大象传媒

An article written for 鈥淭he Land Girl鈥�, No 1, Volume 7, June 1946, Price 3d.
Trials and Tribulations of a Land Girl

Friday was one of those days when everything goes wrong. To begin with, the fire refused to burn. In a frenzy, I douched it well with paraffin but only succeeded in singeing my eyebrows.
Eventually I made my way to the cow-pens and, grabbing a bucket and stool, ordered Polly to "set her foot". Polly evidently resented the tone of voice and told me so in no uncertain manner. I upset Polly, who in return upset the milk, thereby upsetting the boss who did his best to upset me.
At the first house on my milk round I broke a jug鈥攃rash!鈥攁nd had to face a very irate housewife who gave me the history of the jug in full detail. It was, of course, a genuine antique鈥攍ike its owner, I thought.
I managed to get away after my fiftieth apology and called at the butcher's for the family joint! Staggering from the shop under the weight of one small tin of corned beef, I heaved myself into the float, startling the pony, which bolted, trying to take the butcher's van with him.
After placating the indignant butcher, I found the pony had dispensed with all but one small churn. This meant a severe cut in the milk ration. I slunk down garden paths to a chorus of " You can't do this to me, I've got priority!" 鈥攁nd "I can't possibly manage with this drop, I'll report you to the Food Office!"
I made my way farmwards, brightening at the thought of midday dinner鈥攂ut the boss had gone to market and in his absence the cows had found their way into the rickyard and were having a grand time. For the next twenty-five minutes I played hide and seek in the mud with the cows around the ricks.
An exhausted, hungry and harassed land girl made her way into the house, but in a few moments her troubles were all forgotten as she made short work of a large plateful of piping hot stew

Warwickshire. M. Allen, 151284

In addition to the above, two letters were contributed, addressed to Miss Mary Allen from her grandfather. Spelling has been left as per the original, beautifully written letters:-
22, Aberdeen Street, Birmingham 18
undated
Dear Mary,
Thanks for Christmas card and hoping you will have a good time, which I feel almost certain you will for it is the Shortest Day today and you will see the Days draw out before the end of next week. If the weather keeps mild as it is now you will be able to get on the farm among the birds and animals after school.
As I daresay your mother has told you that your brother Bill is taking his girl down to tea on Sunday so I shall have the pleasure of seeing them either before or after tea, and Sid has promised to bring my dinner down if I cannot get to your house. I do hope that I shall be able to manage it.
Shopping in Birmingham is at it鈥檚 height, and the Postal Department was never so busy.
I will conclude by wishing you a Happy New Year and the Best of wishes from Auntie Alice and please accept the same from me.
I remain your
Grand Dad A. Allen
22, Aberdeen Street, Birmingham 18
Oct 2 - 鈥�39
Dear Mary,
I gave me great pleasure t know you were so happy on the farm, and when you leave school and if you still like the work, I should go in for a dairy maid job; it would be much more healthfull than being in a factory. Now for school work stick it all in for it will give the teacher more courage to pay attention to you and when your report to your Mum I hope it will be as satisfactory as your Home were. Now for War news, you must not encourage it unless they put the Bright side of the picture to the Front and if they should put the dark side, ask them to turn it round.
Aunty Alice wishes to be remembered to you. Please thank the People you are staying with on my behalf knowing how well you are getting on together, and may it continue so. Now I will finish by wishing you the Best of luck with your school work. We remain your Grandad and Aunty Alice

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