Sunday, 29 April 2012
Margaret to Tom 23.4.42
What a lovely week we have had. It seems ages since I first saw you last Thursday & would have seemed longer If I had had the whole week off. I do begrudge all these beastly office hours. I long to be free especially nowadays when we never know where you will be next.
Work is not going too badly today. I'm working hard so as to shatter all feelings, but my thoughts are constantly wandering and I know will continue to do so until your letter arrives. and I can get some idea of the place you have gone to.
I went to the library this lunch time but could not get a book on Gloucester regions although I know Cheltenham is supposed to be a lovely place, You are not far from the Vale of Evesham are you? I expect you will wander around finding some more honeymoon places before long.
I went in to Mr Warner this morning and he, as usual, asked me how I was. I told him I was bearing up under the strain. Then we got on to the subject of leave and he asked if I had signed for mine yet, this being summer leave. I told him I was not sure when it would be, he laughed heartily and said as it will be my wedding, leave could be arranged especially. I'm very lucky being at an office like this aren't I? Because all our days & half days I have had since knowing you would probably have been denied me at Ledger branch, so I suppose we must thank God I'm where I am.
I thought it was going to be a lovely day today, but the sun has apparently decided to day must be dark as it is quite dull this afternoon with the sun peeping thorugh occasionaly.
On Saturday I have arrange to play tennis with Nancy, Betty and a girl who used to go to my school and is a few years younger than me and supposed to be quite a good player. So think of me on Saturday won't you with all those females.
You will write to Bob and your aunt and uncle in St Helens, won't you? I have loads of stuff I ought to do before the wedding and I really do not know where to start. My clothes like yours are just falling off me and it would be nice to chuck the whole lot away and start afresh, as we should be doing in ordinary times, instead of which I have to sit down and patch, patch, patch. It's not really as bad as it sounds, but times are hard aren't they?
Mr Graddon swears I'm leading a double life because he is sure he saw me in London in December with a soldier who had horn rimmed spectacles on & about your build, but apparently did not look like you. It must have been that day I had off for shopping & met you in the afternoon.
I do hope you have settled down more to army life,
All my love Margaret.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Margaret to Tom late April 1942
Thank you for both your letters. I hope you have received mine (two of them) The only thing I did not know about the address was that it was " A Coy" anyway no doubt they have reached you if the postman was able to find the hidden farm. So "the place" is a camp and does that mean that you and all the others provide the farm yard animals. It must be a funny place?
I am sorry to hear you are not too keen on the place. Still you must remember that this course cannot last longer than 10 weeks after which you may find yourself enjoying life in more than one way.
You have no doubt gathered from this & my last letter that my pen has arrived and with nothing to pay. Mr Hilliard is very kind isn't he?
I am writing this between waiting for the dinner cook, so if any grease splashes or anything unusual should get into this letter you will understand.
Jock is here this weekend as he and Joyce went to see Quiet Weekend yesterday. They both enjoyed the play very much indeed.
You of course heard about Ronald. It is a pity isn't it? I think Nancy is quite upset about it although she does not say very much . It is very hard on her considering she has not heard from him for months now. And he never even mentions her in his letters home. I have no doubt a letter from you to Ron would wake him up. I really think she ought to know whether he wants to continue the friendship. Its ridiculous just to drop off like that.
I must dish the dinner up now, so will finish this later. I won't tell you what I have cooked because it will probably make your mouth water having to exist on Army food.
Well now having finished dinner and all survived, I can get on with this letter. Shandy at the moment is waiting anxiously for his walkee, so don't be surprised if this letter is full of paw marks and licks.
Nancy has asked if I am coming to see you at Whitsun. Well it would be lovely wouldn't it? She would very much like to come with me the – what do you think about it I should be coming it would be a lovely change for her and I thought may be you could get Bowen or some of the others or all to join us. I know we couldn't have those lovely hours together etc, but I have no doubt it would do both of us good to have company like this especially as a month later perhaps 6 weeks later we should be getting married. Anyway, let me know what you think about it. I should not be able to come down until the Saturday afternoon, that is catching the 1.53 train and we should have to return Monday evening. And of course that would entail no leave & not so much money. That of course is providing the Monday will be a Bank Holday. So if you can come home about 9th May the 23rd will just leave a nice gap won't it?
Nancy was wondering at dinner time how long the war would last, She thinks 20 years and by that time she will be hobbling along with two sticks. Joyce will be pushing a bath chair and Daddy added that I would just about be getting my eldest son into an office. (Great laugher at this. I don't know why do you?)
Well this brings me on the to the subject of our marriage. Im glad we have had all this time to think about it. We have had such a lovely engagement which has gradually been preparing us for our marriage.
We had a lovely game of tennis yesterday. Lorna Howard is quite a good player, but rather erratic. Betty and I managed to beat Nancy and Lorna easily, so I'm not so dusty after all.
Tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to learn how to put out a fire bomb. It will be a change from work anyway.
I hope you enjoyed your weekend,
thanks for phoning,
all my love,
Margaret
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Margaret to Tom, a Monday in April 1942
I am feeling much better this evening, you will be thankful to hear, though of course by no means completely well. I went to bed last night at 8.00pm feeling I could not stay up an hour longer. These last few days I have felt very tired and wobbly at the knees. However this will no doubt wear off. Ethel was feeling like this a few weeks ago, so I think the complaint is quite general. I have no temperature, so can't be so bad.
I am writing this at the office while waiting for Ethel and Mr Davies, who have gone out to tea, as I am fire watching. Mr Cordial is on sick leave today & Mr Addson, who is taking his place, is not coming back here until 10.00, so I have arranged to go home later this evening. I am just going to make myself a cup of tea and have some cake, as I cannot do without it. I shall probably leave here at 6.00 pm.
Mr Sainsbury cannot understand why I am only having a week in July. I said I shall probably want a day or two beforehand. Mr Sainsbury seems to think a fortnight would be ideal thing, so it would, but for the war. He also wanted to know if I am staying on. Well I shall have to check won't I, but in these times I see no alternative but to carry on as usual don't you?
I enquired of the Black and White coaches today. They leave Sundays 10.30 and I forget the later one, but anyway there is one, and if I want to book I have to go along to the agent in my district which they told me is 3 Ballards Lane, so whether that is Church End or the other end, I do not know, by anyway I will go along and book tomorrow.
I will finish this letter when I receive yours. I was extremely worried as to how you got on. I do hope you are not in clink. anyway I am hoping your letter will be at home when I arrive.
All my love,
Margaret
Monday Evening continued 9.05pm
I found your lovely long letter awaiting me when I arrived home this evening. I am very glad to know everything went well. Another thing I am grateful for is your decision of this marriage business. You have put my very thoughts into words, what I have been aching to say and could not. As you say, uncertainty is so distressing to harmony.
We are having a very quiet fire watch this evening. No gramophone, no wireless going, but just us three sitting here – reading or writing – needless to say I am the one writing, but I am now beginning to feel very tired, so perhaps I will close in a few moments and add a bit tomorrow morning.
We have had some rain at last. I rained yesterday evening and during the night so perhaps the Rectory grass will no be so bad after all this year.
I hope the cake I have sent you was not too hard, let me know what it was like.
Good night darling,
Margaret
Tuesday afternoon
Fire watching went very well last night. After writing to you I asked the others if they would not like their coffee then but they both said no, let's wait until 12. , it was then 11.30. well 11.45. I got so tired of waitng & was so comfortable that I just dropped off to sleep until 12.50. Then I made coffee and went to bed. Mr Davies is really very domesticated and makes us very comfortable. Perhaps in the near future you will be able to make us as comfortable as he does. anyway I will have to give you a few tips won't I?
I have just obtained a large bottle of Virol, so I shall be alright now. In fact I will grow so fit you will not know me.
I'm calling at North Finchley tonight to book tickets,
I must stop now,
all my love, hugs and kisses and everything,
Margaret.
I am writing this at the office while waiting for Ethel and Mr Davies, who have gone out to tea, as I am fire watching. Mr Cordial is on sick leave today & Mr Addson, who is taking his place, is not coming back here until 10.00, so I have arranged to go home later this evening. I am just going to make myself a cup of tea and have some cake, as I cannot do without it. I shall probably leave here at 6.00 pm.
Mr Sainsbury cannot understand why I am only having a week in July. I said I shall probably want a day or two beforehand. Mr Sainsbury seems to think a fortnight would be ideal thing, so it would, but for the war. He also wanted to know if I am staying on. Well I shall have to check won't I, but in these times I see no alternative but to carry on as usual don't you?
I enquired of the Black and White coaches today. They leave Sundays 10.30 and I forget the later one, but anyway there is one, and if I want to book I have to go along to the agent in my district which they told me is 3 Ballards Lane, so whether that is Church End or the other end, I do not know, by anyway I will go along and book tomorrow.
I will finish this letter when I receive yours. I was extremely worried as to how you got on. I do hope you are not in clink. anyway I am hoping your letter will be at home when I arrive.
All my love,
Margaret
Monday Evening continued 9.05pm
I found your lovely long letter awaiting me when I arrived home this evening. I am very glad to know everything went well. Another thing I am grateful for is your decision of this marriage business. You have put my very thoughts into words, what I have been aching to say and could not. As you say, uncertainty is so distressing to harmony.
We are having a very quiet fire watch this evening. No gramophone, no wireless going, but just us three sitting here – reading or writing – needless to say I am the one writing, but I am now beginning to feel very tired, so perhaps I will close in a few moments and add a bit tomorrow morning.
We have had some rain at last. I rained yesterday evening and during the night so perhaps the Rectory grass will no be so bad after all this year.
I hope the cake I have sent you was not too hard, let me know what it was like.
Good night darling,
Margaret
Tuesday afternoon
Fire watching went very well last night. After writing to you I asked the others if they would not like their coffee then but they both said no, let's wait until 12. , it was then 11.30. well 11.45. I got so tired of waitng & was so comfortable that I just dropped off to sleep until 12.50. Then I made coffee and went to bed. Mr Davies is really very domesticated and makes us very comfortable. Perhaps in the near future you will be able to make us as comfortable as he does. anyway I will have to give you a few tips won't I?
I have just obtained a large bottle of Virol, so I shall be alright now. In fact I will grow so fit you will not know me.
I'm calling at North Finchley tonight to book tickets,
I must stop now,
all my love, hugs and kisses and everything,
Margaret.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Margaret to Tom, spring 1942
Wednesday
Your letter arrived at 11 pm today, so once again thank you very much indeed for your lovely long letter.
First I must tell you since I cannot be there to take you that you must go and see the doctor post haste please. Styes and ulcers are not in the least nice to have and definitely show that you need a tonic. Either you are doing too much hard work and your nerves are affected, or else Swansea air or water does not suit you. I know you have a cycle run to get there , but surely you could go during your study hours. Only once these styes etc begin I believe they sometimes keep coming unless something is done to prevent them. Mother suggests that you rub your stye with a gold wedding ring, but as you haven't got one yet, I can only suggest that you take your tooth out! But seriously, if you can borrow some gold ring or something gold, I think this is supposed to be a cure. I can only suggest that you use good soap for instance. I can always recommend Cuticura soap, so ask your land lady if she can get this for you, or ask her to let you have your coupons. By this, I'm not suggesting the ulcers are outside your mouth, but I think Cuticura will assist in in its own small way.
Well, yesterday I was fire watching at this time. Of course I didn't feel so well all day yesterday, so naturally I didn't enjoy the gramophone recital as much as I ought. I arrived back at the office about 7.20. Mr Graddon and Mr Brigdon were playing table tennis, so of course they wanted me to play, nevertheless I didn't do so badly. Ethel and Mr D had gone out to tea and they did not arrive back until 8.15. I was beginning to "think things" by that time. However, we had tea, sandwiches and cakes at 8.45 and settled down to the gramophone recital at 9.00. They are all classical pieces and a bit too heavy for my liking. I think you have to feel in the mood for music like that. I could never have stuck it, but for my knitting. There were 24 records altogether. I will show you the programme later when you are home. Mr D had only played five records when in walked the new staff controller, Mr Langford, and he wanted a cup of tea, so we had to make one for him. He is staying at the office for this week & floats in on all the fire watches. He seems very jolly and is a complete contrast to Mr Coutts who is shortly going to Leeds – a very la-di-da person. Mr Langford is young, about 40, and certainly believes in moving freely with the staff & getting to know them. One of the classical pieces Mr D played will live in our memory for this reason. Mr Davies said it was his father's favourite record and he is decidedly "low brow". At this, Mr Langford simply roared with laughter and set us all laughing. He has such a hearty laugh that you simply can't help joining in. He had to tell Mr Sainsbury this morning & several other people, so poor Mr Davies will have to be careful with his words in future.
Rene and Isabel are leaving on Friday week. they have just heard they are to go to Edinburgh. Poor Rene is quite annoyed at the distance she has to go, but Isabel is highly delighted for her home is only a few miles out of Edinburgh. Isn't she lucky?
Yes I should love to have Saturday morning off when you are up for the weekend, and travel with you to the "wicked metropolis". It would also be a good idea to have dinner in this "place of sin." But what about that walk we were going to have? Would you rather see "Tales of Hoffnung?" or go when you have a week's leave? If Doug is home, Bob would like to come perhaps these two would like to go for a walk.
I like your sermons very much, but what I want to know is this, what sort of sermons do you give the household, and do they take the same form as mine? By the way, I suppose I must forgive you regarding your treatment of Algy, but remember these things are only sent to try us. (Algy being one of the things). And surely he needs converting and making more human. His wife must be as bad as him, for otherwise she would have moulded him into shape by this time.
How interesting to know your Mr Redman has been appointed principal private secretary to Sir J Grigg, by the way, when Sir James was appointed as secretary of state. The paper headlines read "Civil Servant War Minister." I think this was possibly slightly sarcastic don't you???
Yes, I was hoping the Germans would not try attacking our Radio-location posts. I thought of you immediately I heard & hoped you would not be stationed at a very vulnerable point.
Well I am sending this chocolate etc to you for this coming weekend and for your train journey the following weekend. I thought, if I left it, I might just as well keep it until you come home.
I must close now,
So good night,
All my love,
Margaret. xxx
Your letter arrived at 11 pm today, so once again thank you very much indeed for your lovely long letter.
First I must tell you since I cannot be there to take you that you must go and see the doctor post haste please. Styes and ulcers are not in the least nice to have and definitely show that you need a tonic. Either you are doing too much hard work and your nerves are affected, or else Swansea air or water does not suit you. I know you have a cycle run to get there , but surely you could go during your study hours. Only once these styes etc begin I believe they sometimes keep coming unless something is done to prevent them. Mother suggests that you rub your stye with a gold wedding ring, but as you haven't got one yet, I can only suggest that you take your tooth out! But seriously, if you can borrow some gold ring or something gold, I think this is supposed to be a cure. I can only suggest that you use good soap for instance. I can always recommend Cuticura soap, so ask your land lady if she can get this for you, or ask her to let you have your coupons. By this, I'm not suggesting the ulcers are outside your mouth, but I think Cuticura will assist in in its own small way.
Well, yesterday I was fire watching at this time. Of course I didn't feel so well all day yesterday, so naturally I didn't enjoy the gramophone recital as much as I ought. I arrived back at the office about 7.20. Mr Graddon and Mr Brigdon were playing table tennis, so of course they wanted me to play, nevertheless I didn't do so badly. Ethel and Mr D had gone out to tea and they did not arrive back until 8.15. I was beginning to "think things" by that time. However, we had tea, sandwiches and cakes at 8.45 and settled down to the gramophone recital at 9.00. They are all classical pieces and a bit too heavy for my liking. I think you have to feel in the mood for music like that. I could never have stuck it, but for my knitting. There were 24 records altogether. I will show you the programme later when you are home. Mr D had only played five records when in walked the new staff controller, Mr Langford, and he wanted a cup of tea, so we had to make one for him. He is staying at the office for this week & floats in on all the fire watches. He seems very jolly and is a complete contrast to Mr Coutts who is shortly going to Leeds – a very la-di-da person. Mr Langford is young, about 40, and certainly believes in moving freely with the staff & getting to know them. One of the classical pieces Mr D played will live in our memory for this reason. Mr Davies said it was his father's favourite record and he is decidedly "low brow". At this, Mr Langford simply roared with laughter and set us all laughing. He has such a hearty laugh that you simply can't help joining in. He had to tell Mr Sainsbury this morning & several other people, so poor Mr Davies will have to be careful with his words in future.
Rene and Isabel are leaving on Friday week. they have just heard they are to go to Edinburgh. Poor Rene is quite annoyed at the distance she has to go, but Isabel is highly delighted for her home is only a few miles out of Edinburgh. Isn't she lucky?
Yes I should love to have Saturday morning off when you are up for the weekend, and travel with you to the "wicked metropolis". It would also be a good idea to have dinner in this "place of sin." But what about that walk we were going to have? Would you rather see "Tales of Hoffnung?" or go when you have a week's leave? If Doug is home, Bob would like to come perhaps these two would like to go for a walk.
I like your sermons very much, but what I want to know is this, what sort of sermons do you give the household, and do they take the same form as mine? By the way, I suppose I must forgive you regarding your treatment of Algy, but remember these things are only sent to try us. (Algy being one of the things). And surely he needs converting and making more human. His wife must be as bad as him, for otherwise she would have moulded him into shape by this time.
How interesting to know your Mr Redman has been appointed principal private secretary to Sir J Grigg, by the way, when Sir James was appointed as secretary of state. The paper headlines read "Civil Servant War Minister." I think this was possibly slightly sarcastic don't you???
Yes, I was hoping the Germans would not try attacking our Radio-location posts. I thought of you immediately I heard & hoped you would not be stationed at a very vulnerable point.
Well I am sending this chocolate etc to you for this coming weekend and for your train journey the following weekend. I thought, if I left it, I might just as well keep it until you come home.
I must close now,
So good night,
All my love,
Margaret. xxx
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Margaret to Tom April 1942
Margaret to Tom April 2012
Thank you very much for your two letters which I received today. One first thing at the office & the other at home. By the way, the post you always seem to catch is 8.45 pm and I should have received the last but one & the last but two earlier.
It is very sad you lost 3 marks on the latest test. I presume that it is scaled down to 18 out of 20. You will have to make the final 40 out of 40, won't you? Besides there is always a chance that sergeant instructors or some other warrant officers are needed by the time you have finished the course. After what the adjutant told you it would be a pity to drop marks on the finals wouldn't it?
Nancy & I and Shandy went for a walk this afternoon & ended up at the shops at Barnet. We went and had a cup of tea & cake at a Home Made Cake shop. we always believe in doing ourselves well these days. While in Barnet we met Mr & Mrs Hibbert, also Reggie, Mrs Luckin & Noelle & Brenda Sheers. Brenda says Norma is enjoying life very well and is now in Lowestoft, so of course cannot get home so frequently.
This evening Nancy & I went to deliver some more of my tennis cards. We called on Marjorie Pugh who told us she will not be able to join this year as she has managed to obtain a job at home, six miles from her house. You know she lives near Swansea. Well, immediately I told her you were there, she said you must call on her people. They would be very pleased to see you any day for lunch, tea or supper. She has given me her address, so you must go sometime before you leave Swansea. I expect her parents would be pleased to see you as you know Marjorie a bit. She is coming down to Swansea next week-end and is coming by the 08.55 am train on Thursday, the one I would have caught had I been coming down that day, she is returning on April 13th. It is a pit isn't it that we cannot travel down together.
The other evening I went to see Ida Moore about the tennis club. Ida was not in, but I saw Mrs Moore & Richard, who told me Ida had wondered whether we would of could carry on without you. I expect they think you are the life and soul of the tennis club. Richard is waiting to be called up, so will possibly come along until he goes.
Sunday Afternoon
Today we have been busy as usual. It's a glorious day here, so spring like that I must take Shandy for a fairish long walk. So I'm afraid I shall not be able to fill up another piece of paper. At any rate I really haven't any more news for you,
I'm longing for your phone call this evening and I hope you have not been trying to drown yourself this week end or doing anything that Ronald might do. How is the finger? You didn't say how you did it, except that you had an argument with mother earth.
Well, all my love, I hope to be with you this time next week.
Re; Marjorie's address. You have to take a bus from the station which will put you down outside their house. Apparently you ask for Trinity place,
All my kisses and everything,
Margaret
Thank you very much for your two letters which I received today. One first thing at the office & the other at home. By the way, the post you always seem to catch is 8.45 pm and I should have received the last but one & the last but two earlier.
It is very sad you lost 3 marks on the latest test. I presume that it is scaled down to 18 out of 20. You will have to make the final 40 out of 40, won't you? Besides there is always a chance that sergeant instructors or some other warrant officers are needed by the time you have finished the course. After what the adjutant told you it would be a pity to drop marks on the finals wouldn't it?
Nancy & I and Shandy went for a walk this afternoon & ended up at the shops at Barnet. We went and had a cup of tea & cake at a Home Made Cake shop. we always believe in doing ourselves well these days. While in Barnet we met Mr & Mrs Hibbert, also Reggie, Mrs Luckin & Noelle & Brenda Sheers. Brenda says Norma is enjoying life very well and is now in Lowestoft, so of course cannot get home so frequently.
This evening Nancy & I went to deliver some more of my tennis cards. We called on Marjorie Pugh who told us she will not be able to join this year as she has managed to obtain a job at home, six miles from her house. You know she lives near Swansea. Well, immediately I told her you were there, she said you must call on her people. They would be very pleased to see you any day for lunch, tea or supper. She has given me her address, so you must go sometime before you leave Swansea. I expect her parents would be pleased to see you as you know Marjorie a bit. She is coming down to Swansea next week-end and is coming by the 08.55 am train on Thursday, the one I would have caught had I been coming down that day, she is returning on April 13th. It is a pit isn't it that we cannot travel down together.
The other evening I went to see Ida Moore about the tennis club. Ida was not in, but I saw Mrs Moore & Richard, who told me Ida had wondered whether we would of could carry on without you. I expect they think you are the life and soul of the tennis club. Richard is waiting to be called up, so will possibly come along until he goes.
Sunday Afternoon
Today we have been busy as usual. It's a glorious day here, so spring like that I must take Shandy for a fairish long walk. So I'm afraid I shall not be able to fill up another piece of paper. At any rate I really haven't any more news for you,
I'm longing for your phone call this evening and I hope you have not been trying to drown yourself this week end or doing anything that Ronald might do. How is the finger? You didn't say how you did it, except that you had an argument with mother earth.
Well, all my love, I hope to be with you this time next week.
Re; Marjorie's address. You have to take a bus from the station which will put you down outside their house. Apparently you ask for Trinity place,
All my kisses and everything,
Margaret
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Margaret to Tom 9th April 1942
Margaret to Tom 9.4.42
Thank you darling for your letter which I received when I got home this evening. I do hope you are not suffering from overwork, only you dated your letter 9th which was really Tuesday 7th and also you put Monday, but I must say I've been all out in my own calculation of the days this week. Tomorrow is Friday and & I really can't believe it, and next Friday you will be at home. All these good things come to an end sometimes don't they. I'm afraid I'm really longing to leave the office and stay with you when we are married. It would be lovely wouldn't it, but I don't suppose its possible.
What do you mean by "Mrs D doesn't know my funny little ways" I thought it was you who had all the funny little ways??? You are getting all mixed up.
No I have certainly not caught a cold from getting so wet. Isn't it wondrous? I seem to have followed the rain clouds because Tuesday on the way home from Arnos Grove Station the rain simply pelted down and yesterday it rained a wee bit just April showers & today it has been raining all day.
Yes I certainly remember the loud bang. I thought is was thunder. I suppose we wouldn't have been far from the bomb if we have been at the Langland Bay Hotel. Fate was kind I suppose.
I shall probably tell the rector of our decision to get married in the summer athough I expect he would like to see us. I wonder what he will talk about!!! You know he usually gives the couple a sermon on their wedding, but just for themselves, so I think it would be better to ask him to say whatever he has to say.
Friday Afternoon
Now darling, I have just thought of something. Next Friday you know you said you will come fire watching with me well, do you think you could possibly come in uniform. I know this is asking you to do something which you hate doing, but could you possibly do this please? I'll tell you the reason. It's only in case Mr Grant or anyone else might pop in during the evening, only naturally during the war we are not supposed to have an outsider in the office, although we do not have to have an armed guard or commissionaire on the door. Only I would like to show you round the whole place. So do you think you could do this for me?
What a pity you did not give me the envelope, if I had known you had gone to the trouble of putting a stamp on and my address, I would certainly not have told you I had bought one, anyway it would have done for another time.
So you tipped Dr Starkey after all. Well I am surprised, though seriously I do hope you managed to get full marks on the practical and the theoretical. How did Bill get on. Give him my love won't you!!!!! and also to Thurley, Spedding (whatever his name is) and Pedro, Ron and George, that is, if there is any left after helping yourself.And don't be greedy, 'cos after all, I must have my last fling musn't I?
I heard today that the Good Friday pay should amount to about 15/-, and that is because we are paid at the rate of an extra day & a half. I only hope this is correct. I will finish this at the office tomorrow as I am very tired. By the way I have not heard from Bob today, so I don't know if there is any hope of selling the car.
All my love,
Margaret.
Thank you darling for your letter which I received when I got home this evening. I do hope you are not suffering from overwork, only you dated your letter 9th which was really Tuesday 7th and also you put Monday, but I must say I've been all out in my own calculation of the days this week. Tomorrow is Friday and & I really can't believe it, and next Friday you will be at home. All these good things come to an end sometimes don't they. I'm afraid I'm really longing to leave the office and stay with you when we are married. It would be lovely wouldn't it, but I don't suppose its possible.
What do you mean by "Mrs D doesn't know my funny little ways" I thought it was you who had all the funny little ways??? You are getting all mixed up.
No I have certainly not caught a cold from getting so wet. Isn't it wondrous? I seem to have followed the rain clouds because Tuesday on the way home from Arnos Grove Station the rain simply pelted down and yesterday it rained a wee bit just April showers & today it has been raining all day.
Yes I certainly remember the loud bang. I thought is was thunder. I suppose we wouldn't have been far from the bomb if we have been at the Langland Bay Hotel. Fate was kind I suppose.
I shall probably tell the rector of our decision to get married in the summer athough I expect he would like to see us. I wonder what he will talk about!!! You know he usually gives the couple a sermon on their wedding, but just for themselves, so I think it would be better to ask him to say whatever he has to say.
Friday Afternoon
Now darling, I have just thought of something. Next Friday you know you said you will come fire watching with me well, do you think you could possibly come in uniform. I know this is asking you to do something which you hate doing, but could you possibly do this please? I'll tell you the reason. It's only in case Mr Grant or anyone else might pop in during the evening, only naturally during the war we are not supposed to have an outsider in the office, although we do not have to have an armed guard or commissionaire on the door. Only I would like to show you round the whole place. So do you think you could do this for me?
What a pity you did not give me the envelope, if I had known you had gone to the trouble of putting a stamp on and my address, I would certainly not have told you I had bought one, anyway it would have done for another time.
So you tipped Dr Starkey after all. Well I am surprised, though seriously I do hope you managed to get full marks on the practical and the theoretical. How did Bill get on. Give him my love won't you!!!!! and also to Thurley, Spedding (whatever his name is) and Pedro, Ron and George, that is, if there is any left after helping yourself.And don't be greedy, 'cos after all, I must have my last fling musn't I?
I heard today that the Good Friday pay should amount to about 15/-, and that is because we are paid at the rate of an extra day & a half. I only hope this is correct. I will finish this at the office tomorrow as I am very tired. By the way I have not heard from Bob today, so I don't know if there is any hope of selling the car.
All my love,
Margaret.
Monday, 9 April 2012
Margaret to Tom 8th April 1942
How I have missed you today – yes terribly. I have been whispering prayers to you all day and dreaming of you, and sighing those deep sighs of complete boredom. Work is not so good is it, after days of complete happiness together. I have had the echo of the sea in my ears all day – dashing against those rocks and the roaring torrents in the caves. the sea seems so utterly powerful quite beyond the power of man. It's very deceptive because, who would think that looking down on Swansea from the top of Mount Pleasant, the sea, which is so calm looking, is really beyond all human control and from day to day, performs its arduous task.
All day my dreams have been 200 miles away with you and next week when you leave, that town will no longer be alive, but just a memory. Perhaps to be remembered in a few years time.
To come back to earth and all one's material needs. Horace has been admired and may perhaps be sold by the time you come home. Bur we must not raise our hopes. Bob came round yesterday with a very nice man who wants a small car and Bob got on so well with him that he is anxiously hoping that he will decide to buy it possibly round about the £40 mark. This man had to go and see another car today so will let Bob know tomorrow morning so if I hear anything before posting this letter I will let you know. Your father & mother came down yesterday having borrowed Mr Smethers accumulator for us. Of course they wanted to know how we had enjoyed ourselves and how you were. I said you sent your love to them, which I expect you would have done had you thought. You mother was certainly glad to think her son had not forgotten. We were both downcast when we parted weren't we?
I am enclosing Mr Cordial's tract for you to scrutinise. I have not read it properly myself, so please do not lose it.
You will not forget the poem will you, now that you are free and the weather perhaps is inspiring.
I have not heard from Bob today yet, so cannot give you any news of the car..
I never write so well at the office as I'm afraid I have a conscience.
So please excuse me writing more,
All my love,
Margaret.
All day my dreams have been 200 miles away with you and next week when you leave, that town will no longer be alive, but just a memory. Perhaps to be remembered in a few years time.
To come back to earth and all one's material needs. Horace has been admired and may perhaps be sold by the time you come home. Bur we must not raise our hopes. Bob came round yesterday with a very nice man who wants a small car and Bob got on so well with him that he is anxiously hoping that he will decide to buy it possibly round about the £40 mark. This man had to go and see another car today so will let Bob know tomorrow morning so if I hear anything before posting this letter I will let you know. Your father & mother came down yesterday having borrowed Mr Smethers accumulator for us. Of course they wanted to know how we had enjoyed ourselves and how you were. I said you sent your love to them, which I expect you would have done had you thought. You mother was certainly glad to think her son had not forgotten. We were both downcast when we parted weren't we?
I am enclosing Mr Cordial's tract for you to scrutinise. I have not read it properly myself, so please do not lose it.
You will not forget the poem will you, now that you are free and the weather perhaps is inspiring.
I have not heard from Bob today yet, so cannot give you any news of the car..
I never write so well at the office as I'm afraid I have a conscience.
So please excuse me writing more,
All my love,
Margaret.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Margaret to Tom 7 April 1942
Margaret to Tom 7th April 1942
It was lovely seeing you again this morning. I am now on the train and this time your idea doesn't seem to have worked. We did not go off at 10.45, as I expect the extra portion is not running today, unless we part a Cardiff. I arrived at the Station in very good time at 10.05 and had to airt 15 minutes before the train came in. I managed to get a corner seat all right. The train seems packed. Thousands of people standing in the corridor. I managed to get the daily Sketch this morning, so I have been devouring the news from civilization. I am thankful I did not have to travel yesterday as I see thousands of people were stranded and had to look for accommodation. If I had not had leave, I had many ideas of a wicked nature ready. I was going to ask mother to phone the office and say I had a terrible cold, then I need not have gone back to the office until Wednesday or Thursday. Anyway it was well worth the 2 days leave wasn't it? In spite of the weather & I can never feel depressed in your company whatever the weather, especially these times when I see so little of you. I am still wanting to climb that hill, and perhaps we may in the future years when we are gadding about on our own, Gadding is hardly the word is it? I think we can also learn things by getting around the country and seeing the condition others llive in besides going for lovely country walks. In fact it makes you think!! I hope, if the weather is fine this week end and you, Bowen and Thurley will climb that hill above Swansea, the one I very much wanted to climb, and make up a poem for me from that very hill because I feel sure that besides looking across the sea from those regions and Mumbles you will sea Swansea industrial beneath you and all around, it will simply be inviting you to write a poem for Margaret. So I implore you, on this, your last weekend in Swansea to do this for me if you are inspired in memory of the lovely times we have had together there.
It's now pouring with rain again so please tell Mrs Dowling & Esme that I shall really be thankful when my bag has been searched & I am safely passed the customs across the frontier. But I must say that this train is very insistent in staying over the frontier as this must be the 3rd stop we have had and we are not far passed Neath. Anyway I suppose I shall get home sometime, though I don't mind if we turn round and come back. But I suppose I must not delve into your pocket again. I don't mean this literally although perhaps the hotel manager seemed to think so. I am sorry darling I quite forgot to give you the 10/-, so I am enclosing it in P.O. form in case you are in great distress, though heaven knows what you will want to do with it in the course of the next few days, unless to tip Mr George or someone, perhaps even Dr Starkey.
1.55 pm We arrived at Cardiff at 12.55 pm and the train practically emptied. The platform was quite packed there, and also at Newport, and I wondered if those people were stranded last night. There certainly do not seem to be many people traveling to London, so once again I'm traveling in comfort. I believe i told you that the man I was traveling down with (I mean the one in the same carriage) was relating his difficult journey from Paddington to Swansea, well I did not tell you that at Christmas time, or one of the holidays last year, he tried to catch the 8.55 train and, although it was in two portions, it was impossible to get on either, so he though the would wait for the 22.53, but wondered whether he would be able to get that one even. So he had a brain wave and caught a train which was going to Bath and from there a connection to Cardiff and at Cardiff caught the 11.55 which emptied at that station. I thought I must tell you this in case you ever have any difficulty in coming home, but I'm sure you will not. It's lovely to know that you should be home tomorrow week, so I do not feel so sad about going home.
I'm always saying and hoping this war will be over soon, aren't I, and i only feel it is wasting our time, as we could find something better & much greater to do with our lives. It seems such and utter waste that young fellows like you and others with such brains & deep thinking minds should have to waste all these years on such a beastly war. Still, you tell Bowen to stick to his ideas of doing something good in this world. I think everybody feels something should be done to change this wicked world and each one feels, sometime or other, that they should be the ones to carry out that work and there are many who have the gift and do not use it. I think it all boils down to the fact that we are lazy and get so settled in our normal routine and surroundings that the thoughts of youth lie untouched and left in a musty old box which has lost its key. (This reminds me of the old antique shop which we saw yesterday). Have I been talking nonsense or is it the substance of a muddled mind that you have just been reading? But forgive me please. I am not as young as I was as you informed me yesterday. This marriage business must be the cause of it. I must say that I have many things to thank you for. You have helped me since the age of 17 to form opinions of my own & question many things which are only really conventional ideas.
We have just arrived at Swindon It is 2.55 pm and still raining. We have just heard a loud clap of thunder as I think the weather we have had seems pretty general though may not be so in London.
Well all the best for your exams. You have simply got to do well and certainly beat the professors.
It's simply pelting with rain and more thunder and lightening and I'm simply longing to get home.
I don't think I can write any more trash and use any more of your paper, so please remember me to all the boys and Mrs Dowling and Esme. I don't know why I want to be remembered, I suppose I don't want to be forgotten. Just one of these conventional ideas. Anyway tell them I'm very pleased to know you have been looked after by such nice people and I hope when we are down there, one day in future years, we shall be able to call on them.
How is George's romance going or isn't it? Those cakes and buns I bought were lovely. I don't wonder you have 2 buns every day.
Well I really must close now. I must post this as soon as I arrive.
All my love,
Margaret.
P S Please do not write if you have not much time during the next few days. But I shall expect an account of all your doings next week.
It was lovely seeing you again this morning. I am now on the train and this time your idea doesn't seem to have worked. We did not go off at 10.45, as I expect the extra portion is not running today, unless we part a Cardiff. I arrived at the Station in very good time at 10.05 and had to airt 15 minutes before the train came in. I managed to get a corner seat all right. The train seems packed. Thousands of people standing in the corridor. I managed to get the daily Sketch this morning, so I have been devouring the news from civilization. I am thankful I did not have to travel yesterday as I see thousands of people were stranded and had to look for accommodation. If I had not had leave, I had many ideas of a wicked nature ready. I was going to ask mother to phone the office and say I had a terrible cold, then I need not have gone back to the office until Wednesday or Thursday. Anyway it was well worth the 2 days leave wasn't it? In spite of the weather & I can never feel depressed in your company whatever the weather, especially these times when I see so little of you. I am still wanting to climb that hill, and perhaps we may in the future years when we are gadding about on our own, Gadding is hardly the word is it? I think we can also learn things by getting around the country and seeing the condition others llive in besides going for lovely country walks. In fact it makes you think!! I hope, if the weather is fine this week end and you, Bowen and Thurley will climb that hill above Swansea, the one I very much wanted to climb, and make up a poem for me from that very hill because I feel sure that besides looking across the sea from those regions and Mumbles you will sea Swansea industrial beneath you and all around, it will simply be inviting you to write a poem for Margaret. So I implore you, on this, your last weekend in Swansea to do this for me if you are inspired in memory of the lovely times we have had together there.
It's now pouring with rain again so please tell Mrs Dowling & Esme that I shall really be thankful when my bag has been searched & I am safely passed the customs across the frontier. But I must say that this train is very insistent in staying over the frontier as this must be the 3rd stop we have had and we are not far passed Neath. Anyway I suppose I shall get home sometime, though I don't mind if we turn round and come back. But I suppose I must not delve into your pocket again. I don't mean this literally although perhaps the hotel manager seemed to think so. I am sorry darling I quite forgot to give you the 10/-, so I am enclosing it in P.O. form in case you are in great distress, though heaven knows what you will want to do with it in the course of the next few days, unless to tip Mr George or someone, perhaps even Dr Starkey.
1.55 pm We arrived at Cardiff at 12.55 pm and the train practically emptied. The platform was quite packed there, and also at Newport, and I wondered if those people were stranded last night. There certainly do not seem to be many people traveling to London, so once again I'm traveling in comfort. I believe i told you that the man I was traveling down with (I mean the one in the same carriage) was relating his difficult journey from Paddington to Swansea, well I did not tell you that at Christmas time, or one of the holidays last year, he tried to catch the 8.55 train and, although it was in two portions, it was impossible to get on either, so he though the would wait for the 22.53, but wondered whether he would be able to get that one even. So he had a brain wave and caught a train which was going to Bath and from there a connection to Cardiff and at Cardiff caught the 11.55 which emptied at that station. I thought I must tell you this in case you ever have any difficulty in coming home, but I'm sure you will not. It's lovely to know that you should be home tomorrow week, so I do not feel so sad about going home.
I'm always saying and hoping this war will be over soon, aren't I, and i only feel it is wasting our time, as we could find something better & much greater to do with our lives. It seems such and utter waste that young fellows like you and others with such brains & deep thinking minds should have to waste all these years on such a beastly war. Still, you tell Bowen to stick to his ideas of doing something good in this world. I think everybody feels something should be done to change this wicked world and each one feels, sometime or other, that they should be the ones to carry out that work and there are many who have the gift and do not use it. I think it all boils down to the fact that we are lazy and get so settled in our normal routine and surroundings that the thoughts of youth lie untouched and left in a musty old box which has lost its key. (This reminds me of the old antique shop which we saw yesterday). Have I been talking nonsense or is it the substance of a muddled mind that you have just been reading? But forgive me please. I am not as young as I was as you informed me yesterday. This marriage business must be the cause of it. I must say that I have many things to thank you for. You have helped me since the age of 17 to form opinions of my own & question many things which are only really conventional ideas.
We have just arrived at Swindon It is 2.55 pm and still raining. We have just heard a loud clap of thunder as I think the weather we have had seems pretty general though may not be so in London.
Well all the best for your exams. You have simply got to do well and certainly beat the professors.
It's simply pelting with rain and more thunder and lightening and I'm simply longing to get home.
I don't think I can write any more trash and use any more of your paper, so please remember me to all the boys and Mrs Dowling and Esme. I don't know why I want to be remembered, I suppose I don't want to be forgotten. Just one of these conventional ideas. Anyway tell them I'm very pleased to know you have been looked after by such nice people and I hope when we are down there, one day in future years, we shall be able to call on them.
How is George's romance going or isn't it? Those cakes and buns I bought were lovely. I don't wonder you have 2 buns every day.
Well I really must close now. I must post this as soon as I arrive.
All my love,
Margaret.
P S Please do not write if you have not much time during the next few days. But I shall expect an account of all your doings next week.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Margaret to Tom 1 April 1942
Thank you so much for the surprise letter which I received yesterday. I am now at the office for fire watching and fear I will not be able to say much because I am now wanted for Table Tennis downstairs. I don't get a minute's peace do I?
Well I really do not know what to say because I'm feeling very excited at the prospect of a lovely week end, so I'm saving everything until them.
Thursday Morning
I knew I couldn't be allowed to be alone long yesterday, anyway I shall write what I can between times today.
To begin with we had a very nice fire watch last night ending as usual about 2.00 am Mr Davies & Ethel went to a late tea and did not return until 8.45 pm. In the meanwhile I had several games of table tennis with Mr Graddon, and then I went up to Mr Cordial who by the way is the Christadelphian and very very sincere. I really went up to ask him to have a game of table tennis, but got caught talking & it ended up by having about 1 hours scripture lesson, He is very interesting & could go on for hours talking about the Bible, because he knows it so well and keeps proving things to you. I was really longing for someone to rescue me. He was telling me all he believes (or at least part). As I think I told you before he believes in the 2nd coming of Christ which he thinks will be very soon. All is written in 21st chapter of Luke. No doubt you know all about it. I dare say you would be very interested in having a talk with him. I know that whatever I said would not make the slightest difference to his beliefs, so I just stood or rather sat numb. He believes that absolutely everything that is written either in parables or meanings of dreams etc has either come to pass or will soon. The world is in a terrible state at the moment and will be worse. He is not worried because it's got to be until Christ comes on earth again, & I suppose put an end to the chaos in the world today. But he rambled on so, I didn't get a chance to ask him to prove the actual time that the 2nd coming should be. Anyway I can't quite see where all this study is leading him. I admit its a very good sort of hobby , but what can he do? If as he says all these prophesies have to come to pass, what can be done but just to sit and wait, and live the life that any Christian or Moslem or Bhuddist (is that spelt correctly?) should live. Enough of this, if I carry on much longer I shall be sucked up by the dust which appears to surround past history, and all my youth, beauty, everything will be smashed to atoms, and I shall appear as one haggard holding up all the corders of the world on my shoulders.
Well the gramophone recital was excellent, I will show you the programme when I see you on Saturday. Mr Davies told me Mr Sainsbury thinks that you are coming here on leave and that I am not travelling as you see why it was the leave was approved so easily, so now I have to keep quiet and be careful what I say. Thanks to Mr Davies who informed Mr S you were coming home.
Dad has just phoned me to say he managed to get my ticket for Saturday and found out that the 8.55 train should arrive about 1.39 so that is better than I thought. It must be a fast train. It will probably be late, but at least I have the benefit of feeling excited at seeing my darling again & knowing that we shall be able to be out all Saturday afternoon and evening & Sunday & perhaps Monday. Isn't it lovely?
I 'm very sorry I made no reference to Horace (tom's car) in my letter the other day regarding the prospective owner. Well I told you a bit on the phone. The man (Mr Clarke) wants a modern one which is in good running condition. The battery conked out, so I think that perhaps made him make up his mind that he would not have it, but anyway he did not say anything definite but one thing he did admit was that it is well kept inside, the upholstery etc. Bob phoned up on Tuesday evening. he apparently had a good weekend, but has now developed an awful cold. he had an offer of £15 for the car. What a cheek, isn't it? We would rather keep it, don'y you agree? In fact I'm not sure if we won't have to keep it after all.
I'm longing to see you, all being well on Saturday when I will enlarge on all I have said,
all my love & kisses,
Margaret.
PS I have written this letter very badly, but will you forgive me? I might add that Mr Cordial goes to meetings about 3 times a week and studies the Bible continually.
Well I really do not know what to say because I'm feeling very excited at the prospect of a lovely week end, so I'm saving everything until them.
Thursday Morning
I knew I couldn't be allowed to be alone long yesterday, anyway I shall write what I can between times today.
To begin with we had a very nice fire watch last night ending as usual about 2.00 am Mr Davies & Ethel went to a late tea and did not return until 8.45 pm. In the meanwhile I had several games of table tennis with Mr Graddon, and then I went up to Mr Cordial who by the way is the Christadelphian and very very sincere. I really went up to ask him to have a game of table tennis, but got caught talking & it ended up by having about 1 hours scripture lesson, He is very interesting & could go on for hours talking about the Bible, because he knows it so well and keeps proving things to you. I was really longing for someone to rescue me. He was telling me all he believes (or at least part). As I think I told you before he believes in the 2nd coming of Christ which he thinks will be very soon. All is written in 21st chapter of Luke. No doubt you know all about it. I dare say you would be very interested in having a talk with him. I know that whatever I said would not make the slightest difference to his beliefs, so I just stood or rather sat numb. He believes that absolutely everything that is written either in parables or meanings of dreams etc has either come to pass or will soon. The world is in a terrible state at the moment and will be worse. He is not worried because it's got to be until Christ comes on earth again, & I suppose put an end to the chaos in the world today. But he rambled on so, I didn't get a chance to ask him to prove the actual time that the 2nd coming should be. Anyway I can't quite see where all this study is leading him. I admit its a very good sort of hobby , but what can he do? If as he says all these prophesies have to come to pass, what can be done but just to sit and wait, and live the life that any Christian or Moslem or Bhuddist (is that spelt correctly?) should live. Enough of this, if I carry on much longer I shall be sucked up by the dust which appears to surround past history, and all my youth, beauty, everything will be smashed to atoms, and I shall appear as one haggard holding up all the corders of the world on my shoulders.
Well the gramophone recital was excellent, I will show you the programme when I see you on Saturday. Mr Davies told me Mr Sainsbury thinks that you are coming here on leave and that I am not travelling as you see why it was the leave was approved so easily, so now I have to keep quiet and be careful what I say. Thanks to Mr Davies who informed Mr S you were coming home.
Dad has just phoned me to say he managed to get my ticket for Saturday and found out that the 8.55 train should arrive about 1.39 so that is better than I thought. It must be a fast train. It will probably be late, but at least I have the benefit of feeling excited at seeing my darling again & knowing that we shall be able to be out all Saturday afternoon and evening & Sunday & perhaps Monday. Isn't it lovely?
I 'm very sorry I made no reference to Horace (tom's car) in my letter the other day regarding the prospective owner. Well I told you a bit on the phone. The man (Mr Clarke) wants a modern one which is in good running condition. The battery conked out, so I think that perhaps made him make up his mind that he would not have it, but anyway he did not say anything definite but one thing he did admit was that it is well kept inside, the upholstery etc. Bob phoned up on Tuesday evening. he apparently had a good weekend, but has now developed an awful cold. he had an offer of £15 for the car. What a cheek, isn't it? We would rather keep it, don'y you agree? In fact I'm not sure if we won't have to keep it after all.
I'm longing to see you, all being well on Saturday when I will enlarge on all I have said,
all my love & kisses,
Margaret.
PS I have written this letter very badly, but will you forgive me? I might add that Mr Cordial goes to meetings about 3 times a week and studies the Bible continually.
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