What a dreadful thought for you to have to go overseas!!! No, I did not have a shock, because I read your last two paragraphs first and wondered what it was all about. I had no idea you were going through such anxious hours on Monday. What a lovely relief this was. I suppose you would have certainly had to go if you had been in the Dental Corps, so you would have had no embarkation leave, how awful. I suppose they send the telegramme because they had probably been all over England, trying to find you. What a system! somebody's made a terrible mistake as usual, and I suppose two other poor fellows have been picked out to go all in a hurry. The army is a do isn't it? You can never be sure of where you are going to or what you are going to do. I do wish this war would end quickly because I'm afraid I feel very depressed because our future is so uncertain. Just think of Freddie & Megan – so happy for a year & a half and then the a parting – breaking up of a home and then a long wait for Megan, for how long we do not know and so many other people are in the same position. I'm afraid I should feel absolutely heart-broken if you had to go abroad, especially at this time when the war is against us, with the Japs just swarming around all those islands. I know other people are in a much worse position.
Enough of this dreadful talk, but oh, how I long to be with you at this moment. Is there any hope of the war ending this year?
Bob rang up this evening and he is coming along to dinner on Sunday, so he will probably spend the morning on the car. He wanted to know the age of the car. I said I thought it was late 1935, is that right? He wanted to know where the registration papers are – the log book etc, so perhaps you can let me know. I shall probably go up to see your mother and father this week if the ring is ready, so if you want me to bring any papers from there I will do so.
By the way, I do feel half dressed without the ring. I keep feeling to see if its still there – just habit – an consequently I keep having little shocks. I informed the girls on Monday that I would be without it all the week, in case they began to think things.
Well, Mrs Harding has been here tonight. Her husband could not come as he is working late. She loved the gramophone and I showed her many of my things, including the rugs you had made. She was very envious and so the time went all too quickly. She has some records at home & as they do not have a gramophone, she said she would like to give me a few. Apparently, before they were married, she had some & her husband had some and they discovered some were duplicated when they put them all together.
I rang your mother up & told her the news, as I thought she would like to know you arrived back safely.
Well, I must say, it was a very strange letter I received from you and I hope I shall never have to receive another like it without the postscript. It was nice of Dr Starky to say you were one of two best pupils in the class. Did you know you were top of the class? I thought at first it was because you were one of the best pupils you had to go to radiolocation, but I gathered that was only incidental.
Well all the best if you have a test this week,
All my love,
Margaret
PS sorry about this awful mess (the letter is smudged), but it got in Shandy's (the dog) tea by mistake and its too late to rewrite.
PPS I had to add this little bit because I'm really ashamed of the terrible letter I have written, but I feel just ready for bed now as my cold is still hanging around and makes me feel thick headed if you understand me.
Tomorrow we are having a first aid practice. I'm sure I must be in need of it after all this time. On Monday I had a casualty – one of the workmen hit his thumb with a hammer and the blood was simply pouring out – well not quite, you see it seemed like that when he came up. anyway I managed as best I could & as quickly as possible. I'm still smelling of TCP now as you can guess how I must have swamped the poor fellow. I Haven't seen him since so I probably helped to kill him off.
Ethel was quite worried about the card she posted for us in case you would have thought it was her. Anyway I choked her off that, so she's quite happy.
I must close, as bed is calling me,
All my love,
Margaret
Saturday 28 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 28.1.1942
This is just a note today as I don't think its worth writing tomorrow do you? I have not heard from you today yet, but I expect it will arrive later this afternoon. If you didn't have time to write yesterday or Monday I quite understand.
Yesterday I spent most of my time at the office making tea etc and in general recovering from fire watching. As we had milk and tea left over, I suggested we have morning tea for the whole branch so of course I had to make it and wash the cups up first, anyway, they were all very thankful for it, as it was simply freezing outside. We had some more snow yesterday – just a thin layer and then rain on top and consequently, as it was freezing last night, the pavements were very slippery today.
A funny thing happened yesterday. You know I told you Ethel and I slept in Mr Sainsbury's room, well, Ethel left some of her hair curlers in Mr Sainbury's "in" tray. Mr Warner looked in the tray as Mr Sainsbury is absent 'till Friday and when I took Mr Warner's tea in the afternoon he said he was rather perplexed by an unusual object in the tray. He had put it down to Ethel ¶ I told her about it, but I think she was rather bashful and more or less said it must be mine. However, we had a good laugh about it. I had the feeling one of us would leave something there.
I shall be calling on your mother and father on my way home today (that being a long way home) in case they have anything to give you. By the looks of things I shall need a trunk, so it might be as well if you meet me. If you see a huge thing in the form of a trunk stepping off the train, you know I shall be behind it. At any rate we shall probably find each other. If someone has fallen out on to the line, you'll know that's me. What I'm afraid of doing is failing to get out at Swansea, but if you could possibly use your lungs a bit & so help the porters, I might manage to alight at the proper place.
Well, it's not long before Friday. I only hope the time will not go too quickly over the weekend. I'm looking forward to this trip very much indeed.
All my love,
Margaret
Yesterday I spent most of my time at the office making tea etc and in general recovering from fire watching. As we had milk and tea left over, I suggested we have morning tea for the whole branch so of course I had to make it and wash the cups up first, anyway, they were all very thankful for it, as it was simply freezing outside. We had some more snow yesterday – just a thin layer and then rain on top and consequently, as it was freezing last night, the pavements were very slippery today.
A funny thing happened yesterday. You know I told you Ethel and I slept in Mr Sainsbury's room, well, Ethel left some of her hair curlers in Mr Sainbury's "in" tray. Mr Warner looked in the tray as Mr Sainsbury is absent 'till Friday and when I took Mr Warner's tea in the afternoon he said he was rather perplexed by an unusual object in the tray. He had put it down to Ethel ¶ I told her about it, but I think she was rather bashful and more or less said it must be mine. However, we had a good laugh about it. I had the feeling one of us would leave something there.
I shall be calling on your mother and father on my way home today (that being a long way home) in case they have anything to give you. By the looks of things I shall need a trunk, so it might be as well if you meet me. If you see a huge thing in the form of a trunk stepping off the train, you know I shall be behind it. At any rate we shall probably find each other. If someone has fallen out on to the line, you'll know that's me. What I'm afraid of doing is failing to get out at Swansea, but if you could possibly use your lungs a bit & so help the porters, I might manage to alight at the proper place.
Well, it's not long before Friday. I only hope the time will not go too quickly over the weekend. I'm looking forward to this trip very much indeed.
All my love,
Margaret
Friday 27 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley undated but likely to be circa 20.1.42 1942
Thank you for your letter which I received yesterday. Its grand to know you are still at Swansea, and I hope by now you have quite settled down to the life at Swansea, and have completely recovered from the shock. It doesn't seem long since we said you were definitely alright until July, that you would remain in England at least until then. We learnt something we didn't know from this do and that is that you are top of the class and one of Dr Starky's best pupils. Its funny isn't it, but you always seem to have something happen to you, which brings you into close contact with the "big chief" so to speak. I'm jolly glad that beastly sergeant cannot do much against you. You will have to be careful won't you?
I hope the rugger goes off alright on Saturday. In fact I really hope it pours and pours with rain, torrential rain. You will ring me up on Sunday if you can hobble to the telephone box won't you, just to let me know you are still alive?
We had a first aid practice last night & will do so for the following Wednesday. It is a great pity we can't get a St John's man along to help us because we only muddle along and we might pass on the wrong way of doing things to others. Anyway we found we were not so rusty after all.
Your mother and father had a short letter from Ron yesterday. Apparently he has been on holiday in Cairo with Cyril and Dennis. He never mentions a word about Nancy in his letters does he? And he has not written to her for months now. I would not put up with this if I was in her place, would you? He can't be so busy that he can't write to Nancy. I don't think she quite realises this, as I know she is just waiting for his return. I think she's utterly wasting her time, when perhaps she might be enjoying herself and going out with someone else. We Robinsons are perhaps of a different nature from Ron because we only go out with one at a time. If we don't want to continue with them, we just say so or in other words drop it. I know its different with us because we have a definite understanding & we would not enjoy ourselves if we went out with others. If you went abroad I know you wouldn't expect me to stay at home darning socks all the time, but we certainly would be corresponding continually, wouldn't we?
Anyhow I think I shall have to warn Nancy of this somehow because she will only be upset if & when he does arrive home. Would it help if you and I sent a cable sometime to him? Let me know what you think won't you? It's not every girl who would be so patient as Nancy. I don't think I could be under those circumstances.
I really think we ought to buy some more bottom drawer articles such as crockery. People are simply swarming to buy up all the good crockery, so unless you would like to have a great thick mug I do not know what else we shall be able to use. Of course there is always the picnic set, and we have at least got cutlery, knives & forks, if no plates. Things is very bad. I really do not know what I shall do about clothes. I certainly will not be able to get all those pretty undies will I?
All my love, Margaret
I hope the rugger goes off alright on Saturday. In fact I really hope it pours and pours with rain, torrential rain. You will ring me up on Sunday if you can hobble to the telephone box won't you, just to let me know you are still alive?
We had a first aid practice last night & will do so for the following Wednesday. It is a great pity we can't get a St John's man along to help us because we only muddle along and we might pass on the wrong way of doing things to others. Anyway we found we were not so rusty after all.
Your mother and father had a short letter from Ron yesterday. Apparently he has been on holiday in Cairo with Cyril and Dennis. He never mentions a word about Nancy in his letters does he? And he has not written to her for months now. I would not put up with this if I was in her place, would you? He can't be so busy that he can't write to Nancy. I don't think she quite realises this, as I know she is just waiting for his return. I think she's utterly wasting her time, when perhaps she might be enjoying herself and going out with someone else. We Robinsons are perhaps of a different nature from Ron because we only go out with one at a time. If we don't want to continue with them, we just say so or in other words drop it. I know its different with us because we have a definite understanding & we would not enjoy ourselves if we went out with others. If you went abroad I know you wouldn't expect me to stay at home darning socks all the time, but we certainly would be corresponding continually, wouldn't we?
Anyhow I think I shall have to warn Nancy of this somehow because she will only be upset if & when he does arrive home. Would it help if you and I sent a cable sometime to him? Let me know what you think won't you? It's not every girl who would be so patient as Nancy. I don't think I could be under those circumstances.
I really think we ought to buy some more bottom drawer articles such as crockery. People are simply swarming to buy up all the good crockery, so unless you would like to have a great thick mug I do not know what else we shall be able to use. Of course there is always the picnic set, and we have at least got cutlery, knives & forks, if no plates. Things is very bad. I really do not know what I shall do about clothes. I certainly will not be able to get all those pretty undies will I?
All my love, Margaret
Thursday 26 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 26.1.1942
I'm running out of notepaper at the office so have to resort to the usual method of scrounging. I'm getting fed up with nothing much to do here so I thought I would start writing to you.
This afternoon I ordered some records from the Ryp van Winkle place. I don't suppose you will think much of my choice, but here they are:
I know that my Redeemer Liveth... master Lough singing
Kentucky Minstrels Carry Me back to Green Pastures, Homing, Bless this House and Passing By, Holy City.
All this amounts to 14/- and perhaps I shall buy some needles if you think it necessary.
Tom, if you happen to see a nice strong comb, do you think you could buy it for me, as I am continually breaking mine and these things are very hard to get. I have combs at home which are simply awful to look at, in fact they are almost toothless hags!
The weather here today is very cold and it has actually been starting to snow again, but the wind is so terrific, it simply cannot lay. The office is very cold today and I have been sitting with a blanket round me all day. I believe in comfort don't I?
It was lovely hearing you again last night. It's worth while waiting for the operator isn't it? We had six minutes altogether, ad Dad said when I had finished "why there's a different look on your face!! A contented & very happy look". Just for those six minutes we were carried away into our own little world. I always feel, though, there may be someone listening and we can't always say what we would like to.
Thursday morning 9.30 am
I feel ever so happy this morning apart from a very nice fire watch, because our dreams have come true my leave is granted and I am leaving on Friday at 12.45 to catch the 1.55 train. Isn't it lovely? I believe I told you Mr Graddon was on leave yesterday, well he came in at about 8.45 and said that he and Mr Sainsbury were off to Norwich until Thursday, so would not be back until Friday morning. He really came in to collect his work and also to ring Mr Sainsbury. So I said in a plaintiff voice "what about my leave?" so he said he would leave a note for Mr Bolt. That I said was no good, because Mr Bolt would have to ask Mr Sainsbury. So I implored him to ask Mr Sainsbury there and then. I knew Mr Sainsbury would approve of me leaving early on Friday. Expect me about 7.00pm at Swansea High Street.
Mr Graddon stayed and played table tennis until 10pm. Then Ethel and I and Mr Davies talked and had supper and finally went to bed at 12.15. We (I mean Ethel and I) slept in Mr Sainsbury's room. It was lovely in there, so cosy with a fire and no chiming clock to annoy us. It is quite possible that I shall be fire watching with them in future, as Miss Zuigg may have to leave either this week or the week after.
You described your journey so beautifully, I mean your cycle in the rain. I would like to see that little village with all those miners' cottages.
This weekend we must talk about our wedding and our future,and really decide something. We shall have practically two whole days in which to discuss things. This is going to be a year which will live in our memory and one which we may long to live again (apart from the war of course).
I'm going to post this at lunchtime, so all the best for your exam.
All my love
Margaret
This afternoon I ordered some records from the Ryp van Winkle place. I don't suppose you will think much of my choice, but here they are:
I know that my Redeemer Liveth... master Lough singing
Kentucky Minstrels Carry Me back to Green Pastures, Homing, Bless this House and Passing By, Holy City.
All this amounts to 14/- and perhaps I shall buy some needles if you think it necessary.
Tom, if you happen to see a nice strong comb, do you think you could buy it for me, as I am continually breaking mine and these things are very hard to get. I have combs at home which are simply awful to look at, in fact they are almost toothless hags!
The weather here today is very cold and it has actually been starting to snow again, but the wind is so terrific, it simply cannot lay. The office is very cold today and I have been sitting with a blanket round me all day. I believe in comfort don't I?
It was lovely hearing you again last night. It's worth while waiting for the operator isn't it? We had six minutes altogether, ad Dad said when I had finished "why there's a different look on your face!! A contented & very happy look". Just for those six minutes we were carried away into our own little world. I always feel, though, there may be someone listening and we can't always say what we would like to.
Thursday morning 9.30 am
I feel ever so happy this morning apart from a very nice fire watch, because our dreams have come true my leave is granted and I am leaving on Friday at 12.45 to catch the 1.55 train. Isn't it lovely? I believe I told you Mr Graddon was on leave yesterday, well he came in at about 8.45 and said that he and Mr Sainsbury were off to Norwich until Thursday, so would not be back until Friday morning. He really came in to collect his work and also to ring Mr Sainsbury. So I said in a plaintiff voice "what about my leave?" so he said he would leave a note for Mr Bolt. That I said was no good, because Mr Bolt would have to ask Mr Sainsbury. So I implored him to ask Mr Sainsbury there and then. I knew Mr Sainsbury would approve of me leaving early on Friday. Expect me about 7.00pm at Swansea High Street.
Mr Graddon stayed and played table tennis until 10pm. Then Ethel and I and Mr Davies talked and had supper and finally went to bed at 12.15. We (I mean Ethel and I) slept in Mr Sainsbury's room. It was lovely in there, so cosy with a fire and no chiming clock to annoy us. It is quite possible that I shall be fire watching with them in future, as Miss Zuigg may have to leave either this week or the week after.
You described your journey so beautifully, I mean your cycle in the rain. I would like to see that little village with all those miners' cottages.
This weekend we must talk about our wedding and our future,and really decide something. We shall have practically two whole days in which to discuss things. This is going to be a year which will live in our memory and one which we may long to live again (apart from the war of course).
I'm going to post this at lunchtime, so all the best for your exam.
All my love
Margaret
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 24.1.1942
Thank you very much indeed for your two lovely long letters.
Fancy you having a little snow after all. All the snow has disappeared here after torrential rain for the last two days and nights. It's amazing one morning to wake up and see everything covered with snow and then the next morning all cleared away.
So you went to see that awful picture Hatter's Castle (film noir based on A J Cronin's novel). I didn't know the story, but I could have told you or at least warned you not to see it. I think it was on at the Odeon a long time ago (Barnet Odeon would probably have had a copy of the film earlier than Swansea, so it can't have been all that long. Obviously it was not to Margaret's taste). Don't you dare take me to anything like that next weekend. Anyway Old Mother Goose (probably the pantomime on in Swansea) sounds rather good.
You seem to be meeting a good many people who seem to know you or your relations. Its a small world (that was Shandy's fault the dog jogged gthe letter writer here) isn't it? I hope you manage to fix up your rugger team alright, although I do hope you don't get your face bashed in during the next week. I didn't know you were so keen on it (rugger I mean)
It's a great pity your Mr Soloman had to leave, but you still have not told me if he was called up or volunteered as it does seem peculiar that he should be called from such a valuable piece of war work. But I should imagine you know almost as much as Mr Evans in Radio etc.
Thank you very much indeed for the lovely book. This wedding business quite seems to be putting you off. I mean you seem to get quite worried at times. But as far as I can see from the book you have a comparatively quiet time to that of the bride. After all you have not the bother of flowing gowns and bridesmaids. I'm getting quite worried muyself. I think a register office would be best don't you, from our point of view. Nancy has been warning me against a white wedding, anyway I'll talk this over with you later. It will either cost 12 coupons or 7 coupons, it depends on what I have. The book arrived on Friday afternoon.
Bob went over to your home yesterday to fetch his clothes, but your mother was unable to find his shoes. Do you know where they are? She wondered if you had them with you by mistake, but I thought that was not so. Bob says he heard that Freddie is going abroad. How awful for Megan. I am sending off that letter today, but I'm wondering whether they will receive it. Do you know either his Edinburgh address or Megan's Rotheram one? It is a shame to have to go abroad isn't it? I wonder what Megan will do. I'm very thankful that you have not had to go, at least you are safe until you've finished training.
Nancy and I went to see your mother and father yeatserday. They wanted us to go to tea, but we were so busy shoppping for mother and getting John's wedding present, that we didn't get up there until 7.00pm. We played bridge & Nancy & I wiped the floor with them, so much so that your father would not total up the score. I said it would just about pay for my weekend, but the hint did not sink in.
Jock came to see Joyce yesterday, so everything is going smoothly with them don't you think?
I have not heard whether it will be alright for us to have next Friday afternoon off. Of course I'm hoping to be able to catch the 1.55 train , but if I possibly cannot get away, do you think it would be best for me to get the 9.00 oclock train on Saturday morning? Mr Graddon has not yet asked Mr Bolt and Mr Sainsbury will have to be informed. Mr Graddon is away on Monday, so I suppose I shall not know until Tuesday. I will write and tell you as soon as I know.
I am firewatching at the office on Monday eveniing as Miss Zuigg wants to go to a dance. It will help pay for something won't it?
Well I must catch the 4.30 post today, so must close in a few moments.
I have been kitchen maid again today and this afternoon I'm not feeling so well. {Perhaps its just as well I didn't come this weekend, at least we have a good time to look forward to!!
I hope you are feeling much better now. You must get rid of your cold for Friday,
all my love,
Margaret.
Fancy you having a little snow after all. All the snow has disappeared here after torrential rain for the last two days and nights. It's amazing one morning to wake up and see everything covered with snow and then the next morning all cleared away.
So you went to see that awful picture Hatter's Castle (film noir based on A J Cronin's novel). I didn't know the story, but I could have told you or at least warned you not to see it. I think it was on at the Odeon a long time ago (Barnet Odeon would probably have had a copy of the film earlier than Swansea, so it can't have been all that long. Obviously it was not to Margaret's taste). Don't you dare take me to anything like that next weekend. Anyway Old Mother Goose (probably the pantomime on in Swansea) sounds rather good.
You seem to be meeting a good many people who seem to know you or your relations. Its a small world (that was Shandy's fault the dog jogged gthe letter writer here) isn't it? I hope you manage to fix up your rugger team alright, although I do hope you don't get your face bashed in during the next week. I didn't know you were so keen on it (rugger I mean)
It's a great pity your Mr Soloman had to leave, but you still have not told me if he was called up or volunteered as it does seem peculiar that he should be called from such a valuable piece of war work. But I should imagine you know almost as much as Mr Evans in Radio etc.
Thank you very much indeed for the lovely book. This wedding business quite seems to be putting you off. I mean you seem to get quite worried at times. But as far as I can see from the book you have a comparatively quiet time to that of the bride. After all you have not the bother of flowing gowns and bridesmaids. I'm getting quite worried muyself. I think a register office would be best don't you, from our point of view. Nancy has been warning me against a white wedding, anyway I'll talk this over with you later. It will either cost 12 coupons or 7 coupons, it depends on what I have. The book arrived on Friday afternoon.
Bob went over to your home yesterday to fetch his clothes, but your mother was unable to find his shoes. Do you know where they are? She wondered if you had them with you by mistake, but I thought that was not so. Bob says he heard that Freddie is going abroad. How awful for Megan. I am sending off that letter today, but I'm wondering whether they will receive it. Do you know either his Edinburgh address or Megan's Rotheram one? It is a shame to have to go abroad isn't it? I wonder what Megan will do. I'm very thankful that you have not had to go, at least you are safe until you've finished training.
Nancy and I went to see your mother and father yeatserday. They wanted us to go to tea, but we were so busy shoppping for mother and getting John's wedding present, that we didn't get up there until 7.00pm. We played bridge & Nancy & I wiped the floor with them, so much so that your father would not total up the score. I said it would just about pay for my weekend, but the hint did not sink in.
Jock came to see Joyce yesterday, so everything is going smoothly with them don't you think?
I have not heard whether it will be alright for us to have next Friday afternoon off. Of course I'm hoping to be able to catch the 1.55 train , but if I possibly cannot get away, do you think it would be best for me to get the 9.00 oclock train on Saturday morning? Mr Graddon has not yet asked Mr Bolt and Mr Sainsbury will have to be informed. Mr Graddon is away on Monday, so I suppose I shall not know until Tuesday. I will write and tell you as soon as I know.
I am firewatching at the office on Monday eveniing as Miss Zuigg wants to go to a dance. It will help pay for something won't it?
Well I must catch the 4.30 post today, so must close in a few moments.
I have been kitchen maid again today and this afternoon I'm not feeling so well. {Perhaps its just as well I didn't come this weekend, at least we have a good time to look forward to!!
I hope you are feeling much better now. You must get rid of your cold for Friday,
all my love,
Margaret.
Monday 23 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 23.1.1942
I'm just going to snatch a little time today to write this short note, as I am hoping you will get this tomorrow evening.
Still more snow today, but its certainly a bit warmer, but if you understand me, it's still very cold.
After lunch.
I have just been out to lunch and its simply pouring with rain which will, I hope wash all the snow away, for next week-end, although I do like to see the snow when everything is covered.
Well, I have just been inquiring the times of the trains for next Friday. There is apparently one at 1.55pm arriving in Swansea at 700 pm and the next one 5.55 which I suppose would not arrive in until 12 midnight. Perhaps you will confirm this for me. The afternoon train should surely arrive earlier than 7.00pm. By the way I don't know if I can have Friday afternoon off yet. I do hope so.
Joyce seems a little better today and is going to get up for a little while, of course she won't be going back to the office next week.
I had a card yesterday to say my costume is ready for fitting so its just come in time hasn't it?
As regards phoning me on Sundays, I love to hear your voice as the distance between us does not seem so great, but 1/4d does seem a lot of only just for these minutes. However, I lead it to you.
I hope you have a good weekend and go hiking or cycling. I suppose you will be . Don't forget about your photograph please.
Well work hard during the week so that you can spare me some time at the weekend. I expect I shall spend all next week getting ready,
All my love
Margaret
PS Have not heard from you today, but I've hopes for the later post.
Still more snow today, but its certainly a bit warmer, but if you understand me, it's still very cold.
After lunch.
I have just been out to lunch and its simply pouring with rain which will, I hope wash all the snow away, for next week-end, although I do like to see the snow when everything is covered.
Well, I have just been inquiring the times of the trains for next Friday. There is apparently one at 1.55pm arriving in Swansea at 700 pm and the next one 5.55 which I suppose would not arrive in until 12 midnight. Perhaps you will confirm this for me. The afternoon train should surely arrive earlier than 7.00pm. By the way I don't know if I can have Friday afternoon off yet. I do hope so.
Joyce seems a little better today and is going to get up for a little while, of course she won't be going back to the office next week.
I had a card yesterday to say my costume is ready for fitting so its just come in time hasn't it?
As regards phoning me on Sundays, I love to hear your voice as the distance between us does not seem so great, but 1/4d does seem a lot of only just for these minutes. However, I lead it to you.
I hope you have a good weekend and go hiking or cycling. I suppose you will be . Don't forget about your photograph please.
Well work hard during the week so that you can spare me some time at the weekend. I expect I shall spend all next week getting ready,
All my love
Margaret
PS Have not heard from you today, but I've hopes for the later post.
Sunday 22 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 21.1.1942
(This letter is about queuing for food and the price of luxuries such as tobacco and chocolate. One of the Tobaccos which is like one that Tom's friend Ron has asked Margaret to get is available in a sealed tin which makes me speculate about a possible added ingredient. There is also a note about the Brains Trust on the wireless. B.C.)
Thank you for letter received this morning. When I arrived back from lunch, I found your letter in the post tray. It's lovely getting it so early.
I went shopping for you at lunch time, but I'm sorry to say was not successful with either the blue Gillette razor blades or No:8 torch battery. Things are sometimes very difficult to get here, but I will try again later. I could not get Cut Golden Bar tobacco anywhere, but at one shop the girl showed me a sealed tin of Kilters Cut Bar tobacco – that being the same price as Tom Long. However, I did not get that, but if you think Ron would like it, just let me know. I'm told it's a good substitute. I've managed to get some chocolates for you which will make your mouth water, I have been collecting since last week so have quite a bit now, not too much because they just won't let you have more than 2 bars at a time. But I was extremely lucky this afternoon (this lunch time) I went into one shop and asked what chocolates they had, so much to my surprise they said you can have 1/1d worth, that is 2 Mars, 2 packets of Maltesers and 2 Milky Ways. I managed to get another bottle of tonic – a large bottle 3/2d – it's awful don't you think so? 8d purchase tax – anyway I don't spend much on my hair in the way of setting etc, do I? So I think I can spend a little on a tonic. I have been trying to get some fresh fish for Joyce today, but there is none to be had without queuing and I can't spend my lunch hour buying food like that. Its very difficult to know what to give the poor girl these days, as delicacies are very hard to get. Mother gets an extra pint of milk for her every day, so that's something.
Well my letter seems to be nothing but food and the general difficulty in buying things. I must change the subject. I have written to Megan and Freddie, chiefly thanking them for their present. I thought I ought to write as we used to go round there quite a lot and its nice to keep up with these people. I am stuck for just one thing I don't know the number of their house. I believe the road is "Cheval Place". Perhaps you can tell me the number?
what a lovely long walk you and Ron had, it certainly sounds an interesting one and looks so from the pictures I have seen of the Gower Peninsula. Anyway, I shall see for myself. I hope you won't walk me off my feet.
It seems to be getting colder every day. Today I'm told its 16 degrees (farenheitt).
I will certainly bring my boots but really, do you think I can walk about the office in those heavy boots!!!
I have just been speaking to your mother on the phone. She says Bob rang up about his case and clothes, so she told him he could fetch them anytime. He apparently went to Wigan last weekend and had rather a hectic time. If you are writing to him, tell him to call in here anytime, we can most probably make up some tea or something. I expect he feels a bit lonesome out in the wilds and after all as he said, Whetstone is not far form Stanmore. I expect as you read this you are longing to be posted nearer home, never mind you are far better off from the point of view of fresh air, walks etc, at Swansea, and I only wish I could join you and lead a life of leisure instead of doing sums at the office.
You say Ron is going to show you how to play poker, I hope you like it, but I think its more of a game for gamblers – am I right? And please don't start that until I've been down to see you – what about my hotel bill??
Did you hear the Brains Trust? On Tuesday (last night) they all seemed to stutter exept Eliot and Campbell. I think I liked Eliot the best. He seemed to think more clearly, excepting old Joad. Hogben seems to spend all his time saying he really does not know where to begin etc. The Duchess is quite good and on the whole it was not bad, but as usual I have forgotten practically everything that was said – isn't that awful?
Well I must be stopping as I'm going to have a bath tonight .
Goodnight, I long to see you,
All my love,
Margaret
Thank you for letter received this morning. When I arrived back from lunch, I found your letter in the post tray. It's lovely getting it so early.
I went shopping for you at lunch time, but I'm sorry to say was not successful with either the blue Gillette razor blades or No:8 torch battery. Things are sometimes very difficult to get here, but I will try again later. I could not get Cut Golden Bar tobacco anywhere, but at one shop the girl showed me a sealed tin of Kilters Cut Bar tobacco – that being the same price as Tom Long. However, I did not get that, but if you think Ron would like it, just let me know. I'm told it's a good substitute. I've managed to get some chocolates for you which will make your mouth water, I have been collecting since last week so have quite a bit now, not too much because they just won't let you have more than 2 bars at a time. But I was extremely lucky this afternoon (this lunch time) I went into one shop and asked what chocolates they had, so much to my surprise they said you can have 1/1d worth, that is 2 Mars, 2 packets of Maltesers and 2 Milky Ways. I managed to get another bottle of tonic – a large bottle 3/2d – it's awful don't you think so? 8d purchase tax – anyway I don't spend much on my hair in the way of setting etc, do I? So I think I can spend a little on a tonic. I have been trying to get some fresh fish for Joyce today, but there is none to be had without queuing and I can't spend my lunch hour buying food like that. Its very difficult to know what to give the poor girl these days, as delicacies are very hard to get. Mother gets an extra pint of milk for her every day, so that's something.
Well my letter seems to be nothing but food and the general difficulty in buying things. I must change the subject. I have written to Megan and Freddie, chiefly thanking them for their present. I thought I ought to write as we used to go round there quite a lot and its nice to keep up with these people. I am stuck for just one thing I don't know the number of their house. I believe the road is "Cheval Place". Perhaps you can tell me the number?
what a lovely long walk you and Ron had, it certainly sounds an interesting one and looks so from the pictures I have seen of the Gower Peninsula. Anyway, I shall see for myself. I hope you won't walk me off my feet.
It seems to be getting colder every day. Today I'm told its 16 degrees (farenheitt).
I will certainly bring my boots but really, do you think I can walk about the office in those heavy boots!!!
I have just been speaking to your mother on the phone. She says Bob rang up about his case and clothes, so she told him he could fetch them anytime. He apparently went to Wigan last weekend and had rather a hectic time. If you are writing to him, tell him to call in here anytime, we can most probably make up some tea or something. I expect he feels a bit lonesome out in the wilds and after all as he said, Whetstone is not far form Stanmore. I expect as you read this you are longing to be posted nearer home, never mind you are far better off from the point of view of fresh air, walks etc, at Swansea, and I only wish I could join you and lead a life of leisure instead of doing sums at the office.
You say Ron is going to show you how to play poker, I hope you like it, but I think its more of a game for gamblers – am I right? And please don't start that until I've been down to see you – what about my hotel bill??
Did you hear the Brains Trust? On Tuesday (last night) they all seemed to stutter exept Eliot and Campbell. I think I liked Eliot the best. He seemed to think more clearly, excepting old Joad. Hogben seems to spend all his time saying he really does not know where to begin etc. The Duchess is quite good and on the whole it was not bad, but as usual I have forgotten practically everything that was said – isn't that awful?
Well I must be stopping as I'm going to have a bath tonight .
Goodnight, I long to see you,
All my love,
Margaret
Saturday 21 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 19.1.1942
It was lovely to hear your voice again last night. I could not hear you very well at first at least, I could not distinguish what you were saying. It was a good idea for you to flash the operator, we certainly had longer didn't we?
Also thank you very much for your lovely long letter and all the things you included, especially the tennis club report which I will attend to tomorrow evening.
Before I go on I must tell you that its been snowing again today and very hard tonight. Shandy has been out in the garden and came in covered. He loves the snow and goes out about three times every evening.
I'm very sorry for your new geyser. Fancy calling him all these names. There's usually some reason for this egotism, or whatever you call it.
what a shame your Mr Solomon is being called up. I suppose he has volunteered or is the army going crackers as usual? Surely he is doing the best possible work at the moment.
I am very glad you had that walk yesterday 15 miles did you say? There's one thing you can do with and that is to get fatter, so eat well.
I should have told you the other day that Mr Graddon could not say what was wrong with my gramophone. He had not even heard of the magnetic part for the needle, and don't suppose he could tell me what was wrong without seeing it. What I mean is this. That perhaps the needle end of the "arm" is OK and the other end needs adjusting – anyway this is too technical for me and I don't even know the proper names.
I do hope you don't mind me leaving the week end until the 30th as I have many many reason for this.
(1) full moon
(2) after pay day
(3) It won't be so long before I see you again.
(4) I have chill blains on my heels & toes at the moment and cannot walk much.
And several other reasons. I shall come down on the Friday, perhaps you will let me know the list of the trains. Of course I shall confirm my train before I come. I will try & remember to get all the things you want. I'm sorry it will be so near your test, so you think it will affect you? If you do, just ring me up or write and I will travel down this Saturday morning. But don't you think you can work hard this week-end?
Must I go to another photographer when I already have a wonderful one? You have taken so many photographs of me that surely I can rake around and find one for you. YOu know the one which is hanging in the dining room here, well I thought you had a small one, if you can tell me where these photos are, I will go to your home & get them. I definitely have not a good photograph of you, so please have yours taken.
Joyce is a little better today, but cannot get up yet. The doctor is coming again on Thursday. He now says it is Bronchitis, so I'm sure she won't be going back to the office until after next week. Three weeks at home. What wouldn't I give to have at least one weeks convalescence at a seaside town in South Wales!!
I gave not been to the dressmakers today, as Mrs Harding is coming with me and suddenly she remembered she had to pay her rent today, so we are going on Wednesday.
By the way, I didn't tell you all about Mrs Harding (the one with the mother-in-law trouble) Well she moved into her flat last Friday then had a few days without electricity, gas stove or black out. She found her domestic problems very difficult. Her main trouble was that she wanted to go in to the flat in too much of a hurry. She did not want her aunt and uncle to have her too long if you understand me. They were very good to her, but she did not want to put them out in any way. Oh dear, my beloved "dictionary" is at Swansea and I can't think of the fitting words. In my dream the other night I must have been thinking of Mrs Harding and her troubles, because I dreamt that you & I were married and we were renting a house, a large house, double-fronted, the present occupants were leaving the furniture because we had none, and they left a lovely black out all over the house. You only had to pull chords etc for it to work. In the kitchen there were no less than 6 gas stones. There were lots of other details but I'll tell you about them later.
The days, I mean evenings are simply flying past, I have such loads of work to do that I feel April will be here before I have finished all my tasks
Good night from your own
Margaret
Also thank you very much for your lovely long letter and all the things you included, especially the tennis club report which I will attend to tomorrow evening.
Before I go on I must tell you that its been snowing again today and very hard tonight. Shandy has been out in the garden and came in covered. He loves the snow and goes out about three times every evening.
I'm very sorry for your new geyser. Fancy calling him all these names. There's usually some reason for this egotism, or whatever you call it.
what a shame your Mr Solomon is being called up. I suppose he has volunteered or is the army going crackers as usual? Surely he is doing the best possible work at the moment.
I am very glad you had that walk yesterday 15 miles did you say? There's one thing you can do with and that is to get fatter, so eat well.
I should have told you the other day that Mr Graddon could not say what was wrong with my gramophone. He had not even heard of the magnetic part for the needle, and don't suppose he could tell me what was wrong without seeing it. What I mean is this. That perhaps the needle end of the "arm" is OK and the other end needs adjusting – anyway this is too technical for me and I don't even know the proper names.
I do hope you don't mind me leaving the week end until the 30th as I have many many reason for this.
(1) full moon
(2) after pay day
(3) It won't be so long before I see you again.
(4) I have chill blains on my heels & toes at the moment and cannot walk much.
And several other reasons. I shall come down on the Friday, perhaps you will let me know the list of the trains. Of course I shall confirm my train before I come. I will try & remember to get all the things you want. I'm sorry it will be so near your test, so you think it will affect you? If you do, just ring me up or write and I will travel down this Saturday morning. But don't you think you can work hard this week-end?
Must I go to another photographer when I already have a wonderful one? You have taken so many photographs of me that surely I can rake around and find one for you. YOu know the one which is hanging in the dining room here, well I thought you had a small one, if you can tell me where these photos are, I will go to your home & get them. I definitely have not a good photograph of you, so please have yours taken.
Joyce is a little better today, but cannot get up yet. The doctor is coming again on Thursday. He now says it is Bronchitis, so I'm sure she won't be going back to the office until after next week. Three weeks at home. What wouldn't I give to have at least one weeks convalescence at a seaside town in South Wales!!
I gave not been to the dressmakers today, as Mrs Harding is coming with me and suddenly she remembered she had to pay her rent today, so we are going on Wednesday.
By the way, I didn't tell you all about Mrs Harding (the one with the mother-in-law trouble) Well she moved into her flat last Friday then had a few days without electricity, gas stove or black out. She found her domestic problems very difficult. Her main trouble was that she wanted to go in to the flat in too much of a hurry. She did not want her aunt and uncle to have her too long if you understand me. They were very good to her, but she did not want to put them out in any way. Oh dear, my beloved "dictionary" is at Swansea and I can't think of the fitting words. In my dream the other night I must have been thinking of Mrs Harding and her troubles, because I dreamt that you & I were married and we were renting a house, a large house, double-fronted, the present occupants were leaving the furniture because we had none, and they left a lovely black out all over the house. You only had to pull chords etc for it to work. In the kitchen there were no less than 6 gas stones. There were lots of other details but I'll tell you about them later.
The days, I mean evenings are simply flying past, I have such loads of work to do that I feel April will be here before I have finished all my tasks
Good night from your own
Margaret
Friday 20 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 17.1.42
It was lovely to receive a letter from you this lunch time. Also nice to read the letter you sent to Nancy. What a good thing its only my sister – you old flirt. I'm not really jealous it was very good of you to find time to write to both of them this week, though I have not been allowed to even glance at Joyce's. Sounds bad doesn't it? Whatever did you say to her??!! Never mind, I think I can trust you now.
Today I have had a a very busy day not at the office of course. Nancy and I took Shandy & went shopping at Finchley. I bought another pair of brown shoes, this time a walking pair. then I stood in a long queue for meat for Shandy. Then we went to Church End where we purchased a hot water bottle for Mrs, Newnham, and I took Nancy to see my office. We next went to the Wander Inn where we had a pot of tea & cakes (absolutely going it). We then called in at Mrs Newnhams where we had a cup of tea and cake, next finished up at home where we had a huge tea – now I'm prostrate in front of an empty chair and needless to say suffering inwardly. But really I believe I have a cold, but at the moment I'm told it's violent indigestion – I don't wonder do you? Every morning this week I have awakened with a sore throat, but it disappears with breakfast.
We wondered whether you'd had a drop too much when you wrote Nancy's letter, or whether you have changed your address, because you said your address was 2 Swansea Terrace!!!
As I was getting on the bus this morning who should alight from the same bus by Bygrave and in R A F uniform. Did you say he was at London University? Well, perhaps he is training for radiolocation now or something in the scientific line. Then this afternoon as I was queuing for Shandy's meat & believe I saw (I couldn't be sure) Skinner and his wife – she looked exceedingly young dark, pale & thin (dainty looking) perhaps I should say. So I suppose he is on leave again.
The weather here is still bitterly cold and the snow is still laying, our road is simply covered with hard snow. If this weather continues I shall feel like wearing my lovely brown coat when I come an see you. What do you think? If we are getting married in April or August or September, do you think I shall need my brown coat? I shall have my costume shan't I? What do you think? Of course I suppose I ought to keep all my new things don't you? I suppose if we are walking to Mumbo Jumbo land & scrambling over cliffs I should not really wear a best coat. Also do you think I shall want my boots? They are very heavy you know. I shall love to go walking with you if its not bitterly cold. But so you know, I have not been able to get warm when walking today and my feet have been getting colder and colder – my boots would, of course, improve matters both for walking and warmth.
Just one other thing about our week-end, well I have three days left to the end of March. I could have the Saturday morning off as well as the Monday and so travel down Friday afternoon and have a longer time with you. I was thinking that the next time I come down we shall be meeting at Newport and that will not necessitate any leave. Then after that I should think you would be able to manage some 48 hrs leave at the beginning of March and then I could have my day towards the end of March. I don't know if you agree with this arrangement, perhaps you have some other bright ideas. Anyway let me know what you think is the best week-end for me to come and if I need the Saturday morning as well.
It's a pity you dropped a half mark on such a point in your exam, but tell me how did the other fellows get on? Did any of them reach 10 points? You don't say whether this a strict marking or what? Never mind perhaps you will get full marks on the final.
Sunday Afternoon
I can only attach a small note for today because I'm not sure what time the post goes and if I don't catch one today, you won't get this until Tuesday and that would be terrible.
I have been very busy as usual with dinner today and as we got up later, about 10.15 I have done nothing else but cook dinner and wash up and clean the gas stove.
Nancy went up to see your mother and father this morning with Shandy (who by the way revels in the snow). Your parents seem quite well.
They have been trying to persuade me to go to Sunday School (that is Nancy and Joyce) & take Joyce's class, but somehow I cannot bring myself to go. I really long for days like those before the war, when we used to go along together... in the days when I first met you.
Well I must close, Shandy is longing for a walk,
With love, hugs and kisses,
Margaret
Today I have had a a very busy day not at the office of course. Nancy and I took Shandy & went shopping at Finchley. I bought another pair of brown shoes, this time a walking pair. then I stood in a long queue for meat for Shandy. Then we went to Church End where we purchased a hot water bottle for Mrs, Newnham, and I took Nancy to see my office. We next went to the Wander Inn where we had a pot of tea & cakes (absolutely going it). We then called in at Mrs Newnhams where we had a cup of tea and cake, next finished up at home where we had a huge tea – now I'm prostrate in front of an empty chair and needless to say suffering inwardly. But really I believe I have a cold, but at the moment I'm told it's violent indigestion – I don't wonder do you? Every morning this week I have awakened with a sore throat, but it disappears with breakfast.
We wondered whether you'd had a drop too much when you wrote Nancy's letter, or whether you have changed your address, because you said your address was 2 Swansea Terrace!!!
As I was getting on the bus this morning who should alight from the same bus by Bygrave and in R A F uniform. Did you say he was at London University? Well, perhaps he is training for radiolocation now or something in the scientific line. Then this afternoon as I was queuing for Shandy's meat & believe I saw (I couldn't be sure) Skinner and his wife – she looked exceedingly young dark, pale & thin (dainty looking) perhaps I should say. So I suppose he is on leave again.
The weather here is still bitterly cold and the snow is still laying, our road is simply covered with hard snow. If this weather continues I shall feel like wearing my lovely brown coat when I come an see you. What do you think? If we are getting married in April or August or September, do you think I shall need my brown coat? I shall have my costume shan't I? What do you think? Of course I suppose I ought to keep all my new things don't you? I suppose if we are walking to Mumbo Jumbo land & scrambling over cliffs I should not really wear a best coat. Also do you think I shall want my boots? They are very heavy you know. I shall love to go walking with you if its not bitterly cold. But so you know, I have not been able to get warm when walking today and my feet have been getting colder and colder – my boots would, of course, improve matters both for walking and warmth.
Just one other thing about our week-end, well I have three days left to the end of March. I could have the Saturday morning off as well as the Monday and so travel down Friday afternoon and have a longer time with you. I was thinking that the next time I come down we shall be meeting at Newport and that will not necessitate any leave. Then after that I should think you would be able to manage some 48 hrs leave at the beginning of March and then I could have my day towards the end of March. I don't know if you agree with this arrangement, perhaps you have some other bright ideas. Anyway let me know what you think is the best week-end for me to come and if I need the Saturday morning as well.
It's a pity you dropped a half mark on such a point in your exam, but tell me how did the other fellows get on? Did any of them reach 10 points? You don't say whether this a strict marking or what? Never mind perhaps you will get full marks on the final.
Sunday Afternoon
I can only attach a small note for today because I'm not sure what time the post goes and if I don't catch one today, you won't get this until Tuesday and that would be terrible.
I have been very busy as usual with dinner today and as we got up later, about 10.15 I have done nothing else but cook dinner and wash up and clean the gas stove.
Nancy went up to see your mother and father this morning with Shandy (who by the way revels in the snow). Your parents seem quite well.
They have been trying to persuade me to go to Sunday School (that is Nancy and Joyce) & take Joyce's class, but somehow I cannot bring myself to go. I really long for days like those before the war, when we used to go along together... in the days when I first met you.
Well I must close, Shandy is longing for a walk,
With love, hugs and kisses,
Margaret
Thursday 19 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 15.1.42
It was lovely to receive a letter from you just before lunch this morning, it added a nice flavour to the lunch. I brought my own dinner along to the office this morning and warmed it up. can you imagine me taking a basin of stew along? Well I did. By the way the other day when I received your letter in the afternoon here, I was so excited that I nearly lost my ring down the wash basin, only luckily it fell on its side. Oh dear! I had to sit down to recover.
Well, the snow came after all yesterday morning. I should imagine the ground was covered with about two and a half inches. The great North Road was as slippery as ever. There has been no more and what is left is gradually melting away.
Of course I will phone the record place when I have decided what records I want. I don't suppose I shall be able to order any more than two. What about needles, shall I order some more thorn?
I was working with Mr Graddon this morning and suddenly we started talking about gramophones. I don't know how it was but I think he wanted a rest from work. Well, he has a vast knowledge of gramophones and had a book on the subject on his desk. He says that most gramophones tend to give that wobbly sound toward the end of the record unless tightened up in some way. The thing that moves across the record should move in a straight line, but somehow it curves a little towards the end, hence the wobble. You must agree that the records usually finish up with that blurring sound (not always pronounced). Anyway Mr Graddon thinks this may be the explanation. Do you think so?
I had another present yesterday – a cheval set (mats for the dressing table). This from my auntie Ethel at Stokesby, Norfolk. This is the first cheval set I have. It's really lovely. I love having these things for our home, as I feel you have a share in them too. Although perhaps you won't appreciate them as much as I do.
Tuesday Evening
It is now 1.15 pm and I have not had a chance to finish this letter because Jonah arrived home about 6.45pm, and of course I had all my presents to show him and many things to talk about. He had 48 hrs leave and so goes back to-morrow afternoon. We had our game of bridge, it was very good but I'm afraid I don't enjoy it as I used to – I take it too seriously. We saw a picture of Jonah's girl, Eileen, she looks nice, but he says he is not taking it too seriously at present and doesn't expect to get married during the war. Anyway if you can spare time to write to Jonah he would love to hear from you, he sends you his love. His address is E M Jones 97000915 No 6 section, N2Coy NCC, 50 High Street, Edwinstowe, Notts. He is round about the Sherwood Forest – lovely country.
I have some work for you to do said she falling on her knees and imploring her loved one. Mrs Bullen has written to me asking for a report on the Tennis Club for 1941. I haven't any idea how to start – you see I can only produce the facts & figures & you always add the nice frilly bits, you know that, don't you? Said she trying to impress it on him. Will you? Oh please say yes. It has to be sent by the 24th.
I am enclosing the ministry of labour leaflets which were issued with the form. I should not be surprised if we have to go before this year is out but I'm sure the office will hang on to us to the very last. I had to put the usual details there is an item in which I have to state whether I would prefer women auxiliary service, civil defence or industry. I suppose nursing comes under C D, so I put that. And of course I have the choice of being a C O but at this state of the war I would rather go in for nursing.
Joyce is not much better yet and is still in bed. The doctor has now decided she has gastric flu. She will certainly be at home for another week. Poor Nancy is unhappy and feels like putting her head in a gas-oven, but for the fact it is an electric one. Poor girl she can't stick up for herslef very well with Mrs Dimes.
As regards our lovely week end, it would be lovely to come next weekend, but I was looking at my diary today and I find that the following weekend Saturday 31st, there will be a full moon on the Sunday. So what do you think? Will you see which is the best for the theatres or pictures and let me know when you would like me to come. You see I'm looking forward to this and I don't want it to be long before I see you again after that. Anyway you let me know.
Do you really think we shall look back on this as a lovely memory? I dare say we shall, but perhaps our even happier times will be when the war is over and we shall start life really together and share each other's joys and troubles.
You haven't asked me how Rene is? Well she is ill and has had to call the P O doctor in. I think she is run down, at least it started with a boil at the beginning of the week and that usually points to ill health.
Well darling. I do hope you will have full marks in that test, and that the second part was a hopeful as the first.
You ask me whether I have got my trousseau. Well I'm going to see the dressmaker on Monday an I will ask her advice. I shall have to work my coupons out. I can always wear my best ones for you and wear the old ones at home. Don't you think so?
I have not been able to find out about the marriage allowance, but I will let you know as soon as possible.
If you can possibly spare a minute for the tennis club, I shall be glad.
I must close now as I am very tired.
Good night my love,
Margaret
PS Nancy has some tobacco for Ron, so I don't know if she will send it or give it to me to send.
MCR
Well, the snow came after all yesterday morning. I should imagine the ground was covered with about two and a half inches. The great North Road was as slippery as ever. There has been no more and what is left is gradually melting away.
Of course I will phone the record place when I have decided what records I want. I don't suppose I shall be able to order any more than two. What about needles, shall I order some more thorn?
I was working with Mr Graddon this morning and suddenly we started talking about gramophones. I don't know how it was but I think he wanted a rest from work. Well, he has a vast knowledge of gramophones and had a book on the subject on his desk. He says that most gramophones tend to give that wobbly sound toward the end of the record unless tightened up in some way. The thing that moves across the record should move in a straight line, but somehow it curves a little towards the end, hence the wobble. You must agree that the records usually finish up with that blurring sound (not always pronounced). Anyway Mr Graddon thinks this may be the explanation. Do you think so?
I had another present yesterday – a cheval set (mats for the dressing table). This from my auntie Ethel at Stokesby, Norfolk. This is the first cheval set I have. It's really lovely. I love having these things for our home, as I feel you have a share in them too. Although perhaps you won't appreciate them as much as I do.
Tuesday Evening
It is now 1.15 pm and I have not had a chance to finish this letter because Jonah arrived home about 6.45pm, and of course I had all my presents to show him and many things to talk about. He had 48 hrs leave and so goes back to-morrow afternoon. We had our game of bridge, it was very good but I'm afraid I don't enjoy it as I used to – I take it too seriously. We saw a picture of Jonah's girl, Eileen, she looks nice, but he says he is not taking it too seriously at present and doesn't expect to get married during the war. Anyway if you can spare time to write to Jonah he would love to hear from you, he sends you his love. His address is E M Jones 97000915 No 6 section, N2Coy NCC, 50 High Street, Edwinstowe, Notts. He is round about the Sherwood Forest – lovely country.
I have some work for you to do said she falling on her knees and imploring her loved one. Mrs Bullen has written to me asking for a report on the Tennis Club for 1941. I haven't any idea how to start – you see I can only produce the facts & figures & you always add the nice frilly bits, you know that, don't you? Said she trying to impress it on him. Will you? Oh please say yes. It has to be sent by the 24th.
I am enclosing the ministry of labour leaflets which were issued with the form. I should not be surprised if we have to go before this year is out but I'm sure the office will hang on to us to the very last. I had to put the usual details there is an item in which I have to state whether I would prefer women auxiliary service, civil defence or industry. I suppose nursing comes under C D, so I put that. And of course I have the choice of being a C O but at this state of the war I would rather go in for nursing.
Joyce is not much better yet and is still in bed. The doctor has now decided she has gastric flu. She will certainly be at home for another week. Poor Nancy is unhappy and feels like putting her head in a gas-oven, but for the fact it is an electric one. Poor girl she can't stick up for herslef very well with Mrs Dimes.
As regards our lovely week end, it would be lovely to come next weekend, but I was looking at my diary today and I find that the following weekend Saturday 31st, there will be a full moon on the Sunday. So what do you think? Will you see which is the best for the theatres or pictures and let me know when you would like me to come. You see I'm looking forward to this and I don't want it to be long before I see you again after that. Anyway you let me know.
Do you really think we shall look back on this as a lovely memory? I dare say we shall, but perhaps our even happier times will be when the war is over and we shall start life really together and share each other's joys and troubles.
You haven't asked me how Rene is? Well she is ill and has had to call the P O doctor in. I think she is run down, at least it started with a boil at the beginning of the week and that usually points to ill health.
Well darling. I do hope you will have full marks in that test, and that the second part was a hopeful as the first.
You ask me whether I have got my trousseau. Well I'm going to see the dressmaker on Monday an I will ask her advice. I shall have to work my coupons out. I can always wear my best ones for you and wear the old ones at home. Don't you think so?
I have not been able to find out about the marriage allowance, but I will let you know as soon as possible.
If you can possibly spare a minute for the tennis club, I shall be glad.
I must close now as I am very tired.
Good night my love,
Margaret
PS Nancy has some tobacco for Ron, so I don't know if she will send it or give it to me to send.
MCR
I was hoping to add a comment to this with a link to a post in "jboftunstall" about the Norfolk connection. I'll add it here instead: https://jboftunstall.blogspot.com/2020/06/strong-family-ties-with-rural-norfolk.html
And here is a reference to auntie Ethel "The mystery of the Stokesby Connection" posting: "I have been trying to find out how Stokesby, a little village on the edge of the Norfolk Broads features in our family's history, when they all lived in Tunstall, just the other side of the River Bure.
Initially, I know about it from my mother, aunts and their parents visits to Woodlands Farm, Stokesby. Talking to cousin Marian recently, she remembers staying at Woodlands Farm with her brother Peter and parents Alfred and Gwendoline. Whereas my mother remembered staying with Rebecca Fabb at Runham, where there was an outside toilet, (picture below of her there as a child) cousin Marian assured me there was an inside toilet at Woodlands Farm, Stokesby, and this is where she remembers staying with auntie Ethel (Fabb) when she was a child."
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 13.1.1942
3 the Grange
Church End, Finchley,
As I have nothing much to do at the moment, and as Mr Sainsbury is away today, and as Mr Graddon and Mrs Addison are both reading novels, and as there seems to be only one person working in this room, I thought I would snatch as little time. You will see that I have put the office address at the top, just in case you do feel like sending some of your letters here. No doubt there will be one waiting when I go home, but it is awful having to wait all day. I think when you post a letter at eight in the morning it reaches me the next morning, but when you post it at 6 pm it reaches me about 4 pm the next day.
I didn't tell you in my last letter that Emlyn Williams was on the wireless on Sunday night in the week's appeal. He was very good and gave the story of an actor, Esmond Knight who was on the "Prince of Wales" and is now totally blind.
This lunch hour after a very good dinner at the 'Civic' I went to the library, the branch one at Church End. I take back all I said about it being only a branch library because although space is cramped, I should say it is almost as big as North Finchley where everything is spaced out better. I got a fiction book for Joyce by A G Street. It is quite a good one called "Already walk tomorrow" The other two are about Wales. Land of Wales which your mother had. By the way it amused me to see a picture of the beach at Swansea in there – looked something like Southend in the Summer. The other book is called Pigrim from Paddington.
This morning there was a very thin covering of snow everywhere, and since then the snow has been falling, off and on, but not laying – just slush – it is snowing now, also I expect it will lay overnight.
4.20 pm Your letter has just arrived so I will read it and finish this letter at home.
Tuesday Evening
Thank you very much indeed for your lovely long letter, I'm very sorry I didn't accompany you all the way to Swansea because somehow these things (accidents) don't happen to you then with the exception of the wasp sting but even then you must admit I was able to render first aid – I did pick the sting out!! Well as I said before you must look after yourself more than ever 'wrap yourself in cotten wool & save yourself for me." You and Cobbie always seem to be doing "things". Betty said he's OK except for some pie he ate which didn't agree with him. I can see that wives are badly needed in both cases to take care of two helpless children. Anyway, I'm very glad the M.O. managed to put your eye to rights. This reminds me – what about a new pair of glasses for yourself, I'm sure it would help you in your studies, and pictures and theatres etc.
What a shame the train was late, bit I suppose under these black-out conditions and fogs they are bound to be a bit late. You must choose a moonlight week-end next time.
It that screw still on the case? I just wondered whether the Durafix had performed its duty. How's the chocolate, not all eaten I hope?
The snow has been laying again this evening just a thin layer, but the sky looked full of snow today. Do you remember this time last year – a week earlier I believe, at Haslemere? That lovely walk we had which eventually brought us into Hindhead (sorry we went by car that time). It must have been the walk from Haslemere when you took those photographs. Anyway the sky was full of snow then – well that's how it looked today.
Well I phoned up your father to see if they had received your letter & tell them any news they didn't know. They had received your letter. Your father said he was feeling worse today for the treatment, but doubt its one of those cases when you feel tons better later.
I'm supposed to be fire watching tonight, but mother seems intent on doing it for me, so I won't stay up any longer,
All my love and hugs,
Margaret
PS Have you received the form from the Labour Exchange?
Church End, Finchley,
As I have nothing much to do at the moment, and as Mr Sainsbury is away today, and as Mr Graddon and Mrs Addison are both reading novels, and as there seems to be only one person working in this room, I thought I would snatch as little time. You will see that I have put the office address at the top, just in case you do feel like sending some of your letters here. No doubt there will be one waiting when I go home, but it is awful having to wait all day. I think when you post a letter at eight in the morning it reaches me the next morning, but when you post it at 6 pm it reaches me about 4 pm the next day.
I didn't tell you in my last letter that Emlyn Williams was on the wireless on Sunday night in the week's appeal. He was very good and gave the story of an actor, Esmond Knight who was on the "Prince of Wales" and is now totally blind.
This lunch hour after a very good dinner at the 'Civic' I went to the library, the branch one at Church End. I take back all I said about it being only a branch library because although space is cramped, I should say it is almost as big as North Finchley where everything is spaced out better. I got a fiction book for Joyce by A G Street. It is quite a good one called "Already walk tomorrow" The other two are about Wales. Land of Wales which your mother had. By the way it amused me to see a picture of the beach at Swansea in there – looked something like Southend in the Summer. The other book is called Pigrim from Paddington.
This morning there was a very thin covering of snow everywhere, and since then the snow has been falling, off and on, but not laying – just slush – it is snowing now, also I expect it will lay overnight.
4.20 pm Your letter has just arrived so I will read it and finish this letter at home.
Tuesday Evening
Thank you very much indeed for your lovely long letter, I'm very sorry I didn't accompany you all the way to Swansea because somehow these things (accidents) don't happen to you then with the exception of the wasp sting but even then you must admit I was able to render first aid – I did pick the sting out!! Well as I said before you must look after yourself more than ever 'wrap yourself in cotten wool & save yourself for me." You and Cobbie always seem to be doing "things". Betty said he's OK except for some pie he ate which didn't agree with him. I can see that wives are badly needed in both cases to take care of two helpless children. Anyway, I'm very glad the M.O. managed to put your eye to rights. This reminds me – what about a new pair of glasses for yourself, I'm sure it would help you in your studies, and pictures and theatres etc.
What a shame the train was late, bit I suppose under these black-out conditions and fogs they are bound to be a bit late. You must choose a moonlight week-end next time.
It that screw still on the case? I just wondered whether the Durafix had performed its duty. How's the chocolate, not all eaten I hope?
The snow has been laying again this evening just a thin layer, but the sky looked full of snow today. Do you remember this time last year – a week earlier I believe, at Haslemere? That lovely walk we had which eventually brought us into Hindhead (sorry we went by car that time). It must have been the walk from Haslemere when you took those photographs. Anyway the sky was full of snow then – well that's how it looked today.
Well I phoned up your father to see if they had received your letter & tell them any news they didn't know. They had received your letter. Your father said he was feeling worse today for the treatment, but doubt its one of those cases when you feel tons better later.
I'm supposed to be fire watching tonight, but mother seems intent on doing it for me, so I won't stay up any longer,
All my love and hugs,
Margaret
PS Have you received the form from the Labour Exchange?
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 11.1.1942
What a lovely weekend we had together, but how horrible is the parting!! I hope you didn't mind me going, but I should only have made you more miserable if I had waited. I do wish we needn't part like this.
Well, I arrived back at Kings Cross at 5.45 pm and caught the 6.05 pm. I could just have done with one of our huge sheets to use as a handkerchief. When I walked up our road it was so cold, the tears started freezing as they fell and, as Daddy opened the door, he saw just one solid mass with icicles hanging all over it. Thawing will only take place when the heart is warmed.
Mr Bond wanted to see my presents so I showed them all to him. Then Daddy said he would like me to put on some gramophone records. Well, I put them on – quite a good many too. `I got over the difficulty of vibration by putting the volume of the wireless on. The tone was beautiful – a bit too loud in parts. Only once did the thorn needle become loose and that was after it had been used several times, so I changed it for the steel for the last record. I can't understand how it managed to get loose. (the needle I mean).
I feel very tired so I think I will finish this at the office tomorrow morning.
By the way it's inclined to be a bit foggy here tonight. I do hope you arrived safely and to time & without fog. No more of your falling on the track tricks again please or I shall threaten to marry you next week and follow you around everywhere.
Monday morning
I've got that Monday morning feeling, so, as I don't feel like working I thought I would write this little note.
Joyce is at home this morning with a temperature of 101 degrees, so expect she will be at home all week. Nancy went off this morning, upset at having to go back alone. The real trouble is Mrs Simes, I think. If only she was not in the habit of drinking and bringing soldiers in. I think the girls should change their billet, don't you?
Well, I do hope you get through your test alright. Knowing you I expect you to. But if it was me, well, I should feeL all funny inside and my mind would go a blank.
We have had a temporary person installed on machining, about 40 years of age, I should say. She has been doing some of my work, so I have had to show her how to work the adding machine. She is quite a nice sort of person with queer little ways. I do wish the war would end, then I could get out of this hole, couldn't I?
I seem to have a cold coming, which will, I hope, need a fortnight's convalescence. What a hope!!!
I have just read today's horoscopes to our room. There's nothing much in them, but everybody likes to hear their fate each day. Takes our minds off work anyway.
All my love and squeezes (or sneezes) Margaret.
Well, I arrived back at Kings Cross at 5.45 pm and caught the 6.05 pm. I could just have done with one of our huge sheets to use as a handkerchief. When I walked up our road it was so cold, the tears started freezing as they fell and, as Daddy opened the door, he saw just one solid mass with icicles hanging all over it. Thawing will only take place when the heart is warmed.
Mr Bond wanted to see my presents so I showed them all to him. Then Daddy said he would like me to put on some gramophone records. Well, I put them on – quite a good many too. `I got over the difficulty of vibration by putting the volume of the wireless on. The tone was beautiful – a bit too loud in parts. Only once did the thorn needle become loose and that was after it had been used several times, so I changed it for the steel for the last record. I can't understand how it managed to get loose. (the needle I mean).
I feel very tired so I think I will finish this at the office tomorrow morning.
By the way it's inclined to be a bit foggy here tonight. I do hope you arrived safely and to time & without fog. No more of your falling on the track tricks again please or I shall threaten to marry you next week and follow you around everywhere.
Monday morning
I've got that Monday morning feeling, so, as I don't feel like working I thought I would write this little note.
Joyce is at home this morning with a temperature of 101 degrees, so expect she will be at home all week. Nancy went off this morning, upset at having to go back alone. The real trouble is Mrs Simes, I think. If only she was not in the habit of drinking and bringing soldiers in. I think the girls should change their billet, don't you?
Well, I do hope you get through your test alright. Knowing you I expect you to. But if it was me, well, I should feeL all funny inside and my mind would go a blank.
We have had a temporary person installed on machining, about 40 years of age, I should say. She has been doing some of my work, so I have had to show her how to work the adding machine. She is quite a nice sort of person with queer little ways. I do wish the war would end, then I could get out of this hole, couldn't I?
I seem to have a cold coming, which will, I hope, need a fortnight's convalescence. What a hope!!!
I have just read today's horoscopes to our room. There's nothing much in them, but everybody likes to hear their fate each day. Takes our minds off work anyway.
All my love and squeezes (or sneezes) Margaret.
Monday 16 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 7.1.42
We have just been playing some records – the last one being most appropriate – Wanting You – which is the one you so gaily sang in the bath the other night.
Barry and Deidre have been here tonight – what a couple!!! Well, they are not bad really. I wish you could have been here. We have been playing bagatelle and I have been playing the records in between times. They love the gramophone records and my array of (21st Birthday) presents.
Joyce has arrived here tonight from the dentist. I didn't tell you she was coming home specially to see Mr Plowman. She had to have a temporary stopping as far as I can gather.
I have been working very hard in the office today – figures, figures, figures. How I hate them. I wonder what you think about me going in for nursing? I just want to be pushed into it, otherwise I'm sure I shall never change. Please help me make up my mind. I suppose I should start with a few hours per week first – but how I hate the black-outs – its so much easier to go to classes, as I did last April, when the days are so much lighter.
If you are coming home on Saturday, I will come to meet you at Paddington, then we can have an extra hour together, can't we? I could brave the black-out for you.
Mother wants me to go to a whist drive tomorrow evening with her. I'm not at all keen to go, they are so boring with all the old ladies, don't you agree with me? I can't even get out of it by giving her the money because I just have not got it.
Now let me tell you how work went last Wednesday – that awful day. When I first arrived I just couldn't speak to anyone about you until 11 o'clock and then I told them all. Marjorie said "Fancy sitting there and not telling us all this." But I knew I should simply have burst into tears if I had done so. I felt so sad and utterly at a loss. However I simply bathed myself in work until I came home and then, well you must know how I felt. I think of you all day long and have that lovely picture of you in front of me. Do you think you could have your photograph taken while you are there?
In one of your letters you said your eyes were aching. Well, don't you think it's time you had some new glasses? I expect it would cost you about £2, but it is worth it, especially as you will be doing a lot of reading and close work.
When I told Betty last week that you had been posted, she said, how sad, because she had been looking forward to another outing with us when Alan comes home in February. Still, I suppose all these outing just have to be postponed until alfter the war & when we shall have our own home.
Next week "Scrooge" from Dicken's Christmas Carol' is on at the Bohemia, Church End. I didn't know there was a picture of it, did you? We must look out for it later on.
Shandy (a dog) is missing you so much that he has been playing me up. He seems to think I am keeping you in the background somewhere. He keeps listening for your knock. Last week he was so annoyed with me for not opening the door to you, that he tore one of my petticoats. These things cost coupons, so me thinks that by the time we get married, I shall be wearing things with huge red patches, that being the only material I have left to patch with. (With which to patch, sorry).
I hope you can come home this weekend, because then you can see the rest of my presents. We can have practically all day Sunday together, and then, perhaps, I can come along to Swansea in a fortnight's time. I think it is a lovely idea of yours to have the Monday off instead of Saturday, it will certainly save traveling in the black out and I expect I could manage some time off on the Saturday morning.
Well, it is now 11.25 pm & I must be going to bed. I do not seem to have written much about anything, but it is worth two-pence ha'penny just to talk to you like this,
Cheerio, all my love,
Margaret
Barry and Deidre have been here tonight – what a couple!!! Well, they are not bad really. I wish you could have been here. We have been playing bagatelle and I have been playing the records in between times. They love the gramophone records and my array of (21st Birthday) presents.
Joyce has arrived here tonight from the dentist. I didn't tell you she was coming home specially to see Mr Plowman. She had to have a temporary stopping as far as I can gather.
I have been working very hard in the office today – figures, figures, figures. How I hate them. I wonder what you think about me going in for nursing? I just want to be pushed into it, otherwise I'm sure I shall never change. Please help me make up my mind. I suppose I should start with a few hours per week first – but how I hate the black-outs – its so much easier to go to classes, as I did last April, when the days are so much lighter.
If you are coming home on Saturday, I will come to meet you at Paddington, then we can have an extra hour together, can't we? I could brave the black-out for you.
Mother wants me to go to a whist drive tomorrow evening with her. I'm not at all keen to go, they are so boring with all the old ladies, don't you agree with me? I can't even get out of it by giving her the money because I just have not got it.
Now let me tell you how work went last Wednesday – that awful day. When I first arrived I just couldn't speak to anyone about you until 11 o'clock and then I told them all. Marjorie said "Fancy sitting there and not telling us all this." But I knew I should simply have burst into tears if I had done so. I felt so sad and utterly at a loss. However I simply bathed myself in work until I came home and then, well you must know how I felt. I think of you all day long and have that lovely picture of you in front of me. Do you think you could have your photograph taken while you are there?
In one of your letters you said your eyes were aching. Well, don't you think it's time you had some new glasses? I expect it would cost you about £2, but it is worth it, especially as you will be doing a lot of reading and close work.
When I told Betty last week that you had been posted, she said, how sad, because she had been looking forward to another outing with us when Alan comes home in February. Still, I suppose all these outing just have to be postponed until alfter the war & when we shall have our own home.
Next week "Scrooge" from Dicken's Christmas Carol' is on at the Bohemia, Church End. I didn't know there was a picture of it, did you? We must look out for it later on.
Shandy (a dog) is missing you so much that he has been playing me up. He seems to think I am keeping you in the background somewhere. He keeps listening for your knock. Last week he was so annoyed with me for not opening the door to you, that he tore one of my petticoats. These things cost coupons, so me thinks that by the time we get married, I shall be wearing things with huge red patches, that being the only material I have left to patch with. (With which to patch, sorry).
I hope you can come home this weekend, because then you can see the rest of my presents. We can have practically all day Sunday together, and then, perhaps, I can come along to Swansea in a fortnight's time. I think it is a lovely idea of yours to have the Monday off instead of Saturday, it will certainly save traveling in the black out and I expect I could manage some time off on the Saturday morning.
Well, it is now 11.25 pm & I must be going to bed. I do not seem to have written much about anything, but it is worth two-pence ha'penny just to talk to you like this,
Cheerio, all my love,
Margaret
Sunday 15 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 6.1.42
I now have two letters to answer. A lovely long one from yesterday and I was surprised to receive another one today. It warms my heart to hear from you and know what you are doing. I did not write last night because Mrs Spindle came to tea and I had to show her all my presents & then we had to have a game of bridge, during which I was writing to Peter to thank him for the telegram etc that he sent on my birthday, and then after supper Daddy & I took Mrs Spindle home and walked back in the moonlight.
I has been cold here. It tried to snow yesterday, and since then it has just been getting colder, but I doubt whether we shall get any snow.
I'm very glad to hear Mrs Dowling is treating you well with plenty to eat. If you are going for all these lovely long walks you will need it, you have no need to think yourself selfish on such excursions, because you know how much I would like to be with you and I'd rather you go for a walk with Ron or George than not at all. The air must be refreshing after London – go hiking as much as possible because hard work (I presume it is hard work) is made easier by the refreshment of fresh air and exercise. Well you know what I mean. By the way, Mumbles sounds a funny place, are they all like that? Mumbo-Jumbo land eh?
You ask me if the gramophone is going alright. I had not played it until last night when Mrs, Spindle came, I had not the heart to. We shall have many happy days with that won't we? I don't know when I'm going to get some more records, but anyway I have enough to go on with, don't you think so? I tremble to think what Mrs Dowling thought of when you sang in your bath. Still perhaps she thought it was the parrot next door. I'm rather rude I suppose, but you know the Welsh people are great singers – very musical... You must sing with me next time you come home, after all that practice.
I hate to think of you eating sea-weed. It wasn't really – was it? Are the Welsh people in the habit of trying to poison their lodgers like this? Is it the real stuff or another name like "Welsh Rabbit?" You stick to Roast Lamb etc.
What about P.T? I think you mentioned it in your letter to your mother & father, and have said nothing about it since. What a shame if you don't have it. I know you like it. Never mind get up and so the exercises early in the morning with what's his name on the wireless.
You mentioned chocolate in your last letter perhaps by the time you get this letter you will have received the cakes & sandwich bar which I posted on Monday. I can get the loose chocolates anytime at 1/8 per quarter pound, but I don't think its worth it do you? I will do my best for you, but can't promise every week. At any rate you must look after your teeth now you are out of the Dental Corps, or Freddie will be after you.
Isn't it lovely to think of our honey moon. Yes, where shall we go? Lake District is rather a long way don't you think? But it would be lovely. I think the south would be better really unless we get married at 9 O'clock in the morning.
Nothing else has happened re; Jock. Give the poor girl a chance!!!
You know John Hunt don't you? Well he was engaged in November last and is to be married this month about the 28th. The girl is only 20, not 21 until May, but of course he is nearly 30 and I suppose anxious to settle down. We can console ourselves with the fact that ours is not a hasty war-time marriage, don't you think? Mother wishes we could leave it until the hot weather because she fears she will need a new coat and had hoped only to get a new frock!!!
Barry and Deirdre are coming to tea tomorrow (Wednesday) to see my presents. What a shame you can't be here, but I expect you would be bored, don't you think so? Nancy turned her nose up when we said they were coming.
We, that is mother and me, may go to see Deanna Durbin's film "It Started with Eve" on Friday. It's at the Dominion. I look forward to seeing you soon.
All my love
Margaret,
PS Shandy sends kisses, licks, licks. I will write tomorrow if possible.
I has been cold here. It tried to snow yesterday, and since then it has just been getting colder, but I doubt whether we shall get any snow.
I'm very glad to hear Mrs Dowling is treating you well with plenty to eat. If you are going for all these lovely long walks you will need it, you have no need to think yourself selfish on such excursions, because you know how much I would like to be with you and I'd rather you go for a walk with Ron or George than not at all. The air must be refreshing after London – go hiking as much as possible because hard work (I presume it is hard work) is made easier by the refreshment of fresh air and exercise. Well you know what I mean. By the way, Mumbles sounds a funny place, are they all like that? Mumbo-Jumbo land eh?
You ask me if the gramophone is going alright. I had not played it until last night when Mrs, Spindle came, I had not the heart to. We shall have many happy days with that won't we? I don't know when I'm going to get some more records, but anyway I have enough to go on with, don't you think so? I tremble to think what Mrs Dowling thought of when you sang in your bath. Still perhaps she thought it was the parrot next door. I'm rather rude I suppose, but you know the Welsh people are great singers – very musical... You must sing with me next time you come home, after all that practice.
I hate to think of you eating sea-weed. It wasn't really – was it? Are the Welsh people in the habit of trying to poison their lodgers like this? Is it the real stuff or another name like "Welsh Rabbit?" You stick to Roast Lamb etc.
What about P.T? I think you mentioned it in your letter to your mother & father, and have said nothing about it since. What a shame if you don't have it. I know you like it. Never mind get up and so the exercises early in the morning with what's his name on the wireless.
You mentioned chocolate in your last letter perhaps by the time you get this letter you will have received the cakes & sandwich bar which I posted on Monday. I can get the loose chocolates anytime at 1/8 per quarter pound, but I don't think its worth it do you? I will do my best for you, but can't promise every week. At any rate you must look after your teeth now you are out of the Dental Corps, or Freddie will be after you.
Isn't it lovely to think of our honey moon. Yes, where shall we go? Lake District is rather a long way don't you think? But it would be lovely. I think the south would be better really unless we get married at 9 O'clock in the morning.
Nothing else has happened re; Jock. Give the poor girl a chance!!!
You know John Hunt don't you? Well he was engaged in November last and is to be married this month about the 28th. The girl is only 20, not 21 until May, but of course he is nearly 30 and I suppose anxious to settle down. We can console ourselves with the fact that ours is not a hasty war-time marriage, don't you think? Mother wishes we could leave it until the hot weather because she fears she will need a new coat and had hoped only to get a new frock!!!
Barry and Deirdre are coming to tea tomorrow (Wednesday) to see my presents. What a shame you can't be here, but I expect you would be bored, don't you think so? Nancy turned her nose up when we said they were coming.
We, that is mother and me, may go to see Deanna Durbin's film "It Started with Eve" on Friday. It's at the Dominion. I look forward to seeing you soon.
All my love
Margaret,
PS Shandy sends kisses, licks, licks. I will write tomorrow if possible.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 4.1.1942
53 Buckingham Avenue, N 20
(the letter was enclosed in a package containing chocolate and cake)
These are just a few things I happened to have in hand at the moment. I have been very lucky getting chocolate this week – 4, 2oz ration bars, 4oz of Bournville, 4 oz sandwich bar. the others I sold to mother, as I'm not very fond of plain chocolate. I do hope you will feel well enough to eat all these. I hope you like the cakes. They have some of your favourite dates in them.
Well, yesterday I went shoppping, and got all I wanted in one hour in North Finchley. I bought a lovely brown hat, shoes and gloves.
I am wicked spending all this money, but as you know I am looking ahead and will not dare wear these things until the great day. By the way, when you tell your mother and father, don't just blurt it out, but ask them what they think of a war-time marriage. Most people prefer to be asked their opinion on such a serious matter. As you know, I would love to get married when I can leave the office and make a home for you, and when we can look ahead to our future. We must discuss this and decide definitely.
No I have not found out whether I can leave or not, but I wonder if it would be patriotic to do so, unless I was definitely taking up nursing at the same time. I have found out that soldiers wives are entitled to special leave without pay, providing the department can authorise it, this making total leave up to about 24 days in any year.
Well, strange enough, this weekend has gone fairly quickly. Nancy was at home with me yesterday evening, while Mother, Daddy and Joyce went to Cricklewood. Nancy was full of talk as usual and I heard all the Crawley scandal. Crawley seems to be full of accidents. She told me of one girl, Ruby, who was nearly drowned in the bath on Friday night. Apparently the poor girl fainted and in doing so, knocked some huge ornament over, which noise brought the landlady's daughter up to see what had happened and found Ruby with her head under water. After a struggle, they managed to rescue her and put her to bed. Ruby remembered having a beautiful kind of dream while her head was under water – a second later, she would have been drowned. What a horrible experience!!!
This morning, I cooked the dinner. I was kitchen maid as usual. Never mind, I suppose it's all practice. Well now, John Comber is not far away from you in Pembrokeshire, but I don't know where at present. Also, you probably remember Marjorie Pugh, her house is somewhere in Swansea. I have an idea her father and mother keep a farm.
Dad is fire-watching tonight, so we had just a hen party for tea today.
Well, I am hoping to see you soon, ever so soon, but you must not tire yourself out with weekend journeys.
I will write again soon, please excuse this scribble,
All my love Margaret
PS Please keep tin, as they are so difficult to get these days.
(the letter was enclosed in a package containing chocolate and cake)
These are just a few things I happened to have in hand at the moment. I have been very lucky getting chocolate this week – 4, 2oz ration bars, 4oz of Bournville, 4 oz sandwich bar. the others I sold to mother, as I'm not very fond of plain chocolate. I do hope you will feel well enough to eat all these. I hope you like the cakes. They have some of your favourite dates in them.
Well, yesterday I went shoppping, and got all I wanted in one hour in North Finchley. I bought a lovely brown hat, shoes and gloves.
I am wicked spending all this money, but as you know I am looking ahead and will not dare wear these things until the great day. By the way, when you tell your mother and father, don't just blurt it out, but ask them what they think of a war-time marriage. Most people prefer to be asked their opinion on such a serious matter. As you know, I would love to get married when I can leave the office and make a home for you, and when we can look ahead to our future. We must discuss this and decide definitely.
No I have not found out whether I can leave or not, but I wonder if it would be patriotic to do so, unless I was definitely taking up nursing at the same time. I have found out that soldiers wives are entitled to special leave without pay, providing the department can authorise it, this making total leave up to about 24 days in any year.
Well, strange enough, this weekend has gone fairly quickly. Nancy was at home with me yesterday evening, while Mother, Daddy and Joyce went to Cricklewood. Nancy was full of talk as usual and I heard all the Crawley scandal. Crawley seems to be full of accidents. She told me of one girl, Ruby, who was nearly drowned in the bath on Friday night. Apparently the poor girl fainted and in doing so, knocked some huge ornament over, which noise brought the landlady's daughter up to see what had happened and found Ruby with her head under water. After a struggle, they managed to rescue her and put her to bed. Ruby remembered having a beautiful kind of dream while her head was under water – a second later, she would have been drowned. What a horrible experience!!!
This morning, I cooked the dinner. I was kitchen maid as usual. Never mind, I suppose it's all practice. Well now, John Comber is not far away from you in Pembrokeshire, but I don't know where at present. Also, you probably remember Marjorie Pugh, her house is somewhere in Swansea. I have an idea her father and mother keep a farm.
Dad is fire-watching tonight, so we had just a hen party for tea today.
Well, I am hoping to see you soon, ever so soon, but you must not tire yourself out with weekend journeys.
I will write again soon, please excuse this scribble,
All my love Margaret
PS Please keep tin, as they are so difficult to get these days.
Friday 13 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley 3.1.1942
Over-equipped and arriving at Swansea railway station in thick fog, Tom fell off the platform and on to the track before arriving at his destination cut and bruised.
53 Buckingham Avenue, N 20
3.1.42
I was very pleased to receive that letter from you. I do hope the damage to you was not very serious. I gathered it could not be too serious, otherwise you would have been carried to your destination on a stretcher. Perhaps your powerful mind overcame all physical damage. Am I right? Anyhow I do wish you would not go throwing yourself about when I'm not there to look after you. Do look after yourself because I'd rather see you whole than in pieces. It was certainly a horrible experience to arrive at a strange place loaded and in thick fog, and so late.
Well, I did not firewatch after all yesterday as Miss Zuigg duly appeared on the scene yesterday morning. So as your mother and father required that Lamb book to be taken to the Library to-day, mother and I went to visit your people. I must say I hated going because you were not there and everything seemed so strange. However they gave me some elderberry wine to buck myself up. I showed them my letter as this time is was "alright', and they let me see their's. We do not quite understand whether you say you love the landlady and her daughter or your live with them.
The other soldiers at your billet are training for radiolocation too, I suppose in which case your billet will be filled again when they have left.
Today I am going shopping to buy shoes and perhaps other things. It is raining but as there is nothing to stay in for, I feel I must go. I feel perfectly alright at the office but immediately I go home, I feel I'm waiting for something to turn up and that something never comes.
It feels so strange, so long, and so lonely. I sigh, sigh, sigh, sigh. But, somehow I feel, however hard that hill may be to climb, she might just manage it.
Well now, by this time, you can tell me all about your billet. How if the food? Daddy was most dismayed that you didn't mention food in your letter and wants to know if you had anything to eat between 7.15 and the time you went to bed. Your mother hopes you will be tidy, as having had the use of two houses for all your books etc, she is rather dubious.
This is just a short note as I want to catch the post this afternoon – the post is so slow and I would like you to have this on Monday. I expect the work you are going to do is very interesting and that just at present you will not get that Monday morning feeling.
Mr Sainsbury persists in calling me "Margaret". I don't know why, but Ethel is always "Miss Carmody". Anyway I think I might wangle some time off don't you?
I am thinking about the weekend I will come and visit you. As you finish as 11.30 on Satudays, I think it would be best for me to have the Saturday morning off and beg for Friday afternoon & travel down then. That seems to me the best way of having a longish time together. What do you think?
All my love,
Margaret.
53 Buckingham Avenue, N 20
3.1.42
I was very pleased to receive that letter from you. I do hope the damage to you was not very serious. I gathered it could not be too serious, otherwise you would have been carried to your destination on a stretcher. Perhaps your powerful mind overcame all physical damage. Am I right? Anyhow I do wish you would not go throwing yourself about when I'm not there to look after you. Do look after yourself because I'd rather see you whole than in pieces. It was certainly a horrible experience to arrive at a strange place loaded and in thick fog, and so late.
Well, I did not firewatch after all yesterday as Miss Zuigg duly appeared on the scene yesterday morning. So as your mother and father required that Lamb book to be taken to the Library to-day, mother and I went to visit your people. I must say I hated going because you were not there and everything seemed so strange. However they gave me some elderberry wine to buck myself up. I showed them my letter as this time is was "alright', and they let me see their's. We do not quite understand whether you say you love the landlady and her daughter or your live with them.
The other soldiers at your billet are training for radiolocation too, I suppose in which case your billet will be filled again when they have left.
Today I am going shopping to buy shoes and perhaps other things. It is raining but as there is nothing to stay in for, I feel I must go. I feel perfectly alright at the office but immediately I go home, I feel I'm waiting for something to turn up and that something never comes.
It feels so strange, so long, and so lonely. I sigh, sigh, sigh, sigh. But, somehow I feel, however hard that hill may be to climb, she might just manage it.
Well now, by this time, you can tell me all about your billet. How if the food? Daddy was most dismayed that you didn't mention food in your letter and wants to know if you had anything to eat between 7.15 and the time you went to bed. Your mother hopes you will be tidy, as having had the use of two houses for all your books etc, she is rather dubious.
This is just a short note as I want to catch the post this afternoon – the post is so slow and I would like you to have this on Monday. I expect the work you are going to do is very interesting and that just at present you will not get that Monday morning feeling.
Mr Sainsbury persists in calling me "Margaret". I don't know why, but Ethel is always "Miss Carmody". Anyway I think I might wangle some time off don't you?
I am thinking about the weekend I will come and visit you. As you finish as 11.30 on Satudays, I think it would be best for me to have the Saturday morning off and beg for Friday afternoon & travel down then. That seems to me the best way of having a longish time together. What do you think?
All my love,
Margaret.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Margaret Robinson to Tom Critchley sent early January 1942
At the end of 1941, Tom Critchley's son was posted to Swansea to study radio location and radar techniques. Here is a letter from his fiance.
53 Buckingham Avenue,
N 20
I felt I had to write this to you to tell you how much I am missing you already. Anyway, we have something to look forward to, our marriage, I am seriously thinking of buying some white material, in fact I nearly bought it, but thought I better wait and see how much I want. The office went quite well this morning – I wish I could live there – really I do – with plenty of work to last for the next few months. I told them all we would be getting married and I was so emphatic, that Marjorie thought it would be next week! They have decided to start a "Margaret" fund to be deducted from pay for the next few months. Have you warned your mother and father about it? It would not do to spring it on them.
I have just written to Auntie May, Doug and Colin, to tell them the news. I said I thought you might be writing to them later ( D & C I mean). If there is anything you want, just write and ask for it and I will either send it on or arrive by return post myself.
I feel this change will be for the best in the end, as the change of air should certainly do you good. You must go for plenty of walks if possible and not do too much reading or writing.
I received two more presents today. A blue scarf from Miss Bond and a book token for 10/6 from Eileen and Lily. so you must help me choose my books. Remember I have the 5/- one as well. Have you any idea of the subject? No Egyptian mummies or temples please.
I have just had a lovely idea. Now that you know more about the wireless – what about our own receiving sets? Just you and me – to tune in at any time and at any part of the the day. On second thoughts, perhaps we can do away with the materials of an ordinary wireless, don't you think so?
Shandy (a part labrador and part spaniel mongrel dog) is very restless tonight and has been all the week, as you probably know. I expect it was that walk last Sunday which put new vigour into him.
If possible, perhaps you can phone me on Sunday evening at about 8pm, as it is then that I shall feel most lonely – the weekends I mean – and probably you will too.
Your mother heard today from Mrs Lockheart. Apparently Dennis hopes to be home sometime in March, so perhaps Ronald will be home at the same time. But as no reply has been received to the cable, it looks as if he is on his way now.
I shall post this immediately I hear from you. I do hope you will be very comfortable and make many friends there.
Thursday
Well it was nice to hear from you to-night and it was hard to believe that you were all that distance away – it was so clear, almost as if you were in the next room. Then, because I thought about that, a lump came into my throat. I don't know if people are trying to cheer me up, but they say "You will miss him. Cheer up, keep smiling!" Well, you know how I feel, I would rather they said nothing about you.
I am very glad you have a good billet and that you are happy. Perhaps you can manage to get home at weekends sometime because 16 weeks seems a long time.
As I told you on the phone, I shall probably be fire watching at the office tomorrow night as Miss Zuigg was on sick leave again today.
I have had another present today (21st Birthday). Mrs Moore of Station Road has given me a biscuit barrel (a wooden one – pure elm) It is really lovely and will go beautifully with the other wooden articles, and also with the sideboard,
I am hoping to see you ever so soon
With Love,
Margaret
PS It is now Friday 10'clock and I have not received your letter yet. Mother will open it and let me have your address. I was only thinking today that it might be as well to address some of my letters to this office, as the postman never comes before 9am at home. The office address is as follows:
Finance Branch, Home counties Regional Headquarters, The Grange, 3 Hendon Avenue, Finchley N 3.
Any letter you think will arrive during the morning perhaps could be sent to the office address.
Love Margaret.
53 Buckingham Avenue,
N 20
I felt I had to write this to you to tell you how much I am missing you already. Anyway, we have something to look forward to, our marriage, I am seriously thinking of buying some white material, in fact I nearly bought it, but thought I better wait and see how much I want. The office went quite well this morning – I wish I could live there – really I do – with plenty of work to last for the next few months. I told them all we would be getting married and I was so emphatic, that Marjorie thought it would be next week! They have decided to start a "Margaret" fund to be deducted from pay for the next few months. Have you warned your mother and father about it? It would not do to spring it on them.
I have just written to Auntie May, Doug and Colin, to tell them the news. I said I thought you might be writing to them later ( D & C I mean). If there is anything you want, just write and ask for it and I will either send it on or arrive by return post myself.
I feel this change will be for the best in the end, as the change of air should certainly do you good. You must go for plenty of walks if possible and not do too much reading or writing.
I received two more presents today. A blue scarf from Miss Bond and a book token for 10/6 from Eileen and Lily. so you must help me choose my books. Remember I have the 5/- one as well. Have you any idea of the subject? No Egyptian mummies or temples please.
I have just had a lovely idea. Now that you know more about the wireless – what about our own receiving sets? Just you and me – to tune in at any time and at any part of the the day. On second thoughts, perhaps we can do away with the materials of an ordinary wireless, don't you think so?
Shandy (a part labrador and part spaniel mongrel dog) is very restless tonight and has been all the week, as you probably know. I expect it was that walk last Sunday which put new vigour into him.
If possible, perhaps you can phone me on Sunday evening at about 8pm, as it is then that I shall feel most lonely – the weekends I mean – and probably you will too.
Your mother heard today from Mrs Lockheart. Apparently Dennis hopes to be home sometime in March, so perhaps Ronald will be home at the same time. But as no reply has been received to the cable, it looks as if he is on his way now.
I shall post this immediately I hear from you. I do hope you will be very comfortable and make many friends there.
Thursday
Well it was nice to hear from you to-night and it was hard to believe that you were all that distance away – it was so clear, almost as if you were in the next room. Then, because I thought about that, a lump came into my throat. I don't know if people are trying to cheer me up, but they say "You will miss him. Cheer up, keep smiling!" Well, you know how I feel, I would rather they said nothing about you.
I am very glad you have a good billet and that you are happy. Perhaps you can manage to get home at weekends sometime because 16 weeks seems a long time.
As I told you on the phone, I shall probably be fire watching at the office tomorrow night as Miss Zuigg was on sick leave again today.
I have had another present today (21st Birthday). Mrs Moore of Station Road has given me a biscuit barrel (a wooden one – pure elm) It is really lovely and will go beautifully with the other wooden articles, and also with the sideboard,
I am hoping to see you ever so soon
With Love,
Margaret
PS It is now Friday 10'clock and I have not received your letter yet. Mother will open it and let me have your address. I was only thinking today that it might be as well to address some of my letters to this office, as the postman never comes before 9am at home. The office address is as follows:
Finance Branch, Home counties Regional Headquarters, The Grange, 3 Hendon Avenue, Finchley N 3.
Any letter you think will arrive during the morning perhaps could be sent to the office address.
Love Margaret.
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