Family Letter from Bude in March 1943

Date: 1943-03-31
Sender: Ada
Recipient: unknown
Location: Rosemary Cottage, 7 Granville Tce, Bude
Original scan: 1943-03-31-family-letter-from-bude.pdf




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Summary

Ada writes from Bude about family visits, children's school events and parties, health updates, and everyday life in March 1943. The letter mentions outings, gifts, weather changes, and hopes for the end of the European War, along with personal and social news.

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Transcription

Rosemary Cottage
7 Granville Tce
Bude -
Mar 31 - 1943 -

My own darling love.
I wrote last in the middle of Gallaghan's visit. The next day we spent hours along the canal and in the wood - where she collected primroses and ferns which I heard say she managed to transport safely back with her to Forest Gate. It was refreshing to have her - she was in great form and we all enjoyed her. She brought the children red cross aprons and caps which she had made from some of her own old aprons and caps. She also brought them some toffee she had made. She brings her rations too so we have a good time altogether. It was glorious weather all the time she was here and we had our tea outside each day - but the day she went the weather changed and it has been cold, windy and wet ever since.

On Saturday the children had their school party - They were taken out to tea in tents at the "Green Turtle." I've never been there - Gallaghan & I took them to the school for the party & then we went on to Crooklets & round by the

beach home. The tide was low with the stretches of wet sand you want me to paint some day. It was grand. We had told Mabel & Collect the children and so we were able to take our time - Gallaghan also did her special walk - yes - book in hand - and when she went she forgot her [unclear: moclinot?]!!! which I posted & how today when I posted you your parcel. Not a very big one today.

In "Gailette" - that little milliner and clothes shop opposite Knight, I got a little green beret which tones well with Gillian's coat. So that has solved another of my problems. I shall now keep the bits of cloth left over from the coat to make a pixie bonnet when it is cold.

By the way Mrs Quillth has been ill again but is convalescing again. Dr Morgan says he is marvelous but is not likely to live more than another year (a two at most.)

Barbara Rickett had to have an operation - appendicitis. Did I tell you this? She is back again now and looks the picture of health but is to have a months holiday.

The rock plants are in bloom now & Gallaghan

delight - Mrs Beverley was rather touched with our miniature garden also miniature "pond" - the tadpole tank. She always used to be interested in our pond. She is a charming lady & also seems so interested in me - but flings a million sort of leading questions at me & before are has answered she asks a million more. She wanted to go straight back to Cambridge and tell you all about us - They both thought we all looked marvelously fit. Since our second dose of servcalein has begun to take effect we are all full of beans and such a good colour - even Penna has flaming red cheeks.

I've been to the last two dancing lessons and Miss Barrol danced Penna round the dance hall twice at the end of the lesson much to her delight.

Now for your letter - It was too bad you had "homework" after such a heavy week. I do hope this week is being lighter. Mrs Baver said you looked well. I'm glad to say - Wouldn't it be grand if this year ended the European War. But even so it will take time as you say to get supplies back to normal. I shall continue to go slowly on reserves. But we have

plenty.

Gillian is thrilled with your promise of an thermometer. She says she is going to ask you for a bath mat - but you'll know soon. Tomorrow is the last day at school - then she'll have more time & things.

Glad Addenbrooks meeting went so well.

What a lot of meetings you have had but I'm glad you plan to take some time off at Easter and have some lovely ceremonies to attend.

I posted the mathematical set and some soap in a separate parcel from your usual one.

I'm glad Miss Lorraine is so hospitable - I met Mr Yeo today - and he has let me have the blue tea set we were both bidding for. He says also, that you may have the pewter mugs if you like them. I thought of them for your birthday unless there is something else you want.

The children are thrilled at the idea of making a special tea for me on Sunday.

I'm going to seal up this letter now & post it on the way to school tomorrow - If I keep it after it is difficult to find morning time & answer it and I do like to post it before noon so as to make you get it before Sunday.

All my love my own darling are - May 15th seems miles away - but it is one of the loveliest times of the year - Take care of your dear self till then -

Your own Ada.

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People mentioned

- Gallaghan
- Mabel
- Barbara Rickett
- Dr Morgan
- Mrs Quillth
- Miss Lorraine
- Mr Yeo
- Penna
- Miss Barrol

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Topics

- family news
- children
- health
- weather
- school
- outings
- gifts
- war
- gardening
- drawing lessons

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Uncertain words / phrases

- Moclinot
- Servcalein
- Gailette
- Quillth
- Barrol
- Baver
- Addenbrooks

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Archivist notes

- Letter written during WWII mentioning rations and wartime conditions.
- Includes references to health issues and surgery for Barbara Rickett.
- Mentions children’s school events and family visits.
- Hints at personal relationships between sender and recipients and other named individuals.
- Places: Bude (Rosemary Cottage address), Crooklets beach, Cambridge (mentioned).

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