Letter from Ada to Family with News and Personal Updates

Date: 1943-05-31
Sender: Ada
Recipient: unknown
Location: Rosemary Cottage, 7 Granville Tce, Bude
Original scan: 1943-ada-to-family-may31.pdf




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Summary

Ada writes from Bude updating her family about recent visits, weather, children's activities and parties, health conditions of acquaintances, gardening, and personal plans. She mentions Gallaghan's walk, preparations for Easter, and hopes for the war to end soon.

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Transcription

Rosemary Cottage
7 Granville Tce
Bude
May 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's red Cross aprons and caps which she had made from some of her own old aprons & 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 & wet ever since.

On Saturday the children had their school party - they were taken out to tea in parties at the “Greentubs.” I've never been there - Gallaghan & I took them to the school for the party & then we went on to Crocklets & round by the beach house. The tide was low with the stretch 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 mackintosh!!! which I posted & sent today when I posted your parcel. Not a very big one today.

In “Gailes” - that little milliner & clothes shop opposite Knight, I got a little green beret which tones well with Gallahan’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. Smith 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 almost.)

Barbara Ricketts had & have an operation - appendicitis. Did I tell you this? She is back again now & looks the picture of health but is to have a month’s holiday.

The rock plants are in bloom now & Gallaghan’s delight - Mrs. Baverley was rather touched with our miniature garden also miniature “fjord” - the tadpole tank. She always used to be interested in our pond. She is a charming lady & always seems so interested in ours - but flings a million sort of leading questions at me & before one 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 servocain 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 "home work" after such a heavy week. I do hope this week is being lighter. Dr. 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 & go slowly on reserves. But we have plenty.

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

Glad Addlenburbs meeting went so well.

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

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

I'm glad Miss Lorrain 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 sweeter 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 moving time & answers it and I do like to post it before noon so as to move you getting it before Sunday.

All my love my own darling are - May 15 “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
- Mrs. Smith
- Dr. Morgan
- Barbara Ricketts
- Mrs. Baverley
- Miss Lorrain
- Mr. Yeo
- Penna

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Topics

- family visit
- children
- school
- weather
- health updates
- garden
- social events
- supplies
- hobbies

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Uncertain words / phrases

- Gallaghan
- servocain
- Addlenburbs
- Barrol
- Baverley
- mackintosh
- pixie bonnet

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Archivist notes

- The letter contains dated location and signature.
- Several named individuals with varied health and social updates.
- Mentions wartime rationing and hopes for war ending.
- Reference to specific local places (Greentubs, Crocklets).
- Contains some unclear and unusual words possibly due to handwriting or spelling of the period.

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