Dear Mike - 28th July 1969

Dorothy was looking through one of your art books yesterday and came across the enclosed £5 note; you may have left it there and know about it but I thought you could have left it there some time ago and forgotten about it, anyway right or wrong you have it now. Your watch is OK again but I am wearing it until mine is repaired. I'll send it on if you need it. Did you get your spec's O.K. ? Dick (?) came after I sent it, hope your bag of "jumble" was intact. Barbaba is at Butlins Bognor this week, you'll be getting your cheeky postcard soon. I hope she and her friend aren't too occupied in fighting off the "wolves" although she knows what life is all about by now. Weather has been grand this last week but cloudy today. Don't work too hard. Love from Mum and the twin fighters. Dad/

Dear Michael - 15th August 1969

As usual not knowing what to do with the enclosed cheque I have forwarded it to you; it's rumoured you're coming home again soon but I thought you might be getting in the red.. I have just come back from Uncles, been down there jawing and fishing, he's still waiting on a move, houses empty all around him, weeds knee high along all the back gardens. Ref your watch, I dropped it just after I told you it was O.K. so now it's "up the creek" again until I go back to work again on the 19th ( been off since the 4th ) mine is still with the repairier, soon be able to tell the time by the sun when I go fishing. Didn't go away this year as I am still paying off moped etc. and couldn't afford it. All send their love from home. Barbara has been home from work for three days, tummy trouble; can't get over her holiday I reckon. Pleased to know you are getting out a bit and it's not all work, but kite flying "uuugh". Will close now. All the best from Dad /

Diary Extracts - 20th and 21st,Dec.1973

Fandango on wailing wall keeps me constantly twixt sleep 'n' slurch so doesn't help mornings dismal awakenings. Did I say I'd go home today? Well perhaps I was a bit hastey. Still got 200f to keep my pocket happy 'til Feb. at least. Thinking of going to pictures in Albi, five cinemas! 101 Dalmations on this week, also Lawrence of Arabi- yuch! Got a runny nose!? A man in an ear flap hat came to the door this morning as I was making tea but I couldn't understand him, nor he me! "I had a red door but a had it painted black". Just wired up the extension speaker from the record player in Lynne's room, bored a hole in the floor to put the wire thru'. Sounds alright, Yoko's "Cat Man" is on now. Bill's gome wood cuttin' on his own - leaving me to get on with my water colouring. Bill and Lynne have gone to Albi ( I think - that direction anyway) on a secret mission. Bill has met some new people today, a sculptor, a woodman whose given us a pile of his wood for nothing and an English couple who have some land near Cordes somewhere................. Bill is getting it off his chest about record players - seems I've had it for far too long and played it too loud. Naughty me. "Eeeraaaaagh !" goes Yoko " Ooooowgh!" Went to saw mill on River Cerou today to collect off cuts given by the little baggy eyed man today. Its beautiful around there, nestling in a wooded valley among many hills with towers and secret dwelling places. I got a parcel in bed this morning that cheered me up no end - a packet of custard and a Mrs. Peaks Christmas Pud! From Dick and Cheryl. - cost £1.40 to post!! Madness!! Got two loads of wood, one stacked outside gate - fine spindles and sawed other at Marcs - drank some potent wine - we may buy some off Marc! Perhaps a turkey! It rained.

Dear Mike - 21nd March 1970

Have sent your specs off today, you should receive them about Tuesday, let me know if you get them O.K. I signed the form when it came back as that was the order according to the queer fellow at the ops. Have you heard anything that effects your next move college wise, or is it "try somewhere else", hope you get fixed up as I know how you must feel. All at home are well and full of the usual arguements. Dee starts working for the Governemnt after Easter. She will be at the H.M. Sationary Office near the Town Centre training to be a duplicator operator. The job sounds alright, hope she likes it. How's the veg & veg dinners progressing? Hope you are able to satisfy your long frame on such meals. I guess it is the cash mainly that puts you on such a diet, as you always liked meat in the past. How was your journey home or should I say back to Manchester? Dee had a long trip last Friday, she went on a day coach trip to Longleat near Bath with her class, ten or eleven hours travelling she said it would have been O.K. but it rained a lot of the time and the views en route were spoilt. Will close now Mike but will write again soon. Love from all. Dad/

Diary Entry - 14th October 1973

What a night! Gales blowing shutters about - bang crash! Couldn't stand it no longer and did them up, walking over Bill's walnuts in bare feet ugh! Not much sleep again. There must be a cure. Rain comes through window too, and big drips in B's studio. Moustache man gets big wind blown nuts. Down deri to get windows , hinges etc. But make quiet back exit when two people stop to look in ! Up the secret path to the mayors cess pool. Have to go back tomorrow. I seem to have something wrong with my internal functionings! squirt- plurp! This Bournevita is nice change. Table is position , needs nice legs. Perhaps orange box shelf units at end to make it look more weighty. Lovely big area to work on for a change. Egg and chips for tea.

Dear Michael -= June 1970

Happy Birthday. Hope you are O.K. After the greetings I will tell you the latest news. I still work in the dark rooms of the stationary office and getting along fine. I go to Southend Technical College every Friday, but I'm not starting a course until September, after the Summer holidays. I start my two weeks holiday this week. I'm not going anywhere. Me and Angela ( my friend ) will probably find somewhere to go. I expect there's a lot of entertainment up your way. I bought a pair of Levi's last week, getting groovy ain't I. Basildon is celebrating it's 21st birthday this week and next and there holding concerts and fairs and carnivals and things. There is a pop festival in Gloucester park with the Pretty Things and other weird groups ( WOW). We will probably go. Looking forward to seeing you when you come home,if you do. Love Dee. P.S. Happy Birthday.

Diary entry (copy of letter} - Friday 28th Sept. 1973

Dear Mum and Dad et al, Here I am at last in the land of peaches and custard. What a nightmare journey over! The ferry was some old tug that had no seats, so half the 200 passengers( including us ) had to sit in the rain outside on wooden benches or inside on the floor! It was like a refugee ship or something. Then we were an hour late for the train to Paris, so we missed our connection. We had to wait in Paris for two hours so we didn't see much only the metro and going over the Seine to the big station. Coffee was 5/- a cup! Eventually at 12.20 Saturday afternoon we left for Cordes and after jumping out onto other trains trying to make ourselves understood by silly guards etc. We arrived at 10.30 that night! We had been travelling for 30 hours! and slept hardly at all. Bill was there to meet us at the station with his friend the Mayor and his wife, who drove us back to the Presbytere. It was great to sleep on the floor in and empty room with beetles. Now it's Monday night. I've just returned from working all day picking grapes for the local farmer. Back aching work too! from 7-30am til about 7-30 this evening! In return for breakfast and two huge 4 course meals plus money ( we don't really know yet how much or if indeed any 'cos our French is bad and their English is worse!) They are really friendly though and try their hardest to comprehend our weird English ways. All kinds of fruits,veg and nuts grow around here so we could live quite well on those during the Autumn if one wishes. We got a huge sack of walnuts yesterday which are delicious, so too are the figs and peaches that grow in abundance. Lynne and Bill have a vegetable garden which still has tomatoes, cabbage , leeks, onions and beetroot etc. growing. It was really hot on Sunday. Bill showed me places of interest - lovely views along the valley and Tummy Belly man's house ( He and some others were picking his grapes ) We went in the church also, which is good. Such a shame it's unused ( perhaps not ) for all the vestments and robes etc. are rotting in the woodwormy cupboards. What treasures also , gold goblets and candlesticks just left for anyone to take! Strange figures of painted plaster stand around staring into space. ( Some saints etc. in the loft at the presbytere too ) The door is locked to the bell tower. Bill and I stumbled in the dark to the farm nearby for some fresh milk from the cows that escaped that day. Mr & Mrs. Grits? were there milking by hand as well as machine. They seemed a jolly couple. The sky was spotty with stars - the Milky way was really evident, never seen them so bright. The milk has to be boiled before you use it to kill the germens. Little lizards on the well and on the wall in the sun. Gyp bites their tails off. A jumpy cat that bites and scratches for fun. Bill has almost finished the shower bath and toilet area - another bottle window to go in yet and electricity connected. Have to wash in a bucket 'til then. I have a very nice looking wooden bed from the mayor but it's very uncomfortable with just wooden planks and thin lumpy mattress. No more grape pickin' for me. I went sleepy eyed this morning and found it really hard going 'cos of the rain during the night and all the vines were wet and the huge lumps of cruds! So when it was dinner time I said Au revoir to the Monsieur farmer and his pals. I was only doing it cos Bill was anyway - and to be neighbourly. We have to cook on a small stove range heated with a wood fire ( stumps ) very old fashioned! It stands in a huge fireplace with an old wooden beam going across. Its a bit smokey. You can stand under the chimney and look right to the top - soot in the eyeballs!

Dear Mike - 12th December 1969

Hope you are well and I'm very sorry I haven't written to you for such a long time. It soon will be Christmas now won't it. When are you coming home. Do you watch Curry and Chips with Spike Milligan. I think it's one of the funniest programmes on at the moment. How's that little dog you've got above you, is it a bitch. I'm still courting, are you? John gave me an LP he had by Ramsey Lewis , it's piano Modern Jazz I think. We found your old cartoon book last night with teeth man and Frankystein in, we were in fits of laughter. John thinks you are very talented , how about that then! I'm going to a 21st birthday party tomorrow night, one of John's friends., who he went to school with. Mum says sorry she hasn't written but she has been working a lot lately and hasn't had much time to herself. I still haven't got your Xmas present or would you like some money? I never know what to buy you. Well Mike must go now. Soon you very soon. Take care Love Barb xxxxx

Dear Mike - May 1970

The letter arrived this a.m. and being from the cashier I knew you would want a quick turn round. Many thanks for the book, it was just my type, sorry it originated from a place called Ramsbottom. I came back from Uncle yesterday afternoon, had a rest from decorating the hall and staircase. He finished up on Sunday with no voice whispering away, he had a cold and it had affected his throat or perhaps it was all the jawing he did. Tonbridge and area looked nice , all the orchards in full bloom; our two trees are full of blossom this year so hope to have plenty of apples for the Summer holidays. Had any luck yet with your application to the R.A. or any alternative college? All are well here, hope you got Mum's letter O.K. Cheerio fior now. Love from all. Dad /

Diary Entries - 11th 12th October 1973

Misty moisty morning. To Cordes to buy provisions - walk to very top this time , phew! What a climb through the narrow cobbled streets. Not much to se when you get there - a big portico market place thing and lots of arty crafty shops,like St. Ives in the air.No people - deserted. Down again for food, bottles of plonk, weird old postcards and cheap envelopes, writing paper. Afternoon struggling with screwdriver and monkey in the deri, at last all the planks are transported. Not without much transputation and nervewacking over being spotted about my devilish task. Better to be a table in a presbytery than a port in a storm , that's what I say! Put out more figs. Great moon this night - quite early. Bill went with "dangle arm" and got some champignons after work. Vin helps to sleep at last. Friday. Send P. C's to Rose Croft and Bob Rider, also lettre to Philip and M. No more to send now- just replies to recieve. None today though. Carry On Scraping starring Kenneth Bucket, Hattie Rag, Joyce Stepladder and Sidney Scraper. Lynne's gone off up hill with Bill to do her coupe de raisen bit. Draw insects , strange leaf shaped ones on the droopy sunflowers. Get planks sorted out. Think about tables, window seat and shall I do stuffed peppers or a curry- plump for latter - big mistake! Took some photos of Gyp, cows and the church. Now it's dark 7,15pm. by my watch and Bill & Lynne noshing at Emmanuals no doubt. I have the radio tuned to some crappy Italian station, Elton John , now blurp blurp! Turn it off. Strange van playing loud music? Bread van? Too much vin de plonk.

Dear Michael - 31 st Aug. 1969

Thank you for your letters. Sorry I don't write a lot but I have "nowt" to say most days. However had to let you know we now have a phone installed. Handy if you want anything urgent, or when you come home? Your friends can contact you easily. It's quite a novelty at the moment, everyone is phoning like crazy , but am making them put tuppence in the box. Iris and Nod have bought a bungalow at Leigh, off the London Road , and they, and Tony, are moving in on the 16th September, and will eventually get around to getting married. Then you will have a new little Uncle. Dorothy is going on holiday with her friends family to Yarmouth tomorrow. Barbara is staying with her friend Christine for a week whilst her parents are on holiday. Father is one night work. That leaves Ginger John and I, to get on with it, he can't go far , poor lad, as he has an evening paper round to earn himself a few bob. Just going up the vet with Seepy Doo ( last time I hope). So will say bye bye the noo. Hope to see you again before you start back to college. Look after yourself and get yer 'air cut ! Love Mum xxx

Diary Entry - 9th October 1973

Mornings jottings. Walked with Bill to Cordes. He decided to take the scenic route up citroen hill and through scrubbly fields, nutbush cite limits about half mile out of our way! Tres idiot! At Cordes friendly clerk changed my money for me £70 into Bill's account ( for rent ) and £20 cash pour moi. The exchange rate had dropped to 9.80f per £1 . Sent a goat postcarte to Trevor, Jenny and Perce. Foode. Met three farmers at wrong times. Beraque told Bill to come coupe la raisen. Sarfternoon after dinner. Bill said O.K. Tricky French devil! Walked back eating walnuts. Afternoon wash body . clothes , hair etc. Long look at wood/ room/ table to be made. Typed a letter to Dave.

Dear Mike - April 1970

Mothers speaking. Hope you are keeping in peak form? Have you anything lined up for the Summer yet? There is not a lot of jobs advertised at the moment, but expect there will be in the next few weeks. The weather does not improve does it? Was hoping to take a few snaps as I have a colour film to use up. We are watching Dud & Pete on the telly at this moment, very funny, and I am on ( cloud nine) as Frankie Vaughan is the subject of "This Is Your Life" earlier this evening, don't suppose you saw that. Life goes on just the same here, except for the odd " exhilerating" moments like F.V. Father says thank you for the gardening book, very funny. Look after yourself. Love Mum xxxxx

Dear Michael - June 1974

Enclosed is £5.00 to get yourself a hair cut ! Ho Ho ! Hope you have a happy birthday, I shall be thinking of you, don't get drunk, you will only feel bad in the morning. Father went in for his moped test yesterday and FAILED. Oh well better luck next time. That was a nice photo of you. Father thought it was a girl in the boat. All Nod's relations are coming down from Manchester for their wedding, yes it really is happening on 2nd. July. Father and I are attending as witnesses at Southend registry office. Have to rush up to the shops because I want to go to Southend market with Iris. Yes, our garden looks a picture and I have a beautiful plant pot on my porch complete with lovely mauve flowers. Hope you will be home soon to see them, our apples and plums are coming on a treat. No more news for now. All our love. take care, Mum xxxxxx

Diary entries - 26th - 27th December 1973

Misty and horrible. Thought the bed was vibrating during the night! Too much rhum and coke I guess! Played hangman, battleships , cards, dots and other party games listening to records from my room. Eating and getting Christmas sicknss in France.No letters or parcels pisses me off even more. Eat turkey, Lynne's special victorian gravy; sprouts spuds mincemeat stuffing and listen to canal men. Play cards. A greasy man comes to the door selling beds. Lynne and Bill cannot understand him but he is evil looking they say. Off to Albi to the flics later. Search for ages to find a decent one with English and eventually find VOX opposite the gare (station ) , a little pea flit , strange 50's entrance but unfortunately modernised inside, small for small audience of neat and tidy french. Horrible films. One about french fish guts, another that I didn't understand about women telephonists etc. and the feature was a spaghetti western dubbed in French starring Henry Fonda..............(Thursday) Ah! at last! A nice letter from Dick ( with Tony Eve's address ) and a present from Barb - The Goon Show Scripts by Spike Milligan. Great ! Then it's reply to T.E. and rest of gobbler. After a trick in the van over hill and dale to dead ends and little houses, binoculars looking water mill, river and round about a nice little village called Salles with a rickety church tower, dogs, that we climbed through holes, and old ladies came out. Bill found a deri. Whilst I was in the van, and two old tins of tapioca that looked like beans. Blown a cleeping hairy eight legged monster that sounded like leaves rustling. Nice carved heart and club on brick arch on one deri house near mill. Rhum and coca cola.

My Dear Mike - Monday June 1970

Thanks a lot for your nice letters. Am on holiday at the moment, so am able to sit down and pen you a few lines. Hope you are well and happy. Will be sending you some birthday money this week but don't know what I should do! Shall I send a registered envelope? I don't suppose you saw me on T.V. yesterday at Sunday cricket, I went to Ilford with Iris and Sid, to see Lancashire play Essex, and it was televised, and father saw us in the crowd, how thrilling !! Am not going anywhere special for my holidays. Father never wants to go anywhere, so just get the house in order a bit and keep Bugs and Seep company while everybody is at work. Might go down to Surrey to see Auntie Doodie. When will you be coming home? Will have to have a sort out of bedrooms when you do, and put you and John our big one, and there is not a great deal of room in that box room. J. next door has her "lover" living there now, is getting divorced from his wife. "M" has been in hospital to have a throat operation. Little T is working now ( if you can imagine it, he comes home all dirty in his dungerees). DC is still courting strong, very much in love. Our John goes to Yorkshire for a week in July with his school on a Geography trip. Dee still likes her job. Barbara's still going around with her boyfriend. Iris is getting wed on the 2nd of July to Sidney Lewis ( I'll get her married off yet) Tony and Chris are having a weeks holiday down in Doodies caravan near Southampton. They have both got long bobbed hair. Tony had a long dago moustache but has shaved it off I'm glad to say. Our Ginger John could do with a hair cut but refuses. He is full of freckles! Hope you are getting the same nice weather as we are, and are making the most of it. Will be writing again in a couple of days. For now take care. Lots of love. From Mum xxxx

Dear Mike - Date unknown 1969?

Thank you so much for the lovely apron. Hope the other "pickings" were good. What beautiful weather we are having here, I do hope yours is the same that end. Father is on a weeks holiday, and is papering the hall, not before time. Don't suppose it will please your artistic taste, however it certainly has improved the look of the old place! He ( your father) is going to Tonbridge tomorrow to stay a couple of days with Nunkie Bill. Shall no doubt hear some old "Rang Tang" when he returns. The apple blossom on the trees here is terrific and we look like getting a bumper crop this year, everywhere looks so nice and green, hurry up and come home and have a rest! Twill do you good. Hope you are eating again, you must have proper diet, else you will come out in pimples and no doubt get scurvy or something 'orrible. Dee is liking her job alright at least she likes pay day and Fridays when she goes to Southend Art College. Everybody is happy and well here, and trust you are the same. Is Barry taking that little dog home? Do hope it doesn't get left behind! Dee and I went to a dance with Iris and Nod at the Civic Hall at Southend and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also went to see Ivy in Chadwell and went out in the evening for a drink with them at the "Cat Cracker" in Corringham. Wild living eh! I'll have to calm down a bit. I hope you have some luck regarding your college. I suppose it is a rather sad occasion, breaking up finally and all going your different ways. I daresay it will take some getting used to, you have been together quite a while now. Well, must away and put the kettle on for Ginger John who will be in shortly from school and he loves his cup of tea. By bye for now dear. Look after yourself. It's Father's Birthday today and it will be soon yours won't it? Love Mum xxxxxx What do you want??

Dear Mike - 21st November 1973

Received your last letter O.K. it took the usual four days, sorry you get a spell without receiving any letters. I can only ask them to write; you have been getting the music papers though, I have sent several. I trust the stamp I put on them covers their trip, don't want you to pay any excess charge. Just finishing off a week of nights so if the pen wanders forgive me. All well at 48, all three of us. John is going to the Pontins dance on Saturday at the Albert Hall or some joint like that, I expect he'll crawl in during the early hours Sunday morning having had a rave up with his holiday friends. Steve started on his own as a fully fledged plasterer this week, he was looking for a labourer and tried to get John interested but to no avail. Haven't heard anything from Bill yet. I haven't seen any record players as yet, I was hoping to hear from Bill first just incase he has aquired one, no sense in getting one as well. You seem to be busy doing "Do It Yourself" it all sounds crude to me, furniture made from boxes but that's how you want to carry on and have done for some time, you seem to be enjoying it, that's all that matters. I suppose your weather must have changed by now, there is thick fog here at the moment, also frost. I'm not looking forward to the ride home, it must be quite a few degrees warmer where you are, seeing the place on that map you sent you are not far from the Pyrenees Mountains are you? By the way, thanks for picking it up out the road and sending it home, most hygienic. I hope a French horse hadn't performed on it. Sorry about the income tax form I enclosed in one of the papers, it has to be filled in it seems but that won't take too long. Once you start work here you can't get away from the "bumf"! Mum came last Wed 14th and made a Christmas cake and is going to ice it today, knowing the Leighs I expect I'll be taking it to work after the holiday as I was last year. Will have to close now as I am getting drowsy so will have to do soemthing energetic 1.e. mop out the office; so cheers Mike, keep well and write when you can. Best wishes from all x Dad

Diary entries - 5th and 6th December 1973

Not much sleep again last night. Awoken by chinese drip torture other side of wall next to head. Rapid drips and echoing down below and omnibus large drip! Quickly sleep jump out of bed to find gaping hole in plastic pipe near tap in Bill's stewdew. So then downstairs finding drippings in hall on table I made. Lynne has been awake all this time but thought the noise was from outside! Look around for more leaks, don't see any so outside so cut off the tap near the graveyard. The snow is thawing, drips everywhere. The useless torch doesn't find tap under manure? First time second time turns the water off. Back to quiet comparitively warm uncomfortable bed. It can't go on like this for much longer surely?! - A travelling barber calls but we need all our warm hair. Thought it was the gendarmes again. Abortive attempts to fix pipe ( I hope ) Water from pump is going now so alright. This has filled Wednesday up quite nicely. Nothing else will happen, or will it? THURSDAY. No nothing much did. A General Strike today in France but postman came and went just the same. Thursday is a bit more exciting though - to a degree. And talking of degrees - it's a lot warmer ( milder) today- feels warm outside although a ceiling of grey cloud still covers the sky. It's as if it never snowed - no trace of it is left, just it's faint ghost, the flattened grass, the bedraggled flowers and plants. Feel like an old peasant , puts me in another distant time long past , slooth! slooth! creek! slooth! Putty stuff on broken pipe still as soft as a baby's bum! Went to Cordes this afternoon on the mobydick for d'ashe and veg. and stop at garage for two litres of juice and ask for a pompe - but the man explains that he has none and that a certian type of pompe will do - not a bicyclette pompe or a foot pompe but a mobylette pompe. I drove slowly as to not attract large lorries on sharper bends.

Dear Michael - Sat. 6th December 1973

Haven't had a lot to write about for a while but know I am getting in arrears keeping in touch. Mum has been sending mags and papers I understand, as there appears to be a newsprint shortage still lots of weekly books are short and music papers are at a premium. Know doubt you are pleased with anything except Danny La Rue stories etc. Hope the two Evening Echoes pass half hour away. Your friend Bill rang up the other day and John answered as I was at work. I had no record players I'm afraid, haven't seen any advertised as all the local papers have and still are on strike, the Echo has only started again this week. Have no idea what you were able to receive via the post for Xmas, not too flush with cash either after Barb's wedding, It'll be tame here this year as Dee is going to Butlins again. Have you sawn all the trees down yet in your area? It sounds as if your bed needed burning, it looks like one of my P.O.W. beds after using some of the boards for brewing up. Will close now as I am on late shift and have my chores to do. John and Dee are still upstairs getting over Friday night activities. Cheerio for now. Dad.

Diary entry - 12th November 1973

Wrote to Leigh's - a little drawing of gate on the bottom - ooh saucy! Still awful - but a sunny day at least. No lettres as usual. Cold. Some must come tomorrow, surely?! Lynne's gone off to see if Marc will give her a lift into Cordes for shopping. She only has 50f so insists on eating in garden! I walk over the Tummy Belly track to the local rock and wreath pile. To view the valley and two white towers ( walls ) where we once saw one and found the other. ?! Too cold and nature calls to write a brief word of praise on the lessons we learn from postmen, The cauldron is boiling , so i must away and don my kitchen slug outfit. Bubble-hubble toil and trouble. Hiss! Spit! The logs scream, the coffee pot harmonises. Kite broke in breeze, Gyp jumped on falling remains. Tried to saw/ machine some muslin for another but it kept going wrong. O what a day. Lackaway!

Dear Mike - 10th April 1974

Received your last letter and a couple of cards. So sorry about the cat, you nearly had us in tears, it wasn't one of your cheeriest letters. You never mentioned anything about the wedding photo I sent, did you ever receive it? As for the two rolls of film, did you get them both? Pleased to say Mum has been home a week or more and putting the place into shape, she wants to be around when Barbara has her baby. You must be missing Bill's wife now, or is the cooks job taken in turns? As regards winning the pools that is several million to one. How can you possibly stay there if money is running out; you are not replacing what you spend and I just don't know how you are managing to stay as long as you have. Barbara is disappointed in not hearing from you for some time, she has stayed a couple of nights as John is working away at Felixstowe. The weather has been good here for the last week, know doubt better where you are, the best is surely to come. Dee, John and Steve are doing there usual thing. Steve had is car stolen a week or so ago, it was found in Edmonton a week later in good order, documents as well. Will close now Mike, sorry I don't write more often. Love from all, Dad./

Diary Entry - 30th December 1973

Woke late, made breakfast and sitting in omnipotent sun that gets voltage reduction every now and then. Wish Lynne would put a record on, but they are outside walking the dog ( a cat ), leaning on the graveyard wall. Quick! while it's quiet ! Bill is sawing thru' his wooden legs next door and has his dreaded radio on. Lynne and I have the dreaded recordsayer on in here - "The Show Must Go On" - Bill's fave of the moment - he rushes in - it sounds like 300 frying pan's of boiling fat! Went for a little moped ride today to try and blow some cobwebs out but my thumbs dropped off with cold so I came back quick! Quick! I did a bit of tracing and drawing and water colorin' too - the le Bengali mouth organ bit. I don't know what for really. I tried to do some oily cockerale , but turned sour on me. Yuk! Aeiough!..................... (31st December ) Last day of '73. What a year! Quite a lot going on I suppose but then it's always been like that. Fog listing now. Bill's rattling about next door in his studio - things are really happening at last?! The wine has been drunk ( just one bottle with pate ) and it's about 11 I imagine and we've listend to the same old 73 records and read about John Lennon from '71 and hoping '74 will prove better than the preceding year in all ways and to it start off some nice fat letters from Blighty or some place!? I've washed my feather bed today and hung it in the night air to freeze. Twiddled and twaddled about, painted a little boy scout and Bengali letter heading for the first of 1974. Nood Gight. Sweet beaming jeans and dreams.

Dear Mike - Tues 15th January 1974

Received your letter dated the 8th today, the card and the letters written on the 3rd received on John and Dee's birthday, you couldn't have judged it better. Pleased to know the money arrived O.K. I thought it best to send it in two lots just in case, you are certainly wise to get the right rate of exchange, way back in my period in France it was 177 Francs to the £1, a French soldier got 75 cent: a day and we were getting a £1 a week so we were able to live like gents for about 8 months, used to go along all the bottles in the cafes and soon found out the water and the wine. I would like to see you going along those country roads on your moped, wild thing! How about driving licenses and road tax etc? Are their laws anything like ours re; this? As you say, the Europeans have different ideas about animals and are a hard hearted lot, the Germans were worse than the French, the poor hares used to get a good chasing in the Winter and the hunts were like the fox hunts over here except everyone was on foot, dressed up in a kind of green outfit with feathers in their hats, mad b------. John went out on Saturday 12th and got boozed up; his mates brought him home at 10.30pm. Dee and Steve were here. I was at work. Dee said he was in a state, like death warmed up, his trousers looked like he had crawled from Southend, he slept on the settee until 5.30am when he wasn't being sick. Barbara is sleeping at home for a couple of nights as her John is working away, you can see the ofspring quite a bit now, sideways on. Irene T. was married last saturday, same complaint so we are informed. With ref to John and Dee's card, you posted one on the 3rd as I have already said but your letter of the 8th you said you had just posted it; whose confused? me or you. Just about to do the usual evening cook up, it won't be pig's trotter soup though, can you imagine them facing that; sounds good to me, hope you didn't bend your utensils seeing it off. Will close now, thanks for your letters, we all like to know how you are. Mum comes on her usual days and reads your letters and has a laugh. Cheerio Mike, love from Dad and the rest of the Leighs.

Diary entry - 26th October 1973

B's building a rickety wall outside my door from the bricks he broke down. Doesn't look save to me. Quick! the mayor comes to take us to the Supermarche! near Albi - not a Hypermarket but like Tesco's and just as expensive as Cordes. Spend over £6 between us on supplies oil, sugar and other items. Could have got some nice green wellies but not my size on show. Into Albi after which proved to be a bore, watching Mr. Pratt nearly getting run over was quite amusing I suppose. The Pratt's TV had blown up so they had taken it to the shop - some records there too, cheap ones too by French standards.

Dear Mike - 6th November 1973

Received your letter dated 26th October. Pleased your finding plenty to keep you busy, the place sounds as if it's falling apart. I expect that's a bit strong. Yes, the wedding went off alright. I expect Barbara wrote and told you all about it. I was on my own at 6.45pm my usual Saturday thing but I never got under the weather. Pleased to send the music papers, hope you don't get them duplicated. How about Christmas? Will you still be away? You sound as if you might be over there longer than I imagined, No word yet of Dee & Steve engagement, a bit premature I should think. Hope the weather is holding out O.K. getting wild here now with usual fog. Will close now hoping you are well and that you hear from the others from time to time. Love, Dad.

Diary entry - 23rd December 1973

Quite uneventful really, most of the day spent listening to records and getting bored with them, doing a cockeral watercolour for Bill and Lynne. Bill's been mending his van doors and Lynne's been typing and reading. Grey day, now radio's on fading blue denim american dutch doublers. No good strong stations on at this time (4.30pm ) getting dark - I've changed a light bulb in my room - I thought it was a bit dim - it faded away to nothing and I discovered it was a dutch double 40 watts!! What happened to the 100w I put in when Bill came doubling back? ! Search me! Nice and brightly now. Wrote a letter to the folks back home. Bill went for walk in dark to the ruins in Cabritte's valley and was frightened by torchlight - he put batteries in from dump and they worked. ................. This is a bit more for Sunday. I decided, after I'd done the water colour with the black border for B &L - that the painting on the easel should be the same. Now it stands upside down - blackened. A piece of Lynne's dough and currants is inside me now and I feel not like reading or writing or doing anything. I hope I get something in the post tomorrow being Christmas Eve, but things take so long I have my doubts. Linda's package should come soon surely? And Barbara sent the Goon book I hope. A nice giro from the tax man would be the best present of all !

Dear Mike - 29th December 1973

I have just sent you off £68 in two registered envelopes hoping you will recieve same safely and hope you can change it at a reasonable rate somewhere. £58 of this money was tax rebate and other £10 was from your job money, it seems you can't just send money out of the country as you please and I hope for your sake it gets through. I see from the Telegraph your area had some shocking weather over the Christmas period, the river Tarn as mentioned so I new you must have copped it, we all hope you are O.K. and not flooded out or have been in any danger from this violent weather. Christmas passed quietly here, weather mild and calm, I managed to get a couple of days off. Poor John has been ill with flu though and is just getting better, he fainted on me Christmas Eve about 10.30 pm, he got off the settee and went down like a felled tree going through the hall doorway, he hadn't had a drink either, he should have gone to see Rod Stewart that evening but couldn't make it of course. Will close now, as I want to catch the post. Cheerio and let me know soon when money arrives. Dad.

Dear Mike - Sunday 2nd March 1974

Pleased to hear you are well and that you are getting papers etc. from various sources. Mum wrote from here last Wednesday, hope you received her letter O.K. Spring will soon be with us and you will no doubt notice it before us, have you made any plans for returning yet? or have you changed your mind? Sorry your trip to see the group ( Gong ) wasn't too pleasing , at least it was an experience. Hope the films are the right ones, you never stated the number but they are the same as you took from Brentwood so must assume you have the camera to suit. All well here, John's just having a bath and has his cassette recorder going full blast. Mum just phoned and it was a job to hear what she was saying. I have just had a week off from work, one of my Winter rests. I thought there would be a foot of snow about now, so pleased I was wrong. Well son will close now, keep well and keep in touch. Cheerio, Dad.

Dear Mike - Friday 8th February 1974

Dee received your letter dated 5th, that's not bad considering the train strikes, go slows etc. Sorry to hear about your "acciment" , sounds painful, hope your blemish has cleared up by now. Have you a beard again? a bit nasty having a sore place amongst all that fungus. Dee is at home today and having a session on the record player at the time of writing. She is on a three day week because of the power restrictions, you don't know what you are missing, T.V. goes off at 10.20pm and at 10.30p.m alternate nights now. The election is on the 28th Feb, this restriction has been lifted for three weeks. Mum's birthday is on the 23rd. , perhaps you could send her one of your funny cards. Barbara's middle age spread is on the move, just right for cutting the bread on; did you get the rate of exchange you wanted for your money? John is doing his usual things, he had a hair cut last week, I should say "shaped", looks human again now. Will close now, nice to hear the weather is improving. Love from all. Dad.

Dear Mike - 26th February 1974

Received your very amusing letter this morning, glad to hear you are well. I'm looking forward to packing up work this weekend, although we can't really afford it, but you know what the stupid social security are like. I won't get my grant otherwise. I shall be a lady of leisure for a while now. Hope your weather has improved, sounds much like ours. A bit chilly round the old knee caps again today. It's funny, but I've gone right off lentil soup, can't say why. I think it was the bit about setting into a hard lump. Ugh! I'm feeling a bit cheesed off at the moment, John is working away this week and won't be home 'til Friday. So I'm on my lonesome. Seen any castles in the distance lately? It sounds like you've more furniture than I have, with all that wood. You could build yourself a nice log cabin, ha! I'm popping over to see Dad tomorrow and Mum usually comes over Wednesdays. So will probably see your letter to her ( if she's got it ) We all swap and have extra laughs ( no I'm not being funny ) it's just that you write such funny letters. Oh dear! I'm getting in deeper. We've got general election day on Thursday. Everyone is being all secretive about who their vote is going to. Personally I think it's a load of old rhubarb, I'm not sure I will vote atall. John is against all of them, so that's two votes they won't get. No news about the house yet. I'm getting rather disheartened, they say it will be a certain time before any of them are finished, then when the time draws nearer, not a word is said. So you don't know where you are. Still never mind, we're certain of one before Christmas, that's something to look forward too! ha! Dee & Steve came round last night to keep me company, on their bikes, it was quite funny seeing Dee arrive puffed out ( you'd have thought she'd come 10 miles the fuss she made, it took her about two hours to get over it, ha!) and then Steve arrived. I bet the neighbours had a good gossip, things like "her at number 26 had some fella in last night and her husband ony went away this morning" ( typical window watchers round 'ere dear ha! ha! ) You get a good laugh anyway. Well , that's all for now. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and keep well. Barb & John + lump xxxxx

Dear Mike - 1st February 1974

So sorry I haven't written sooner, but I've been so busy, when I get home from work, washing etc. I couldn't seem to find the time to do anything else ( poor old sole ) ha! Anyway after all that moaning, it was lovely to hear from you, do hope this letter finds you well and happy. The weather here has started to get a little better just lately even the sun came out for about three hours yesterday.Glad you liked the book. I thought it was rather hilarious myself, I like the descriptions of Bluebottle, Eccles etc. it made me laugh so much, there were tears in my eyes. You talking about Candid Camera, one of the first films was this fella knocking at a front door somewhere in the east end and asking the man who lived there if he could look after his goat he had with him, then pass it on to the next door neighbour and so on. Because the milkman wasn't going to call any more, well the man was dumbfounded, he was so really taken in by this fella. He even told the man he could have a cow, if he didn't like goats milk. I wish you could have seen it Mike, what a laugh! I'm getting quite maternal as you put it, hee. 36" round the waist , you wouldn't believe it if you saw me. I leave work in four weeks time, that's quite a relief I'm beginning to feel very tired in the mornings now. We're hoping for a house to come through soon, so by the time you come home, if you do that is, we will be in a place of our own. I'm getting quite excited. What will you do if you come back here? I mean will you go back to Brentwood. I read your letter to Mum & Dad. I had a laugh about the the postman weeing up the wall, does he do it every day? You'd better watch he doesn't hit you as the door opens ha! Does Dee or John write to you at all knowing they are both to envolved with records and clothes I don't suppose they can afford a stamp. Sorry you've not had any photos. I'm still having some done, so don't worry I've not forgotten you. That's all for now. Lots of love and take care of yourself. Your sprouting sister, Barb xxxxx

Dear Mike - 1st December 1973

Thanks for long funny letters. I hope you are well and happy. I've just popped into see Dad, as John is playing rugby at Chelmsford and it's a bit too parky for me. I hear Dad told you about our baby ( Uncle Mike ). It is due May 12th so perhaps you will be home by then. We are eagerly awaiting a house of our own, but there is such a long waiting list. I doubt if it will be much before the baby is born. I hope not though! I saw a Goons book in Smtihs that one with the scripts in of their television programme. I'm going to get it and send it to you for Christmas but wanted to find out if you had it already. Let me know next time you write. We are having a lovely crisp sunny day today, from indoors it looks like Summer, but once you get outside you soon find it's far from warm around the kneecaps. Have you made anything while you've been over there - do you have a television? It's a shame you haven't heard from the tax office. I know how you feel, I've been waiting for a rebate for over a month from Basildon, you have to keep on at them or you don't get anywhere. I hope you hear soon. I'll write again before Christmas, just in case the post is held up. Not much news to tell you this time. John says hello and hopes you are keeping well. Take care Love Barb & John xxxxx

Dear Mike - 21st December 1973

Thanks for the lovely letter. I'm a bit worried you didn't mention about the book I sent you in a large brown envelope, perhaps it crossed with your other letter, I would hate to think you had no pressy's to open Xmas morning. Dad has received a letter from the tax office, with a cheque for fity eight pounds odd pence, I am writing to ask if you want me to cash it for you and send money order or what. I don't know what the system is out there, or whether you want it left until you come home. If you let me know I will do it for you with pleasure. I'm very pleased you got such a lot back. I received one not so long ago because of my marriage so I can feel excitement for you, ha! I hope you are having a lovely Christmas over there. It seems strange not seeing you for so long. I will send photo very soon in my next letter, so don't worry. It hasn't snowed for a couple of weeks here, but has got milder, for some unknown reason, calm before the storm no doubt. Have you been hearing about all our strikes, here it's terrible trains, miners, coal men, electric , you are in the right place at the moment I can tell you. Anyway, wish you a lovely New year, take care and see you soon. Lots of love Barb xxxxx

Dear Mick - no date (in France )

I'm writing this at work as there is nobody here today and I'm all on my own (figures). Sorry for not writing before but my social life has been a bit hectic lately ( hee!) Hope you are alright, think of you a lot and hoping you are coping with another way of life. I am going to Butlins for Xmas with Steve and family, at Barry Island, Wales. Had a big dissapointment yesterday. The Faces are appearing Xmas Eve at Edmonton Sundown for a party along with Long John Baldry. So we can't go (sick) . John and Mark are going. What will you be doing for Xmas? We have been going to the pictures quite a lot lately, seen a lot of goury one's ( can't spell ) lovely! Oh yes! me and Steve are getting engaged Xmas. I've ordered the ring, it will take 4 weeks to come. If you have any spare time will you make some badges of Roxy or Faces. Have you heard them over there? Are there any groups or pictures? ( This letter is like 20 questions ) Did you know I bought a bike, a lovely red one. I rode up Laindon Hills one bright Sunday morning with Steve, and that's the only time I went out on it. It's in Steve's shed ( it's freezing ) It will be nice in the Summer though. Hope I am not boring you. Sorry about the writing but I have to keep stopping when somebody comes in. Still working for Clutch & Brake, but the ride on the bus is getting me down. Sorry it's not very long this letter but I'm getting a bit busier now so will finish. Look after yourself Mick. I will write again soon. Love , Dee & Steve x

Dear Michael - 23rd january 1974

Dear Mike - 14th February 1974

Thanks for your very funny letter and pictures of ante-natal exercises. It's a good job I've got a sense of humour. We've had a lot of rain lately as well, and yet today was really like a Summer's day. I hope your rain has stopped now, I wouldn't fancy your shutters flapping all night long, it sounds like something out of a horror film. Talking of films, I bet it was annoying watching that Sean Connery film in French. It's a good job you had seen it ha! Nothing really exciting happened here, the general election is well under way. Everyone's moaning about the three day week, yet they still go out the same and spend all their money on drink. John and I still haven't heard anything about a house, still we've got nearly three months before the baby's born. ( By the way I'm half the size of a house!) It was Valentines Day here Thursday, needless to say I didn't get any ho ho! Do you still hear from Linda who was on that boat, or is she still floating up and down the North Sea? I've got this craving for kippers at the moment, most perculier. John and I had to get up the other night at 2 o'clock in morning, we had this yearning for a toasted bacon sandwich and it nearly drove us both mad till we jumped out of bed and started frying ha! It was something like a fast movie. Anyway, hope to hear from you soon. Take care. Lots of love. Barb xxxxx

Dear Michael - 27th February 1974

Have just recieved you beautiful hand painted door knob. Thanks a lot, very nice. I don't know how you have the patience to paint something so small. Many thanks also for the letter. Have passed on your message about "the film" to father and he is attending to the order forthwith. Sorry about your grotty pop scene, but you shouldn't live in such outlandish places, you should get back to civiisation and Ted Heath. It's going to be a great day tomorrow ( polling day ) are you going to sit up all night listening for the result. Paul G. had a shotgun wedding last Saturday and Irene T. ditto a couple of weeks ago, so there should be quite a baby boom in a couple of months with all the Grans competing about their grand off springs including me I suppose. I have a large picture for you I had given to me from my place off work, they had a clear out of the attic, it's rather large but an oil painting, the frame will come in handy anyway, Keep warm and look after yourself and be happy. Love as always. Mum xxxxxx

Dear Mike - 8th October 1973

Received your letter this morning, we were beginning to wonder wether you were O.K. or not and thought you might have finished up in North Africa. Sorry your journey was so vile, you must have been in a state after all that delay and messing about, I bet your hair was real wild. Have enclosed your mail less the cheque from Brentwood, this I have changed and will send the money on if you so desire. I kept one of the photos of you as they were all dulplicated , this you won't mind I'm sure. The grape picking sounds like hop picking used to be in Kent, O.K. when it is fine but the worst job out when wet. I would have done the same as you. Hope you don't end up living off nuts and berries plentiful as they are. The meals sounded fine, no doubt washed down by the local red wine. The stove takes me back when I was billeted in farms in 1939-40, if I remember there are usually lots of rings which one removes for the different size cooking post. Sorry to hear all those foreigners don't speak English the ignorant lot; but I am sure they are friendly and do their best. I still can't place where you are not having a map of France, no doubt you will explain more next time. The usual routine going on here; Mum keeps asking if I have heard, she'll be pleased today when she phones. Will close now Mike, love from us all, Mandy as well. I miss you coming at weekends. Write as often as possible. Love, Dad.

Dear Mike - no date ( in France ) 1974

Hope your weather there is an improvement on ours here at the moment. It's been raining buckets for two days and no let up yet. Expect you know we are having a General Election on the 28th of this month but who ever gets in won't get us out of this muddle the country is in at the moment. How's things with you, trust you are keeping free from colds and finding enough to eat. We seem to keep fairly well at this end except poor John who has just got over being proper poorly. Barb is getting as big as a house but then Maureen Clark is getting like a country seat so I'm told. There will certainly be a glut of Spring babies around soon. Keep well and happy. Love from Mum xxx

Dear Mike no date ( in France )

How are you hope you received a couple of papers I sent, I did not enclose a letter. Glad to know you are having a nice time, if a quite one. Will you be home for Xmas, let me know and I will do something about a Xmas gift for you? Barbara's wedding went off very well, nobody got drunk or disorderly. I expect she'll be sending you some photos. I expect you get a little home sick sometimes being such a long way away, especially now the Winter nights are drawing in. Have you drunk all the wine you stamped on, and are you having enough to eat. You did lose quite a lot of weight before you went, that dustbin job I expect. So maybe you will come home with quite a corporation. Everybody here is getting ready for the great day Wednesday of the wedding of Princess Anne. They'll all be sitting by the telly bolt eyed. Everyone is well here this end except Dee who has a filthy cold. Keep warm and look after yourself. Iris sends her love. Love Mum x I am in Rayleigh writing this, Iris manages a small bakers shop and am having a cuppa and gooey yummy cake. have just bought ingrediments for Xmas cake, hope you will be home to sample a piece. Love Mum.

Dear Michael - no date.( in France )

Hope you had a nice Xmas, it didn't sound too bad by our letter. Hope you are keeping warm. It sounds like you are having an interesting time if not too luxurious. I trust you are free from colds at least you don't get foggy weather there ( or shouldn't ) I am writing this without my specs and am finding it rather difficult. Barbara is keeping well , putting on some weight. It seems "Cissie" Clark is "preggers" too about the same time. John has been very queer all over Xmas, and couldn't touch his dinner, has been living on satzumas and oranges. However he has slowly recovered and is back at work. Hope you enjoy the paper, all I could get. Love from Mum xxx

Dear Mike - No date.

Hope you enjoy the Treasure Bag. Are you keeping warm up there, it's freezing here, so guess it's mighty cold up your way. Seepy Do and Bugs have just come in from the garden with icy bellies, and have had to rub them down. Hope your cold is a lot better now. How are you off for vests? Do you get half term holidays at your college ? John and Dorothy have two or three days next week, they want to know if you received their letters. Write soon. Lots of love . Mum x

Dear Mike - No date ( in France) 1973

A hasty scrawl in the post office. So you did not like the Reveille and Titty Bits eh! Well how does Mick Jagger grab you.. Hope Bill is back there with your beans, you sound half starved to me. I don't know why you have these indurance tests. You would be far better off at home. But then after your travels you might appreciate a few home comforts once again I say, is it any good sending presents or will you have to pay duty on them. let me know. Keep warm. Love Mum .

Dear Mike - No date

Sorry about the delay in sending the small offering. Hope you don't get any of your head colds, but should you do so, these Lemsips are really good for clearing the head. Our room is finsihed now and looks really nice, with new curtains etc. I went to a social dance ( wild thing ) with Iris and Nod on Thurday, at Grand Hotel in Leigh-on-Sea. It was a musicians union "do" very nice too, lovely bar with lots of drinkies , apart from that one wild "rave up" I have not done anything exciting, only been to work, poor old soul! How are you keeping Mike, well I hope. Barbara is still courting strong. Iris has moved into her new bungalow at Leigh that should be handy for you if you lost your last bus. She would always put you up. Father says he still hasn't got your watch, the "bloke" is off sick. Only about 8 weeks to Xmas, expect you will be home before then ?? Shall be pleased to see you once again, especially if your hair is still much shorter! I'm only kidding! Mind how you go on Firework Night , keep away from those dangerous ones. Look after yourself, until we see you again. Love Mum xxxxx

Dear Mike - 28th July 1969

Dear Michael - 1970

Dear No. 1 Son - 27th January 1970

Have just received you very nice letter, and feel absolutely ashamed for not having written. Barbara sent you one today which she wrote yesterday, and really it was her talking all the time about sending you a letter, I just kept putting off writing one of my own. I was going to pop a note in your goods via Poss, but he came and went before I came home from work. Now I have got that off my chest, hope I am forgiven and promise to send at least once a week. Hope you are managing alright money-wise etc. And also trust you are keeping well ! Sorry about not having any luck regarding your post graduate place, but I am sure you will make it. Will be pleased to see you when and if you get a London trip. The weather here is really lovely today, warm and sunny like Spring. have been going mad washing my curtains but lo and behold, they have shrunk, go to put them back up again and find there is quite half a yard of peeping space! Father is getting too fat so have put him on a diet. Uncle wrote and said you had sent him a very nice letter and he was pleased with it and asked for your address, didn't you put one on? Dee is leaving school Easter , wants to get a job with Barbara. So that just leaves ginger John at school, I'm glad he is staying on, it will give him more chance of a better job. I don't know what he has in mind, no idea at all. Hope this scribble will do for now. Will write more later, cross my heart! Lots of love, look after yourself. Mum x

Dear Michael - 24th February 1970

At last I am writing you a few lines. I have just got your address. I am pleased to say I have got settled in my new flat. I wish you could see it. Something different from Vale Road. I rode down there the other day, the kids have smashed all the windows. Talk about a dump. I can see for miles out of my window all round Wrotham. I've got 9 oak trees on the green at the front. It will be lovely there in the Summer, but cold just now as I am facing North. Well Mike, I had to laugh when you was chased by that woman and her dog. I should have loved to have been there. Reminds me of something when I was sweeping one day, stroking a dog, I was bending down and I drew a "loud one" off, it started barking and running away with it's tail between it's legs. Didn't I laugh. I hope you are getting on alright with your work and will make something in the end. Hope you are still courting strong. It seems Auntie Iris is not married yet. I shall be 67 on the 10th March and I feel it sometimes. Cheerio for now. Uncle (William) Will P.S. I'm sending you a little gift to go out and have a nosh up. ( Keep it dark )

Dear Michael - 19th Feb. ?

Surprise, to hear from me, I told your mother I would drop you a line sometime. Hope you are well as this leaves us at the present. Now what news have I, when i think nothing much, this place is so quiet , you can hear the trees rustle. Not very exciting but will be nice in the Summer. You must call and see us and the bungalow when you are home. Your mother will be down tomorrow, we are taking her to a show and the Palace Westcliff, a treat for her birthday. I hope you can read my scribble, and also hope that the weather oop North has improved. The sun is shining brilliant here today. Sorry I have nothing nice to send you this week, only will send few stamps. But please don't feel compelled to answer this, just thought you may like a few lines from someone else. Tony and Syd sends their regards. Tony is settled now at his job, he seems to like it around here. At least he did last Saturday when he went to the Elms, Leigh "Thru Til Two" Club isn't it. Anyway he had a couple of barley wines and made himself bad sick when he came in. I bet he doesn't drink barley w. again. Will have to sign off now Michael as I have to get my shopping. See you sometime. All the best. Iris

Dear Michael - 17th November 1969

I hope you received the Chelmsford letter forwarded last week as it appeared to be a money order. I got your watch back yesterday, the repairer has been away from work ill, also he had to wait for a new balance system hence all the delay, as I paid 25/- for the repairs I won't send it through the post as Mr. Plod the Postman might get his beetle crushers going and it may arrive like the Jaffa cakes. Pleased to know you had a lovely do 5th November time, the lads around here bult a large fire in the vacant lot known as the "old bungalow" site, some crab set it alright on the evening of the 4th and the fire brigade had to attend as there was a a high wind and it was spreading fire all around. All are well at home and hope to see you next month. We are hoping Uncle will be with us at Christmas, he is still waiting for a move and is the only one left in that row of houses. the thieves have been in some of the empty ones ripping out lead piping etc. He leaves a light on all night to let vandals know his place is occupied. The weather has changed now for the worst and you are getting your share I know; your trips out have helped the year pass more pleasantly and it was such a good Summer and Autumn for getting out. Will close now Mike and hope you are free from your sniffles. Love from all. Dad.

Dear Michael - 17th February 1970

John & Yoko - Elvis Presley.

Dear Mick - 9 th February 1969

Barry Humphries.

Dear Mickle-moss-daisy - 21st November 1968

Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Dear Michael - 19th June 1969

Just a few lines for your birthday. Hope you have a nice one! Your father sent the £1.0.0. I will be getting you a present for when you come home, which should not be very long, will it? perhaps you can write back and give me some idea what you want, sweater? firt? record? anyway let me know. Things are about the same here, nothing changes. Am looking forward to seeing you again, it's so long since you were last home, or so it seems! Expect you could do with the change of scenery. Hope your hair is not waist length, else they will never have you ate Ilfords. Iris is thinking of getting married again, guess who too, Nod! There's a laugh! Uncle Nod, hows that. Write and say when you will be home. Look after yourself. Love Mum xxx

Dear Michael - 5th March 1969

Sorry have been so long in writing, the others are going to make an effort tonight so you will get all your mail at once. Started a new job at Carreras this morning, not bad the money is alright. Have just sent away to have the phone enstalled at our house that will be nice won't it? Shall have to have a little box so you can put your threepence in. You can phone all your friends up then in peace! It should take about three weeeks to come. Hope you are quite well and enjoying life. Did you get those letters from Ilfords etc, that your father sent on?? It is lovely weather here today , hope you are getting the same up there. It will soon be around to the holidays again, but you are going to the Lake District for Whitsun aren't you? Your father is off this week and next on holiday handy for doing my housework! By for now, keep out of mischief, don't go squatting. Love Mum xx

Dear Michael - November 1969

Many thanks for your letter, book and P.O. recieved safely. I wasn't expecting you to send me the money for the watch repairs, the cost wasn't mentioned for that reason with a £58 gas bill you had certainly better forget me at Christmas, the 25/- will do fine. I went out and bought a bottle of Martini with it to help dilute some gin at Christmas as the usual slurping will be done I'm sure. The girls keep pestering me with regards what I am getting them for presents ( usual Leigh routine ) I haven't told them but I have bought a new record player, auto type joint present for them, you will be giving it a go too knowing you. Please don't say anything about this in any future letters home, believe it or not it's still a secret. Yes Mike my fishing is over until next June, where I go you only catch Summer fish, carp etc. It's too b**** cold now and I'm not that keen not having a car to travel further field to river fish, Chelmer or the Medway in Kent. I'm pleased with the book, it covers most things about the sport and was thoughtful of you. Mum bought a light fitting for the porch last week and I have rigged it up, it sure lights up the front of the house and is very good these dark night, you know how black it is at the end of the path. Pleased to know you have a client for your painting. It's a pity it wasn't £100 as I'm sure you'd know what to do with it. Does that old tape recorder still exist? I haven't heard you mention it at all; if it does I was wondering if it was worth doing up as John is pestering for one and I can't afford a new one at the present time. He'll have to wait until next year I'm afraid as they cost too much, if you still have it and it's not required perhaps the chap with the car could transport it on the Christmas trip home. John is still Man. Utd. nuts, is very pleased they bucked their ideas up. He went and saw West Ham last Sat and was impressed with the game, he earns a few bob now doing an early morning paper round but is usually spent out by Monday. Mum and the girsl are well and looking forward to seeing you soon. Dee is a dab hand with the paint brush now , it's mostly on the eyes though; she's leaving school next Easter now she says, I guess it's the money she wants for clothes etc. as Barbara can get spending when she requires something new. My income tax will get a jump next year now but I have got away with it for a few years; how about you? What are your plans for 1970 or haven't you any idea until you know the result of this course. Will close now Mike, I hope I haven't bored you too much. Excuse the paper, writing this at work ( Night shift ). Love from all. Dad.

Dear Michael - 13th March 1969

Thanks a lot for your very welcome letter. So sorry you have been "under the weather" do hope you are feeling a lot better. You should be having your easter holidays soon, are you coming home and if so when? The weather is pretty lousy here at the moment but we have had a few very lovely days. A sample of things to come I hope by next month. Your father has painted the ( no not the parlour ) kitchen, and I have nice colourful wallpaper up now, "tangerine" it looks very nice. Have just told Bugs you will be home for Easter, and she is sitting here with her head on one side, and Seepy is kicking on the rug showing her bellies off. Glad to here you have got rid of your unwelcome lodger. He sounded a bit unsavoury to me. Went to the Century cinema last week ( yes I did ) and saw a most unsavoury film with Frank Sinatra, that is, F. Sinatra was in the film. I went with Dee but wish I hadn't taken her, there were some awfully funny people in this film, they don't seem to make a nice decent film like they used to do. Expect you will be glad to be home for a while and have a little trip down Southend with your chums. Hope to see you soon in the meantime keep writing. Lots of love, Mum and the rest of the Leighs x

Dear Mick - 16th February 1969

Tom Jones Show with Davy Jones.

Dear Mick - Not sure of date

Dear Michael - 4th February 1969

Thanks for your nice letter. No I did not send the parcel as the post office seemed to be a bit unreliable , what with the strikes etc. However as soon as I go out and get some string and paper will send it along. It's not much only a couple of pairs of pants and 'at. Sorry you have not been very well. I hope somebody looked after you and got you something to eat. Glad you have escaped the scrourge scabies , that's a horrible thing to get. John and Dee are writing to-night when they come home from school. Do you get letters from your friends still, Linda and the others? Sorry you are bored with your job of the moment, but you have to take the rough with the smooth dear. Am going to make father a meat pudden because he has to go to work 2 til ten. Am going to look at Will Hay film tonight and have a laugh. Hope your telly is still working! Thats all for now. Will send a parcel soon as pos. Love Mum x P.S. Wrap up warm and wear your vest.

Dear Mick - 5th February 1969

Cilla Black, Una Stubbs, Sasha Distillery, Ian Carmickel.

Dear Mick - 5th February 1969

Dear Mike - 27th October 1969

Sorry I haven't written for so long. Still I'll make up for it by a long letter. I hope you've been keeping well, have you got your wow! of a parcel from the well-wisher yet ( Mum I mean ). The living room looks nice now, I told you about it. I'm still courting, he's a footall fanatic so I have to go and watch him Sunday morning, I have a good laugh, there's quite a few comedians in his team.What have you done lately, anything exciting? It will soon be bonfire night, are you having a party or anything? I bought Jose Feliciano's new record on Sat called "And The Sun Will Shine" it's a Bee Gees old song have you heard it? Only about 8 weeks till Xmas isn't it. I bet you can't wait to have a holiday, it must be boring at times up there, even thought it is quite a large place. I'm just watching Johnnie Cash "My Name Is Sue" fame on "Andy Williams Show". What would you like for Christmas this year or would you like the money? I never know what to buy you. Iris has got a nice bungalow now over between Hadleigh and Leigh. I think it is. The phone gets quite a bashing , it's a pity your not on the phone up there, we could phone you up sometimes, never mind well I think that's about all the news I have for you. take care of yourself. Love Barb xxxxx

Dear Mike - 15th January 1968

Two letters in the same envelope. Ironside and High Chapperal. Jackanory and Tom and Jerry were firm favourites.

Dear Michael - 22nd January 1969

Just a line to enquire how you are and trust you are keeping fine. Barbara and I have been queer but we are recovering now. She had a week off from work. Hope college is still "Fun" and not getting you down. This is a horrible time of the year but we do have the Spring to look forward to, and then we will no doubt see you Easter and that's not very far away is it? Hope your alarm clock is getting you out of bed in the morning. Life goes on the same here, nothing spectacular to report. Will send you a parcel the weekend so look for it, from a well wisher. Keep rolling those letters in, we like to hear from you even if we are no great shakes at writing ourselves. Enclosing a few stamps to encourage you. Bye for now. Love Mum x P.S. Look after yourself.

Dear Mike - January 1969

Seepy Doo.