´óÏó´«Ã½

This is a transcript of a letter written by my Grandmother to my mother who was in the Land Army in Norfolk. I found the letter in the back of a photo frame after my mother died.
10 , Cliff Park,
Roker,
Sunderland.

April 30th ‘42

Dearest,
Thank you so much for your letter. I have been so worried about your raids over Norwich. Two nights in succession and what a wicked shame it is to destroy all those beautiful places — I do hope darling, that they didn’t come anywhere near you — the sirens went here about 3-15 the night they went to York. So we all went down to the shelter, but heard nothing — it lasted for half an hour, & of course I couldn’t get to sleep again till after 6-30.
Last night Fish, Pam and Eileen (Wayman?) called — Fish looked very smart in her uniform. Pam was very sweet, the image of her mother. I had no chocolate, so I offered her an orange, & she said Yes please , & seemed delighted —
Auntie Elsie came to see me on Wednesday afternoon, & was delighted with Catherine, & Gladys Sutcliffe came to tea this afternoon. So as Ada was out, I have been doing all the hard work. Aunty Wyn has been staying with Betty for a fortnight, she rang up last night & is coming directly after dinner tomorrow — Auntie Cathie and Bunny ! are both coming for the weekend - & they were going to Mrs. Woods, Stocksfield, but ~~~~~ has got mumps — so Bunny will sleep in Thelma’s room and Auntie Cathy in yours as it has the most comfortable bed in the house — Mrs. Gregson? Has invited Bunny for the whole day on Sunday, & she goes off to school at Harrogate on Monday morning early.
He rang up from the Solicitor to see if your allowance had to be continued, so I said certainly, if it is possible. So I expect you will have got it by now. I really haven’t had time to send any of those things off to you, but I will try to manage next week — we put them in a suitcase to give Auntie Cathy the top drawer. Ada & I did both beds today, & will air them with hot water bottles tomorrow — It’s still bitterly cold here, altho’ it has been slightly warmer — today I sat in the garden with a big coat on for about half an hour — if only the wind would go down. The ground is absolutely dried up in need of rain — I am getting my tomato plants from Groves on Saturday — Uncle Preston is taking me along after tea on Sat: Reably? Has had the pots in the greenhouse for over a week to get them warm — the greenhouse is the warmest place in the house. I went up to the Solicitor & the bank manager on Tuesday in the Economic bus & came home in it. I fortunately didn’t meet anyone, as I don’t really feel up to the town yet.
We have spring cleaned 5 rooms & the bathroom & lav, & next week the dining room will be done, so we are getting on. Tomorrow will be 1st May & Jack is being married on May 6th. I think darling you really should send them a greetings wire, even if you send it the day before. I know Jack will be pleased. They are being married at a Registry Office & her people are giving a lunch in town, & Grannie is getting a new rig-out for the occasion. I don’t know whether she is taking Okie! With her or not — the address for the Greetings wire will be:-

Mr. & Mrs. John Beattie
33 Cranfield Gardens
London N. W. 6
Do try to send it dear-
Catherine is very sweet & adorable, but what a little will of her own she has! But I admire that, only she is very strong to battle with. I’m sure she will be walking all over the place in about a week. She waltzed up the stairs by herself after breakfast this morning. It was all I could do to keep up with her. She is very friendly & really likes strangers now — tactful child —

Much Love darling, take care of yourself
& write soon.

Mammy

Thelma sends her love.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.