Thursday, August 2, 2018

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

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

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??