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The Townend Family Letters

Correspondence from the 1930s - 1940s between members of the Townend family
HPV + LJT Letters 1933 to 1935

1934 September

From LJT to Annette

Highways
Sept. 23rd 1934

Darling Annette

Auntie Do rang me up on Friday evening to tell me that you had gone off cheerfully and safely, and that you all enjoyed the film. We had all the luck in the world in the weather for our drive to Haileybury. When the cold wind blew and the rain poured down in sheets yesterday, I cant tell you how thankful I was that I was not driving that anything but weather-proof car for any distance. The little creature hopped along nobly and only took 1 hour and 20 minutes for each journey, which is only five minutes more than Auntie takes. Haileybury was looking most attractive. The grass is superbly green – incredibly so when you think of the dry summer we have had. We dumped the new cushions and such in Richard’s study. I think they will suit it well and it certainly will be a great improvement when he has painted the door and window frame.

I packed practically all day yesterday and got most of it done. I have been finishing off oddments this morning – but time was rather taken up by a visit from Uncle Bous and family who arrived at 11 and stayed till 12.15. After that I had to take the little car back to Mr. Lagden and that practically filled up my morning. I hasten to write letters to all of you before post time – and must finish my packing later, although Uncle Len and Auntie Margaret are coming to tea.

I have re-arranged the furniture in your room and wonder whether you would like to keep it like that. I have pulled the wash-hand stand in front of the window and put Rosemary’s bed with its head where the wash-stand used to be. It makes much more floor space and will give you heaps of room to do your exercises if you keep it like that. It will also be so much easier for pulling trunks in and out from under the beds, and it makes the room look much begger.

It seems a quiet and small household here now, though we are having plenty of “company” to-day – what with Uncle Bous this morning – Uncle Len for tea and Mrs. ?Laren? for supper.

Best love, my darling
from
Mum

P.S. Dont forget bus times. Address from to-morrow 7 Clifton Gardens Golders Green NW11


From LJT to Annette

Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green,
N.W.11.
Sept. 27th

My darling Annette

Thank you so much for your two letters – This can only be a sort of telegraphic letter, as I have to rush out to meet Dad in Holborn and to do some shopping with him, and the rest of the day is a jig-saw of appointments. Everything is nicely fixed up for Saturday Mrs. Hingston is sending her car to fetch us over to lunch with them, and then we go on to tea with Auntie Rita, who will send us back in her car. Eswyn is at home – so you will see her – I told Mrs. Hingston that I was afraid you would not be able to get out of work till 12.45. She will send her car about 12.30 and it will wait. At the same time I have asked Miss Capstick whether it would be possible for you to get out a few minutes early. Any-way – arrange the best you can –

I’m glad the Guide tunic turned up. It also clears up the mistake on the bill. Its such fun staying her and Auntie Doris and I laugh a lot –
Best love, my darling
Mum


From LJT to Annette

Seven Clifton Gardens
Golders Green
Sept. 30th

My darling Annette

I had to run off quickly last night or I should have broken down and had a good sob. Luckily there were some very amusing people in the carriage who took my mind off myself a bit.

Before I forget (or have to stop writing, as Mr Pilcher may be here at any moment) – I will give you the Marseilles address.

Passenger per S.S.Naldera
c/o The P & O Agents
Marseilles

I have suggested to Rosemary that it would be great fun if you and she would share an Air Mail envelope and send me letters, which would have to be posted by next Friday evening at St. Monica’s, to catch Saturday’s Air Mail to India, so that I should get letters from you at Bombay – otherwise one seems to be such an age without hearing when one is going out. The paper on which you write must be thin as the whole letter must weigh only ½ oz – It must have 8d. in stamps and the blue Air Mail stamp on it and should be addressed in the same way – Passenger per SS Naldera
c/o P&O Agents
Bombay
India

The following week write to the old address – 14/1 Rowland Rd. Calcutta.

Its awful the way this brief leave in England has flown – but it has been wonderful being with you all. I wish Dad had been a bit fitter. However its a mercy he came home and that the doctors found out about his teeth.

- Sorry – Here’s the car – so I must go.
Best love
Mum