Dear Michael - 14th October 1968

Sorry I have not written before. Fact is I have been very busy decorating and helping Auntie Iris and Nod to move down Leigh-On-Sea. But haven't forgotten you , will be sending you a parecel at the weekend. The room looks very nice, your father has tiled the ceiling and it really does make an awful lot of difference to the place, cover up those old cracks. Have got some nice cushions, orange ones and green and orange curtains, you won't know the old place! Barbara is busy courting these days. She has a nice boyfriend, he comes here quite regularly and phones her every evening, quite romantic what. David Clarke went on holiday to Spain and found himself a girl friend, comes from Bristol, and he told his mother it was love at first sight. Cissy is engaged, getting married in August. Chris Cox has a car now, and Tony has a boat which they are "tethering" ( is that the right word?) up down on the beach. Hope you are keeping well and having enough to eat. It won't be long before Xmas is here, and you will be home again. Has your hair grown any? Do keep it short Mike, it looked so nice. It makes all the difference to you. Look after yourself and be good. Love Mum xxxx