent – one of the best. The bottle of liquid yeast I brought back in October is still working and every now and then cork is expelled with force. I still have the 1959 elderflower but have not tried it lately. 

The Vicar is still absent on sick leave and now waiting another specialist examination of his knees – previous reports have been negative. 

Glad to hear your honeysuckles getting on alright. What happened to the ivies? Have they survived? The African violet I’m afraid is finished but it certainly gave us a good show since you gave it to Mum. Broad beans in garden now recovered from effects of frost but a number of people around here have lost them all together – my theory is that they were not planted deep enough in first place and severe frost got right down to the bean in the ground. I always put mine in at least 4 inches deep. 

Both Roy Hewitt and Mr Aston called on Friday morning whilst I was putting in shallots – shook them to see what I was at. 

We did not come up on Premium Bonds and Mum very disappointed again as it means putting off our Mediterranean cruise. 

You are making a lot of improvements with electric lighting around the house. Nice to be able to plug in here and there just as you wish. no more this time Python all our love to you both and lots of kisses for two little washers-up.

Mum and Dad

*So, this is where it gets bizarre – in a ‘small world’ way. Twenty-something years later, Alec and June – who had Leonard living with them at the time, Eva having died in 1979 – bought a house on Strawberry Hill which would be next-door-but-one to the site the Benns were considering. After Leonard’s death in 1986 they left there and returned to live in Exmouth. Alec and June never stayed in any house for an especially long time, unlike Leonard and Eva who were in the same house at Clevedon for 48 years..

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

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for your letters also the two drawings by the artists. I suppose one is a drawing of the sun and the other seems to be two girls in a goldfish bowl. The other was easy with flowers growing from a mound of earth and madam walking along in her best hat. 

If your neighbours do eventually have a house built on Strawberry Hill they will be luckier than most in regard to schools. The lane up to where they intend to live goes up almost opposite All Saints Lane where the old light railway line used to run across and where I believe you said G. Cleverley had a house built.  These All Saints schools are infants and Junior, then the new modern secondary school is nearly finished at Holly Lane in corner of a field the front of which faces Walton Road. At present the need is filled by the school at Fire Station and St John’s which I think are going to be done away with. That spot seems to be very good, high up but it would seem to be overlooking the Swiss Valley not the seaside as too far over. There is a narrow road cut on the top but I don’t think you can get right through yet.** There may be one or two private schools on Dial Hill but don’t know of any. 

Mrs Hewitt is toying with the idea of taking us when she can arrange it to Smiths Potato Crisps factory at Brislington and Wall’s Ice Cream somewhere near Gloucester. The snag with these places you have to book months ahead.

We have two snowdrops of those you gave us in the summer don’t know what has happened to the rest. I see some of the crocuses are out too. Well no more now. Lots of love from Mum and Dad.

PS There is also the Secondary Modern in Highdale Avenue off Old Street. 

Eva’s drawings are labelled flag, wine bottle, ice lolly, and candy floss.

**You still can’t, and Strawberry Hill is narrow and only roughly paved.

Sunday 4th February, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thanks for weekly letter, duly received on Saturday morning. Glad to say we are all now over the worst as regards health. We all have the residue of colds, namely catarrh. This of course will pass in due time. 

Glad to hear that the batteries from Fortiphones have arrived at last, although you had to write them a snorter. As it so happened your letters crossed in the post. I shall be interested to learn what actually went wrong. 

We thought of you last Sunday going to Lyng, and as I recall I commented in my last letter on it being a fine day. You had a dull day apparently, which is a surprise to us considering the weather we had that day. 

Hope budget will stretch to the 6d stamp each week, as it is interesting to get the Mercuries reasonably up-to-date.  I would have liked to have had them before, but never mentioned it.

Incidentally I was glad to hear that Don is better, or appears so. Going in for poultry in a big way by the sound of it. 

I could not say if the Benns are interested in the local news or not. I have pushed the paper through the door after I finished with it, but so far there has been no comment. On Friday Mr and Mrs Benn and Janet went to Southampton where they spent the night, and were motoring to Clevedon on Saturday afternoon. This is to decide if Mrs B likes the site and is willing to live there. I am sure I do not know what the reaction will be, but little Michael missed his mum. We heard him in there late on Friday saying ‘Mummy gone away’ etc etc. We saw Mrs Benn (Grandma) down at the shops on Saturday morning, and invited them in for the afternoon. He played with the girls and did not seem very put out. He did not want to go home of course, and raised the roof for a bit. Grandma Benn was saying that it all depended on Dorothy as to approval or not of the site, but she said they were quite used to moving about and it did not worry them. 

Regarding our helpers – washing up et cetera – we had a continuation of the same this morning. Susan washed up, and Carol wiped the breakfast things, but they got a bit out of phase so had to step in and clear it all up. 

I saw some pencil or biro marks on the last paper you sent and wondered if you had marked it specially, that is why I asked for identification. It may be that the children had got to work with their crayons etc. 

So poor old Arthur has died. Nice to be able to think you were able to entertain him even for a short while before he went. 

We did not ask for an estimate for sliding doors, and will not now vary the conditions otherwise he may put up the estimate. Note the position on the typewriter. 

Should have thought that your greenhouse could have provided the regular warm temperature that you require for your lettuce plants, or is it a higher temperature than you normally have in there. Al three of our pot honeysuckle plants are growing well. I have them now on top of the coal bunker – still in their pots and they have had the benefit of regular rain. 

Nice to have company come round even if no assistance offered when digging trench. At least your assistants do not undo what you have already done. 

Have done nothing further about the lawn, but put in another electric point yesterday. This time it was on the landing, and involved much more fiddling about with floorboards than I have had hitherto. 

June and Carol have just come in with some tea for me, and Carol says that we are having tortoise for  dinner. Hope I don’t get the shell. 

Later on I hope to put a point in our bedroom, and possibly one in the small bedroom. After that at some time I must fit one in the hall, and perhaps some more in the dining and front rooms. 

Re: wine, it is surprising how much wine you can stow away in a small space – like the airing cupboard – if you have it stored in gallon jars or sweet jars. I have one gallon of fig and tangerine fermenting under lock in the top of our cupboard, and a further gallon jar and a sweet jar full of apple that has recently stopped fermenting. There is also a bottle of yeast and a spare one, and still room for more. 

I agree with you that Jungle Juice (Lyng version) is not very acceptable this time of year.

Taking a bit of a chance were you not in taking him down some grape wine? Pity to waste good wine if he does not drink it – better to have disposed of some of the elderflower. So far as the cherry wine is concerned we now have plenty, thanks to bringing  two bottles back from you, and finding some that had been overlooked. it is being reserved for medicinal purposes, but the last time it was used it had no apparent effect. Perhaps the virus is now immune? 

So far as last Monday’s strike is concerned, I was little affected as I had a meeting arranged for Maidenhead at 10 a.m.. Did this by going down by car. All right by going in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic. 

You may be interested to learn that the fellow who was prepared to be Work Studied at Morris Cowley was started on last week. The senior investigator is a clerical representative on Sectional Council and asked to have two days off to attend to such matters. In his absence I sent one of the Old Oak Common team to keep the pot boiling – as it were – but he telephoned on arrival to say that the individual to be studied had died the night before. You cannot win can you? 

Glad to hear that it is your turn this week to win the £5,000 on the Premium Bonds. Let me know when to call round. 

Sorry to hear that the T&G party is off. it would have been better if they had canvassed the members in advance before issuing invitations. Can Mrs H talk herself out of this one? 

The trouble with the Maidenhead scheme is not cleared up yet, and I had to leave it to others to sort out on Friday as I had other meetings to attend. We have started the Acton station negotiations and so far they are going well. On informal level we have cleared up all but four points, none of which is difficult so next meeting should produce the acceptance. 

Well have nothing more of interest to report this week, thanks for the paper etc. Hope you are both keeping well, and will comment on the holiday aspect next week. 

Love from us all. 

Wednesday 31st January, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for another long and interesting letter received yesterday but so sorry to hear you are all under the weather again – hope it will not be long before you are once more back to normal. Not really surprised to know the smallpox vaccination upset you – surely it is a sign that the dose is becoming effective – but did not expect to hear it had such an effect on you as you describe. Can remember the effect it had on me when I joined the Army in 1916. Still no news or batteries from Fortiphones (^see postscript^) and have sent them a bit of a snorter today as perhaps that will shake them up – will report on this in next letter.

Well we had quite a good time at Lyng on Sunday – Don & Joan had killed the fatted calf (chicken) and we did full justice to the spread. It was a dull day in this part of the country but roads nice and dry and quite good for motoring. Don seemed much better then when I saw him at Durston station on Dec 23rd but he always is a bit chesty as you know. We left here at 9.55 a.m. and arrived Lyng about 11.15 a.m. leaving again 3.15 p.m. & home by 4.20 p.m.* They have bought two new poultry houses since we were last there – that was when we went down with you – and the children were very lively. I think I told you they lost 36 day-olds during that cold spell but firm had replaced 25 of them.

Note you would like Mercury sent up and as we now know value stamp to put on and have a suitable supply of envelopes will carry on until further notice. Not surprised the Benns might be interested in the local news if they are thinking of moving down this way. Have not been round the Strawberry Hill recently but now think the plot they have in mind I somewhere between Bell’s place and the bottom of the hill opposite All Saints Church in the Swiss Valley – noted you had heard nothing more from them regarding their intentions. Has Mrs Benn been down to see the site?

So Carol is still busy helping Mummie – gives her something interesting to do when Susan is at school.** She will have to help Grandma when she comes to Clevedon for holiday.

Am afraid I cannot help much with identifying people in the picture in the Mercury. I believe Tom Garland’s wife was in it and also Mrs Palmer and Joyce (her daughter). Incidentally Mrs Golding (Land Yeo Cottage) died last week and Mum and I went over to funeral service on Monday. You remember the boys (three of them) who were in Choir and Marion the only girl who was a typist in my section of DSQ. [?] Old man Salisbury – 90 odd – the former tailor in Clevedon has also passed on.

That reminds me – Mum had a letter from Aunt Lil at Dawlish on Monday to say that she had heard from Florrie of Twickenham that Arthur (California) died on the 2nd January from lung cancer. This was a bit of a shock as we had no idea he was that ill – he certainly showed no signs when with us last year. No wonder we did not hear from him after he arrived back home. Don’t suppose we shall now see any of the photographs he took whilst here including one of Mogg’s thatched cottage which he was particularly pleased to take.

Talking about sliding cupboard doors, did you have an estimate for them? Looking at ours here I cannot think the cost can be much more than the hinged ones. Seems quite a small job but I must admit I would not like to tackle it – everyone to his own kind of work!

No further news of typewriter but being away on Sunday I did not see my contact (Ern Cole) who may have had some information for me.

Mr Palmer has been ordered to rest pending his operation because movement is aggravating the trouble caused by years of neglect.

Sorry about Eric Benn’s car – only proves that in many cases the innocent party has to suffer for other people’s neglect.

Yes, Vicar still laid up but a couple of days ago I saw old Mr Houghton drive by in his car so he must be improving.

Re: Electricity Booster I do not know if ity is in operation yet but am of opinion it is not yet connec ted up properly.

Noted GM’s cut applies to Divl. Office Staffs – this will hurt a lot of people in high places and not before time either.

Not much to report on the garden this week. Our tomato seeds – in pots in kitchen – are now showing through soil. This is several weeks earlier than last year and if we can save them will obviate necessity of buying a few plants for the earliest fruiting. The job is to keep them in a regular warm temperature. Managed to di out second trench for runner beans last Friday working from the path, Whilst at it both Roy Hewitt and Mr Aston looked in but I did not get any assistance. In the greenhouse I have lettuce and Brussels sprouts seeds coming up but am anxious for outdoor soil to dry so that I can make up some more compost for planting out seedlings – more Burnham Beeches loam wanted.

Glad to hear your boiler chimney now appears satisfactory – presumably you can fill up the linen cupboard with fermenting wine? What did June say – no you cannot? I took a half pint bottle of grape wine down to Don but he did not try it whilst we were with him. He still goes out on the moor two or three times a week for his jungle juice. I brought back a gallon but don’t care a lot for it this time of year.*** How about the cherry wine? Have you still got a good supply?

How did you get on on Monday travelling to and from Paddington? By the accounts we read it was at its worst on the Southern region so we hope it did n ot affect you too much. It is a dreadful business and thousands of people have to suffer for such irresponsible people. Did you see Monday night’s Panorama programme when a bunch of striking railwaymen were on view.

No more now but we do hope you are all much better again.

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

Mum & Dad

*80 minutes down and 65 minutes back is not too bad compared with roughly 50 minutes that Google Earth would expect the journey to take today … albeit that is using the M5 motorway which was not in existence back then. If my calculations are correct they went down at an average speed of 30mph and returned at 43, whereas the modern prediction suggests 48. OTOH on a Sunday morning there would have been plenty of people going to church and therefore the villages they passed through might have been busy; now the roads are wider and faster, of course, and the cars more powerful, plus the modern route would take them well away from congested villages.

**Fascinating! Washing up and dusting and running to fetch things and pretending to cut out pastry and listening to ‘Music While You Work’, all the things a Fifties housewife was expected to do and a Fifties girl child was expected to aspire to. Yes, technically the Fifties were over by this time, but they pretty much lasted until the Beatles appeared on the scene. For anyone who doubts this, watch ‘The Boat That Rocked/Pirate Radio’; the scenes where Sir Alistair and his family are sitting around having their appalling family meal etc. are very realistic. One really was not expected to think for oneself in those days, just to conform, and the penalties for not doing so could be excruciating. Ask me how I know.

***I found a recipe for Bravery’s Jungle Juice, but what ‘going on the moor’ has to do with anything is beyond me!

Bravery’s Jungle Juice
3lb very old potatoes
6 oranges
1 lb raisins
1 lb wheat
4 lb sugar (don’t use invert)
1oz yeast
5 quarts water

Cut up the oranges and their peel and boil gently for 3 minutes in 3 pints of water. Leave aside to cool.
Thoroughly scrub the unpeeled potatoes, then grate or slice them finely and bring to the boil in 6 pints of water. Simmer gently for no more than 10 minutes and take off all the scum that rises. If scum continues to rise then simmer until no more rises, taking off every bit of it.
Strain into a polythene pail, add half the sugar and stir until dissolved. Then add the wheat and cut up raisins. Then add the oranges and the water they were boiled in. While still lukewarm, sprinkle the yeast on top and stir in.
Ferment for ten days.
Strain out the solids and return the liquor to the fermenting vessel. Boil the remaining sugar in the final pint of water and add to the rest.
Continue to ferment in a warm place for a further 10 days and then transfer to jars under fermentation locks. Continue until fermentation ceases and proceed to clearing and bottling as usual.

[Courtesy of https://wine-pages.com/community/index.php?threads/jungle-juice.936/%5D

Eva to the family on the remaining ⅝ of a sheet of Leonard’s writing paper:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for letter. I hope by now the colds will have improved despite the awful rain. Today it has not stopped & it’s a thick mist here.

We had a good ride down to Lyng & back, but who would live there, it would drive me silly on the moors with nothing to look at. Plenty of fishing going on but the men must have been nearly frozen.

There is a continual scrape next door so suppose they are doing some decorating, it’s like mice scratching.

Went to Mrs Golding’s funeral, plenty of people as she was so well known and there were 44 wreaths. One a lovely one with red carnations, Marion’s I think.

We haven’t noticed any improvement in the electricity other than it’s more steady now.

Our T.G. party is off, heard it today that not enough tickets were sold only 30 out of a possible 200 it’s not good enough. Suppose people have skinned themselves over Xmas. We are looking forward to winning £5000 this month [about £115,000 in 2022 money] (Feb.) Shouldn’t know what to do with it!!!

No more now lots of love from Mum and Dad.

P.S. 8 Batteries arrived today Feb 1st.

[Eva’s drawing comprises items labelled umbrella, big spade, big fork, gloves for the garden, trowel, fork, bucket, seeds and hoe, plus a straight line with a face at each end labelled ‘worm’.]

Sunday 21st January, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Thank you for the weekly letter, arrived on Saturday this time (with 19th Jan postmark). Thanks also for the paper and the enclosed cutting of the high tide. Do not understand why my envelope should have had Paddington 1:45 p.m. postmark on it. It was posted by June on the Tuesday at Ruislip.

We had no outward sign of damage to the house as a result of the gales last week. It was very severe at times, and to hear it rattle you would think that the roof would come off at anytime. The severity this end made me sure that you would be getting it even worse as generally there is no comparison so far as gales are concerned. There are a few trees reported down, but I did not see any. A fence or two looked rather sick though. I gather from the Mercury that some of the outlying farms had some bad flooding.

Susan thanks you for the letters, and no doubt you will find something from her enclosed. She was recounting about her holiday at Clevedon this morning. All about Punch etc and where you had taken her for walks. Carol did all the washing up yesterday after dinner. She insisted. I told her she could dry up but no, she wanted to wash up. She did it rather well including the pots and pans. Only the minimum of assistance was given on a couple of dirty saucepans. She kept me supplied with crocks etc. as fast as I could dry them. If this keeps up, I can see Woman’s Hour being extended.*

I will see if I can get up to Fortiphones in the week. We seem all to be fairly well again this week. no serious complaints to report. I dropped in to see the doctor on Wednesday, and while their saw that he was dishing out smallpox doses so I had one. So far no effect, and this is the fourth day.

Poor old Ted Caple, he does seem to attract trouble with that car of his.

I do not know if I shall be able to get enough hardcore from the field, but I have not yet exhausted that supply. I gather that it is pretty near never-ending as for years people have combed it for hardcore, and there is still plenty. Glad to know the Burnham loam is now in use. What have you started off in it?

There is practically no value in second-hand wireless sets these days. Everything is now transistorised, and only sure way to get rid of an unwanted set is to put it in dustbin. Ours is as you know in quite good condition. If you want it for the bedroom, well enough, it works well with the minimum of aerial.

Glad to hear you are well on with the typewriter hunt. Doubt if a can of water would do the trick, why not a can of beer?*

The plan for the kitchen is to extend  downwards the cupboard over the dresser. As you know on the right hand side (when entering from the hall), there is a cupboard up by the ceiling for storage etc., and about 2′ 6″ below is the dresser top. By extending the top cupboard downwards we hope to be able to enclose a couple of shelves, obtain more room, and hide away all the cups, plates etc. On the other side, we hope to have a level surface running from the gas stove to the end wall taking in the sink unit. In the gap between sink unit and wall on the one side, we shall have a new cupboard to take the washing machine. A swing door will be fitted, and the top will have Formica. We shall have the cupboard under the sink rebuilt and extended right back to the gas stove**. The gap between the stove and the sink will be bridged with Formica. Also we shall have the pipes behind the sink boxed in. We have been quoted £16 for the lot which seems reasonable enough to me.

I agree that your parsnip wine has not got much of an earthy taste. I noticed it particularly with mine, especially the lot made to Bravery’s formula. My latest mixture is going like a bomb now. I think the yeast must be very superior to the dried variety. The bubbles are so small that you cannot see them even when looking closely until they reach the top where they build up about half to 1-inch of froth. The wine below is as clear as a bell until you reach the grey yeast deposit at the bottom. Proof of the brewing will be in the drinking no doubt, but I am favorably impressed at the moment. I shall have to start giving some of my wine away, as the supplies are now mounting rapidly, and I shall have to find somewhere else to store it.

Eric Benn came in last night and told us that he has almost made up his mind to have a house built in Clevedon. It all depends on Dorothy now. She was to have gone down on Friday – I looked up a train for her – but Michael was poorly with suspected measles. Eric says he has chance of a plot on the Strawberry Hill part of Dial Hill. We looked on the street plan, and it seems to be accessible from Dial Hill Road, but the opposite way from the Cricket Field direction. Somewhere near where Bell lives it seems. He tells me the plot is 200 ft long on the longest side, and the end is bounded by a steep drop (direction of All Saints Church in the Swiss Valley) and the other side is bounded by an old quarry upon which they will be building later on. He says he can be in the BBC at Bristol (Clifton) within 20 minutes of leaving the house by going via the bridge. £8 – 10 – 0 per annum season ticket. I gather the house can be built within four months, but he did not say who were the builders. Left Clevedon at 3 p.m. yesterday and got here at 6:30 p.m..???. I am putting the Mercury through his door as soon as read.

Sorry to hear about Mr Palmer, but I should say that from your own experience, he should benefit.

Pity about the Violet, but there is no knowing with flowers. We have the worst possible luck with ours. Probably the lack of the proper attention. No work this week on the lawn?

As I look out of the window, I can see the rain pelting down. Your snowdrops (sorry Susan’s) out in flower, but I forgot to tell you that one of them had the cheek to flower in the first week in December. These seem strong and quite large for snowdrops.

See Welton Rovers caught a cold yesterday***. The locals must be really bad this year.

Susan going to and from school quite well now, but we do not hear much about what goes on there.

Not much from the work front, except that I have permission to go to reading as soon as possible to try to sell them my yard scheme. May go on Tuesday if I can fix it up. there is a special be going for assistant section leader and choice is not Lee or Bowden I think. I want Notley and have made it clear, but I think McDonald prefers Bowden. The new GM has cut all entertainment. No taking the L.D.C. for a pint, you won’t get your money back. I suppose he had to start somewhere. (What about Geoff’s circus)? They will feel the draught.

Car still in a dirty state. Hoping for better weather so that it can get cleaned. Nearing the three thousand mile mark since we had it.

What about coming up this way at Whitsun? Are you involved at that time or could you get away? Will leave the thought with you for the time being. Love from us all.

*Both these remarks are clearly intended to be humorous – or at least witty – but land like a lead balloon these days. “Arf arf women washing up” and “arf arf men drinking beer” are no longer funny in any context and just seem extremely sad indicators of a limited mindset.

**There were no such things as flatpack kitchen units then, of course, and in fact it was far more normal to have freestanding kitchen items – the stove/cooker would be in a corner on its own, the sink elsewhere, and the washing machine or fridge (if present at all) would just be shoved wherever there was a power point available to plug them into. Kitchen counters were also a bit hit and miss – Formica was the latest thing, no more scrubbing pine boards! – and a separate table was the usual work surface. Alec and June took out the built-in (brick) pantry and moved the cooker into its space, but even so the kitchen was still very small,

***A Somerset-based football team, Welton Rovers were not exactly local to Clevedon and there is no obvious connection; nor have I been able to trace what this refers to. However it is quite possible they’d made decent progress in the F.A. Amateur Cup that year, only to be soundly beaten by higher-rated opposition.

Wednesday 17th January 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec June Susan & Carol

Many thanks for both your letters and Susan’s drawing which arrived this morning with postmark for 1:45 p.m. Paddington 16th January. Presumably your house weathered the gales last week as did ours but there was a terrific lot of damage in various places including Clevedon – the winds being north westerly brought the full Force of the gales on to the shore and at high tides the sea was driven well in. Understand the sea wall held but the volume of water that went over the top flooded several farms at Kingston Seymour. I’m trying to get a Mercury to you by post so that you can read about it – there is also a picture of the beach with sea being thrown over the houses on the opposite side of road. We had a drop of water in gullies on field but it soon soaked away.

Glad Susan was able to read our letters to her and must put in another with this one. If she is all that interested it will be a wonderful help to her.

I’m afraid mum is still short of batteries – not having heard from Fortifones since the end of November although she has written them complaining of shortage of supply. At the moment however the emergency batteries obtained locally from Dunscombes keep her set working. According to yesterday’s paper there is a possibility of a settlement with Post Office so perhaps things will soon be back to normal.

Yes June you appear to have had a hectic weekend but we are sorry to hear your mum is so poorly and can only hope Dr will be able to put her right again. Shouldn’t wonder if the recent weather has not had something to do with her upset. Glad to hear that at time of writing you were all keeping well at number 84. It’s the worst time of year for illnesses of all sorts so let’s look forward to the spring.

Yes Mr and Mrs Hewitt came to us on the 10th inst. but the roads were so bad that I had to fetch them and take them home. I think Bindings have had more cars in than they could cope with and some of of them had to be stabled in the quarry opposite. Ted Capel’s car was one of them – apparently an electric driven milkfloat ran into him near the Tickenham Star.

A good idea to get hold of some logs to help out with coal but the fire guard should  keep the girls far enough away from trouble in any case they are getting older now and should understand the danger better.

So Susan comes home to dinner again – getting a big girl.

You are going to make a good job of leveling up the lawn then. Can you get enough hardcore from field? Must tell you I am now using the Burnham Beeches loam at last. After sifting I was able – with addition of peat and sand – to make about a bushel and a half of compost. Wish I had about six times as much.

Our TV was out of use until the Friday and it appeared there had been a run on Mains Dropper faults that Bell had to send to Bristol for replacement parts*. Now the picture is out of focus and I’m expecting the man to call any moment. Note you have been busy with repairs to your wall panel fire in dining room. Incidentally when man brought TV back on Friday I drew his attention to wireless set and within minutes he had it going again – trouble was a fractured cable. He also joined set to TV aerial which gives us a much better reception. A glass of sherry paid for these repairs and well worth it.

Thanks very much for offer of your set but could you not raise a pound or two on it for yourselves? I do not know value of second-hand wireless sets nowadays. If we had another set should fix one in bedroom again as we did with the old Philco and and soothe the ourselves to sleep!? The set we have here as you probably remember was brought to Clevedon by Grandma Fewings in 1951 and was several years old even then but we have never had anything done to it yet, but obviously the valves and certain other equipment will not last forever.

Mum has mentioned to you about holidays and you must let us know in due course when you will be down. Noted in the meantime you have some decorating to do as as indeed we have here. Never mind Alec if it does not look like a professional job – it’s clean and fresh looking and it costs very much less.

You did not get very far with the Morris Cowley staff then but I suppose they will have to come to it sooner or later whether they like it or not.

The quest for a typewriter is now well in hand and Houghton has said he will fix me up in a week or fortnight. Suppose I shall then have to have a can of water by the side of me when using it.**

We hope to go to Lyng on Sunday week arriving there in time for lunch. A letter from Don yesterday said they had lost 36 day-old chicks during the bad spell of weather – chilled in transit – the firm replaced 25 of them.

What have you in mind in the kitchen to call in a joiner?

Bottled up the grape wine yesterday – made five and a half pints tasted very nice too. Comments on Parsnip wine noted but I have not noticed much of an earthy taste in it. Much prefer the Blackberry of course.

Any more news of your neighbour’s inspection of house at Backwell? The time is coming when Nailsea will be a larger town then Clevedon if the planners have their way. Anticipating a population of 20000***.

Not much to report from garden but I’ve sown in greenhouse sweet peas and lettuce and also pricked out a couple of boxes of letters sown last November. These are looking a bit down at the moment due I think to the strong smell of Jeyes’ fluid with which I sterilised the soil and gravel last Friday.

Understand Norman Baker will be bringing back the pony shortly to eat off grass in field but first of all he must put a strand of barbed wire alongside hedge to prevent it another breakthrough into garden.

Re: timetable alterations in March I have no definite news of course, but various rumours seem to indicate large scale withdrawals of services – must wait to see. Being off the phone we get no calls from Bristol nowadays.

Mr Palmer told me Sunday he thought he would now have to go into hospital for operation – double hernia and hemorrhoids. He has left it late as he is over 70 years of age and to my knowledge he has had hernia for upwards of 30 years.

Our coloured photographs have now been seen by a lot of our friends and neighbours and also what a fine set we have.**** As I’ve said before they are a nice reminder of a lovely holiday and we are very pleased with them. By the way although we kept it in the warm kitchen we have a suspicion we have lost the African violet however we shall keep the pot in the warm with the hope it may shoot out again. The cold spell finished off quite a lot of plants unfortunately.

No more now – hope you will all continue to keep free of colds etc. all our love to you both and lots of kisses for Susan and Carol.

Mum and Dad.

*Diagnosing the problem from a distance of sixty years, it sounds as if a power surge may have blown out all the resistors in Clevedon at once – at least those where the sets were plugged in/switched on! Nowadays, with sensitive computer equipment in every home, we are more used to the idea that our power supply is not always constant and even; back then, this was not so clearly understood.

**This sounds like a very lame attempt at humour, i.e. the typewriter would be operated at such a speed that it would overheat and burst into flames.

***Interestingly the current population figures (ia Wikipedia) are 21,281 for Clevedon, 15,630 for Nailsea and 4,589 for Backwell. Nailsea and Backwell are often taken together as being one place, but even combined their population is still 1,000 or so short of Clevedon’s. In fact Clevedon expanded massively in the late sixties/early seventies and – as we will see in due course – Leonard was one of the direct beneficiaries of this, selling off his orchard and at least half of his garden to the developers.

****The continued emphasis on these ‘coloured photographs’ demonstrates what a novelty they were at the time; our neighbour Mr Gray used to hand-colour his black-and-white prints, which goes to show how much more expensive it was then to have colour film and colour developing. It was really ‘only for the rich’ in those days.

Eva to the family on the remaining two-thirds of a sheet of Leonard’s paper.

Dear Alec June Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter also drawings. This work-to-rule post is too bad.  I haven’t had any batteries yet. No answer to my letter can it be they have gone out of business. They have not sent a receipt for my last cheque for £3.10s. Nor have I had any batteries since November 28th. Now it is 7 weeks ago. I have been in the habit of having a box of eight once a month, about the 28th, & generally get one or two at Duncombes to make up but they are getting short so I shall not be able to get about. If you are near there I wish you you would give them a call all 247 Regent Street. Will pay you later box of 8 £1 R.M.I.*

Sorry to hear Mrs Baker not so well tell her to try a cup of Bengers on going to bed it will help her sleep and keep her food down. 

Our T.G. party is on February 24 which we all had to pay 5/- so am expecting something outstanding in the way of food for that.

Have almost forgotten the way to Lyng we haven’t been there since last time you were here in June. Going next Sunday week. Christopher Pearson and delivers our E.P. daily**. Mr Bush is very ill.

No more now hope you are all well love from Mum and Dad 

*This is clearly R.M.I. but I have no idea what it means and none of my online sources have been helpful. I can only suggest that the ‘R’ might be for ‘Remittance’.

**E.P. = (Bristol) Evening Post. They took two newspapers every day, not least for the crossword puzzles.

Sunday 14th January, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad

Sorry about the paper this week, run out of the usual stuff, and have pinched a bit from the kids. This is redundant headed paper.*

Thanks once again for the weekly letter. There seems to be little wrong with the postal arrangements so far as these letters are concerned. I see you have written a note for Susan to read, and noted also that she was able to do so. Now that she can read a little, she wants to read everything. I see there is a drawing ready for you in return.

If you are having a lot of trouble getting batteries through from Fortifones, and will let me know, I will get some from them and get them down to you.

It seemed quite warm this morning although first thing there was a white coating on or wooden things in the garden. When collecting hardcore and rubble from the field again and was surprised to find that there was still a thick coating of ice on pools on the field.

Have you had a return visit so soon from Mrs Hewitt, or is the visit you referred to that which was described in your last letter?

I agree there is not much point in cleaning the cars off now as they get filthy again as soon as they are used. I am not surprised there are a few cars in Bindings. no doubt he is rubbing his hands. an ill wind etc. According to the news bulletins on the TV, North Somerset had a particularly large crop of accidents, and also quite a number of occurrences during the subsequent gales. We saw pictures of the sea at Weston in the Knightstone Bay area, and it seemed very rough.

Hope the ringers managed to ring well after their four bottles of sherry. What about makeweights in the form of mince pies etc?

I thought the blackberry wine would turn out good. From all reports it is one of the wines to make. One of the best to make, by repute, is parsnip, but I must say I am a little disappointed in it. Yours is about the best I have tasted, but parsnip seems to have a very strong earthy taste which ruins the wine to my way of thinking. Perhaps a dilution of the ratio would remedy this fault. I am having great deal of difficulty in getting my Fig/Tangerine wine under way. The liquid yeast is too temperamental – even the yeast on its own fails to produce bubbles when the temperature falls below about 65 degrees. There have been no bubbles visible in the actual wine although the stuff has started to sort itself out into layers of deposit, pure liquid wine, and scum. I suppose it is working, but have no evidence.

I spoke to Eric about his call on you. he said he was impressed with the area, and now understands why I call our garden a pocket handkerchief garden. Apart from that he had little to say.

Some high jinks with your TV set. Should be inclined to ask Bell to take it in part exchange for another. The  faulty Mains Dropper he referred to is a resistance (now called resistors) which is put in the AC mains circuit to drop the voltage down to that which the input of the mains transformer can handle – I think.

I note you have been round the garden, and I imagine that this weekend you were able to make a bit more progress.

Our visit to Morris Cowley was by way of being a dead loss. The shunters would not have anything to do with it. They told us what we had come for, what we were etc. etc., but would not play. Of course this was prejudice run riot, and I believe there is possibly also an unofficial tie up with the B.M.C. This refers to the shunters only. We met the Senior Porter who had written inviting us in the first place, and he was all for it.

Glad you have been able to find a link with second-hand typewriter market. I expect we shall hear something from you in due course. Have heard nothing about railway timetable changes due for next March. What have you in mind?

So far as the decorating is concerned, I agree that it is a necessary evil. I cannot say I am much in favour of the do-it-yourself method as my results are not very satisfactory and give me a pain in the neck having to look at them everyday.

The wall panel fire in the dining room I disconnected from the supply a few years ago when the children was small I reconnected today. This time I put it back onto the 13 amp ring main which I now have available. Cost nil, as I had a spare 30 amp junction box available, and time spent about 20 minutes. I hope the girls will have learnt from the coal fires that anything glowing has to be kept away from.

So you did not go on a wild goose chase yourself – probably they could have bought one for the price of the bullets or shot. I note you have trouble with your radio, as well as the TV.

Since returning from Clevedon just before Christmas, Ken Lay passed on to me an old shortwave  communications receiver. It takes the broadcast bands as well, and is a very good little set. We do not want two, so when you come up you can have our old one. it is still in very good condition, and as you know it operates by push-button (saves effort).

We shall not be trying to book anywhere for holidays this year. We would like to spend a week or so with you, but will arrange that in due course. Meanwhile a spot of decorating has to be dealt with. we had a joiner in today to see about licking the kitchen into shape. Collected several more barrow loads of stones as reported earlier in this letter, and I am gradually leveling up the back lawn to the level of the path. I shall have to get some more ashes or earth for the grass to grow in but the main problem is bulk. I suppose there is hardcore back to halfway from the closest post to the garage so far. As one gets nearer the house it does not take so much to fill up.

Susan likes her book and so did Carol. They are both book mad and share each other’s.

Darkness now beginning to fall, looks a bit foggy to me. Not much else to report this week. I gather that June has written a few words herself. Glad to say we are all well this end and hope that you are too.

Love from us all until next week.

*Alec is using the reverse side of some headed quarto (8″ x 10″, which was one of the British standard sizes before A4 was introduced) paper of much finer quality than usual. It is headed with the coat of arms of the British Transport Commission and

WESTERN REGION

OF

BRITISH RAILWAYS

TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS

PADDINGTON STATION

LONDON, W2.

Tuesday 9th January, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Leonard to the family:

Dear Alec, June, Susan and Carol

Many thanks for letter received this morning first post and enclosures from the girls – will see if I can write to them in capital letters. I’m glad our last letter reached you in good time as had visions of it turning up on the Monday. Seems as if correspondence to and from Ruislip misses the Mount Pleasant Sorting Office. Mum however is still waiting for her hearing set batteries to arrive from Formphones – should have been here beginning of month. Meanwhile she has to make do with some bought locally at Dunscombes and these are in short supply.

The cold spell is over for the present but on Wednesday of last week when it rain on top of frozen ice the road here were worse than ever and I had to fetch Mr and Mrs Hewitt at 4 p.m. and take them home at 10:15 p.m. I did not drive with higher than second gear and just crawled round the houses. Not much good cleaning car now – ours is pretty dirty but for time being I’m not bothering except for the glass. I called in Binding and Paynes for petrol yesterday and the place is full of cars requiring attention after accidents during the past fortnight – one or two complete “write-offs” and waiting insurance companies inspector. Failand was one very bad area and Kenn Moor another – on the latter one car turned over completely and landed (query right word) upside down in the ‘rhine‘. One car came into Tennyson Avenue and tried to turn outside our house. He drove towards our gate but after reversing gear car would not even rise to middle of road and help – by pushing – had to be given him. Even then it was several minutes before any movement took place. Today I see the water main has burst outside the house next beyond where Mrs Drewett used to live and water is running down the side of road to drain.

Yes we did feel sorry for Carol when you told us about her Christmas card but unfortunately these things will happen. Hope they enjoyed their Christmas party at the Sunday school that sounds as if they did. I’m sure they must have looked forward to it for days beforehand.

There was not a lot to tell you about the bellringers’ supper. The usual spread was available and four bottles of sherry disposed of (more bottles for homemade wine). No rough cider this time and I did not like to suggest parsnip wine. By the way I have tasted one of the bottles of blackberry wine and it is lovely – very sweet. Have plenty so there will be some for Ruislip. None of my wine here was affected by the frost and and fortunately both of the fermentation locks thawed out in greenhouse without breaking.

Noted Eric Benn now in possession of another car. Mum and I are not surprised they are inspecting a house at Backwell after his recent visit to Nailsea. Quite a lot of new places gone up there in recent years and the most modern Secondary School in Somerset was opened there last year. Did he tell you he had called on us?

Glad you were able to have Monday off before Susan started school again today job the weather is better or or however would June have got on? Stopped home I guess. incidentally the letter you had a fortnight ago was posted by our paper girl. She arrived with paper about 12 and was having an awful job to keep her feet. Mum and I had not been out and did not relish the idea so I gave the girl 6d [2022 equivalent = 55p] and she said she would put it in pillar box near Elfords on her way home.

We went out yesterday afternoon to library and do a bit of shopping and I called in Bell’s and paid an account (which only arrived that morning bracket) for T.V. repairs just before Christmas and after we got home switched on TV for 5:55 p.m. news. Nothing happened – no sound, no picture – so got Bell’s man up again this morning and he diagnosed a faulty “Mains dropper” whatever that is and had to take chassis back to to works for repair. We are hoping he will be here with the part earlier this evening to get things going again.

Today I’ve made my first effort on garden since Christmas. Tidied up greenhouse and preparing to disinfect the soil ready for this season’s crops. The broad beans are blackened a little with the frost but will recover. Some of the cabbages were frozen stiff and moisture inside had rotted some of the hearts, but taking things generally we have not done so badly so far.

Note your proposed activities re: Work Study at Morris Cowley and Acton Station.

Heels came home yesterday from their Christmas holiday in the Midlands – had very severe weather but having chains on two rear wheels of car enabled him to cover all the points programmed Including Coventry, Rugby and Derby.

Nothing further to report yet re: typewriter but I am in touch now with Tommy Houghton (Clevedon Football Club) who is in charge of a typewriter depot in Bristol – this should prove interesting.

Have you heard anything of the railway timetable changes which may come into operation some time in March?

So you hope to do some decorating later on in the year – well the best of luck to you. It’s a job I shall never like but the results are pleasing and of course last longer than the time it takes to complete if that is any consolation. I still have a bedroom to tackle but not for a week or two – plenty to do outside now I’ve got started.

Had one or two fellows with guns out on the flats behind us this last week after wild geese which have landed here owing to the adverse weather conditions at their usual winter quarters. I expect they would make a good meal for those lucky enough to get them.

No more this time – all our love to you both and lots of kisses for a little school girl and a little girl who will be  going to school soon.

Mum and Dad

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

Dear Alec June Susan Carrol,

Many thanks for letter of this week. Well we have just about thawed out again, but it was nippy while it lasted, hope there won’t be any more.

As Dad has said our T.V. is all in the air again. Bell said he would be up in the afternoon yesterday in fact he came just about 10 minutes after I got home in the morning, took the works away haven’t seen him yet. So another night without that or radio as that one has gone too.

You won’t need to book anywhere for your holiday you are always welcome here for as long as you want to stay. We shall not be expecting Arthur this year. Have heard no further.

Dad started with a flourish yesterday the only snag was that just as he got going Roy Hewett turned up and that was that. They both came indoors and as I had no fire lighted had to stop for that and then the T.V. man arrived. We are going to Mrs Marshall’s to tea today hope she puts on a good one.

Heels are back. Mrs brought a good cold with her.

You did not say if Susan liked her book or was it too old for her. The present Mrs R. left looks to be milk chocolate in a game similar I expect to what you have had before – a bit heavy.

Well no more now lots of love from Mum and Dad.

(P.S. Letter to Susan and Carol on back of Dad’s to them.)

Eva’s illustration: a string of sausages marked ‘pork 2/10d a pound*’, a piece of meat marked ‘Prime’, nine pork pies 8d* each, an oblong shape marked ‘Best Beef’ and two strange elongated fish and a cylinder marked ‘Best Salmon’.

*This translates to £3.23 in present-day parlance, whereas Sainsbury’s Butcher’s Choice Pork Sausages are £1.70 for the same weight, i.e. a fraction over half the cost. (See https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/meatandfish-essentials/sainsburys-butchers-choice-pork-sausages–large-x8-454g)

**This would translate to 76p per pie, whereas the nearest Sainsbury’s equivalent works out at roughly 46.5p per pie or a fraction over 60% of the 1962 cost. (See https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-crusty-bake-snack-pork-pie-x4-260g) Of course there may be a number of variants in each case, but as a rule of thumb it would seem that the cost of pork and prepared pork products is objectively smaller in 2022 than it was in 1962.

Sunday 7th January, 1962

On By Sue JenkinsIn 1962 lettersLeave a comment

Alec to his parents:

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you very much for latest letter, it arrived on Friday – so much for the work to rule. As a matter of fact when I posted it, I took it to the Paddington District Post Office where I intended buying the stamps from the vending machine. As I approached I could see the postman collected from the box adjacent, and realised that I would not get the stamps and stick them on before he closed up. As you know they are funny about collecting unless actually from a box. I have had them refuse to take letters from me before. This time, thinking of the go-slow, I imagined I had had it, but asked him if he wanted me to post it. He said “Yes” and opened the neck of the bag. I understand that there is a lot of mail delayed this end though.

I imagined you would appreciate Carol’s predicament when the card did not arrive with the others. You should have seen her face.

We did have some bad road conditions over the last few days as apparently you did also. I watched one chap take about half hour – with assistance –  to move his car from the front of his house into the side way. Some cars seemed to have little difficulty, but others found our hill too much for them. Of course those with chains fitted had no trouble. Sorry to learn that you both still have your colds. As you say not much you can do but wait for better weather.

Odd you should mention Bob Hill and ask if he came to our do before Christmas. As a matter of fact, he had intended to come, but had been absent from the office for a day or two before the party and we had been unable to contact him for his money. However, had he intended to come he of all people would have had least difficulty as he lives about two houses from the Castle Bar Pavilion. Sorry about the vicar not being able to attend your party. Gather it went off alright but you did not give details as last year. no rough cider to dispose of?

Have not asked Eric Benn about his journey, but I did see him last night when he asked if he could leave his car on the sideway. He has bought a nice dark blue Consul. It seems to be off fairly new vintage but have not been close to it yet. He tells me he (and Dorothy presumably) will be inspecting a four-bedroomed house at Backwell now owned by one of his B.B.C. colleagues who is being transferred to Birmingham. Sounds as if he likes the prospect.

Your wine should be reasonably free from frost in the garage as alcohol has a lower freezing point than water (hence antifreeze). What the actual level is I do not know, it probably depends on the percentage alcoholic content. Slightly under 20%, as in wine, is quite high. While on the subject of wine, I am still waiting for my apple wine (started in October) to finish fermenting. An awfully long time, especially as jars had been in the airing cupboard all the time. Have concocted a new one which I hope will work out. One lb figs, with one lb tangerines. I left the skins off three of the tangerines in to strengthen the taste. Have put two ppounds of sugar only, but may add more later. Am experimenting with a liquid yeast – sherry. Found a bottle of plum (yours) dated 1959 but it is still a bit tart. Will have to add some sugar to it.

Despite the frost etc., the indoor flowering chrysants you gave me which I left in the garden in pots, are throwing up shoots from the (illegible).

As you say nice to have a win on the premium bonds always supposing you have any. Why not write to Don for the modus operandi. Note you are on the lookout for typewriter and agree with your estimate of prices. While on the subject, we have had a special request from Susan for you to print some of your letter so that she can read it. She says she cannot read your writing.

Gather Mrs H has been and gone. rather you than me. I could not be polite to people like that. We must drop a note to Mr and Mrs Richings, but it is a bit difficult to know what to thank them for. I expect it is a supply of chocolate as in previous years.

I remember being in hospital at Trowbridge, but recall that the thing which concerned me most on getting home was the fact that the glass pendant lamp shades had been disposed of at the time of the fumigation of the house. Can’t think what Mrs H finds to talk about.

The children have been out for a while this morning, but for some reason or other prefer to stay in. The weather is very mild compared with the past day or so. We are going to see Delph, Roy and Christopher this afternoon.

I have Monday off for a last day all together before Susan goes back to school. this year we shall be bound by the school holiday period for our leave. I note that all prices are at their highest for August – you bet. We shall not be spending a hotel holiday this year. Shall have to get something done to the house for a change. Have not been out in the car much since last writing. It could do with a good clean, but each time out makes it filthy again.

The garden looks very desolate now. Just a trace of snow where the snowman was made, but it has all gone from the other parts. The girls went to the party at the Sunday School yesterday, and we had no trouble with Carol this year. I shouldn’t be surprised if they kept a special watch over her this time. I gather they had jellies and lemonade and came home with a bag of sweets and a bar of something each. This time there was a show of about three films from a projector which lasted an hour or so. They also played Oranges and Lemons – all very orthodox.

Not much to report from the office front. I’m going to Morris Cowley on Tuesday with George Mures to try to persuade the staff there to have work study. If we succeed we have no one to do the job. It will mean further dilution of the existing teams. Acton Station scheme has been passed by management, and now I have to take it to the staff.

Well there it is again for this week. Will look forward to your next, and hope in the meantime that your colds clear up. Love from us all.