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

Dear Michael - 24th October 1968

"Nut House" Just received your most welcome comic strip. Thanks. Sorry about the £80. 8. 0 bill but fraid I can't send you the £80 pounds, however enclosed a few 5d stamps that should make you feel a lot better. Glad you got back safe and sound ( if only in body ). Am going to a bumper jumble sale this Sat. so who knows what may be coming in the mail for you. Everyone all right this end. "Noddy" is giving us a lift down to Tonbridge on Sunday, that's a turn up for the book. Uncle and Nod togther should make a good comedy act. Have not got our shed at the bottom of our garden yet. ( Hope I don't see anything nasty in the wood shed) it is supposed to be here by now. Also my stair carpet! However guess thay will arrive by Xmas. Who is the nice looking wench on the photo you pasted on your letter? You don't tell me nuffink! Well keep warm. Don't burn too much midnight oil, or candle at both ends, or something like that! Write again soon. Love to you from us all here including Bugs and Seep! Mother x

Dear Michael - June 1968

Thank you for your various letters. Sorry I am such a lousy letter writer, but I'm sure you get quite a few from your many friends. Your birthday is nearly upon us, so wondered if you would like an electric shaver? If not could you please write back and suggest something? You should be coming home in another week or two (when exactly?) Expect you could do with a break after all those exams and things. Although you will be slogging away at Ilfords it's much cooler at night, so after your sleep you have the rest of the day to yourself. Expect you are pleased to be working with your friends. It's a lovely day here today, eveybody is sunning themselves in the garden which is looking lovely at the moment. You know that apple pip you planted 13 years ago, well your father grafted it the other year, well, we had some lovely blossom all over it is full of tiny little apples. Did I tell you I work in the baker's shop up the town centre now. Serving all the lovely cream cakes and eating quite a few too. But I only work mornings. I am looking forward ( as we all are ) to seeing you once again. For now love from Mum x

Dear Mick - 23rd May 1968

Geoffrey Wheeler.

Dear Michael - 15th May 1968

The enclosed form came the other day, will you please fill your page in and then return it to me as I have to get a proof of earnings form from my job. I had one in April but have lost it, don't send it to Chelmsford without this form. Hope you are well and not working too hard. I saw Marty Feldman last night for the first time, had a good laugh, better than Spike's show, I like the sketch where he kept saying " I wonder why he never married" ! Mum roared with laughter, you can imagine I'm sure. John is waiting for Manchester United's match tonight, on t.v. tonight 10.50. Hope they win or he'll go nuts, so will I but I know you won't. John liked the sports paper you sent, better than a birthday present by the expression on his face. The garden is looking o.k. just painted the swing and garden seat, not red , white and blue but just plain green. The putting green is getting a bashing now the grass is cut regularly. Plenty of blossom on the apple tree this year, it's not a spinster after all, hope there isn't any late frost or you won't be able to sample them when you come home. Did you get your expenses from Chelmsford O.K.? or did they question your total? Mum and the girls are well, you hear from time to time I know but the letter writing seems to have eased off. Will close now as fish and chips have been plonked in front of me. All the best of luck. Dad.

Dear Michael - 24th May 1968

Dear Mike - 29th April 1968

Thanks for card, glad to know you arrived safe and sound. You are well and truly settled in now, I suppose, maybe we will see you at Whitsun if not it's not so long now until the Summer hols. Your father is at Tonbridge, has been since Friday. Having a dirty weekend with Uncle. Chatting up the Jurys no doubt. Life goes on the same here, John and Dorothy started back at school today. So have taken the morning off to give them a grand send off. Bet you wish you were still at Timberlog? Am sending off a parcel today, only pyjamas and socks and that! So look for it. Be good, and look after yourself. Hope to hear from you soon. Love Mum.